0:00:02 > 0:00:04Three teams. They all want to win.
0:00:04 > 0:00:07But only the team that can throw highest, flip fastest
0:00:07 > 0:00:12and pull off jaw-dropping stunts will take home the prize.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14First place goes to...
0:00:14 > 0:00:17They'll have to be totally fearless
0:00:17 > 0:00:19because the journey ahead could make...
0:00:19 > 0:00:21or break them.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Forget pompoms, this is the world of cheerleading.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49Competition season has started.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Three of the UK's top cheerleading teams
0:00:51 > 0:00:53have been training hard for months.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55We are definitely ready to compete.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02Now their routines will be judged in regional comps around the country.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06The best bit about cheerleading is winning.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07This is the teams' first test,
0:01:07 > 0:01:11before they all go head-to-head at a national championship
0:01:11 > 0:01:12in just two weeks.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15Our team is ready for the competition.
0:01:15 > 0:01:19But with the pressure on, will our teams crack it, or crack up?
0:01:21 > 0:01:24We're going to put on such a show, and it's just going to be amazing.
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Coming up...
0:01:26 > 0:01:29The Ascension Eagles push coach Angela to breaking point.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Am I the only person that feels the urgency
0:01:31 > 0:01:33of us competing in two weeks' time?
0:01:33 > 0:01:37The Rising Stars lose it with seconds to go to competition.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41I'm trying not to worry, so we just need to hope we can hit it.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45And can the Unity Allstars hobble their way to victory?
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- SHE GASPS Oh, my...- No way!- What happened?
0:01:51 > 0:01:54The Ascension Eagles, Rising Stars and Unity Allstars
0:01:54 > 0:01:57have been training hard for months,
0:01:57 > 0:01:59preparing for the competition season.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02It kicks off across the country with the regionals,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05where our teams face their local rivals.
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Today, Emily and her fellow Rising Stars
0:02:10 > 0:02:12are taking part in the Northerns.
0:02:16 > 0:02:19Emily's a cheerleading "flyer". She's fearless in the air,
0:02:19 > 0:02:22but today, her competition nerves are jangling.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26I love competing, but I'll probably look forward to after we've competed,
0:02:26 > 0:02:27because I won't be nervous any more.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31Today, the Rising Stars will come face to face
0:02:31 > 0:02:33with the top teams from the North.
0:02:33 > 0:02:38Want to prove that we can really win all of the competitions we do.
0:02:38 > 0:02:39I'm really excited for it,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42because we get to show everyone what we've been working on.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46It's the toughest test the Stars will face
0:02:46 > 0:02:48before the national championship.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50A winning start is crucial.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54Backstage, the teams are preparing to compete
0:02:54 > 0:02:56and the tension is rising.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58All the training sessions, we've been like,
0:02:58 > 0:03:00"Oh, can't wait for the competition,"
0:03:00 > 0:03:03but now it's actually here, it's gone really fast, it's like a blur!
0:03:03 > 0:03:08It feels like about two weeks ago we started learning the routine,
0:03:08 > 0:03:09so it's gone really quick.
0:03:09 > 0:03:12I just want to get it done, and just really clean, and hit it all -
0:03:12 > 0:03:14so we know we can do it under pressure.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24Nothing matches the intensity of competition.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25With hundreds of people watching,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28the pressure is on for the Stars to shine.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35Our teams have spent months devising a two-and-a-half-minute routine
0:03:35 > 0:03:37full of tumbles and stunts,
0:03:37 > 0:03:40hoping it will win them the top prize.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47And deciding who gets the top prize are the judges.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52A cheerleading routine should demonstrate good stunting technique -
0:03:52 > 0:03:55good stunts that are of a reasonably difficult level,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59but that the athletes are able to execute safely and beautifully.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03A routine should incorporate some jumps and a section of dance,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06all put together in a little two-and-a-half-minute package
0:04:06 > 0:04:07that is good to watch.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11One part of the routine that the judges are expecting big things of
0:04:11 > 0:04:14is the pyramid, where the whole team work together
0:04:14 > 0:04:17to create a spectacular stunt.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20And the Stars and their coach, Carly, are worried.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24The main concerns I've got is the pyramid.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26We've had a few issues with that over the past few weeks.
0:04:26 > 0:04:30Everyone's really nervous about the pyramid, because it's like...
0:04:30 > 0:04:31It doesn't always hit!
0:04:31 > 0:04:35We HAVE hit it, but it's not as clean as it could be.
0:04:35 > 0:04:37JUDGE: A pyramid can probably make or break a routine,
0:04:37 > 0:04:40because it's the last thing that you will probably see,
0:04:40 > 0:04:42difficulty-wise as a judge, and if they hit it, then great,
0:04:42 > 0:04:44you're left with a good lasting impression -
0:04:44 > 0:04:45if it doesn't go so well,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48you think to yourself, "They could have done that better."
0:04:48 > 0:04:51- And that's the impression you've got. - Last thing you remember.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53Right before you write down your score.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57So everything rests on the Rising Stars' pyramid.
0:04:57 > 0:04:58As they head to warm up,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01all they can do is hope that it all comes together.
0:05:01 > 0:05:02If they do it right, and they concentrate,
0:05:02 > 0:05:04and they're focused, it goes right.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08It's just whether they lose focus and a bit of concentration.
0:05:08 > 0:05:09It can go a little bit wrong.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12I'm trying not to worry, so we just need to hope we can hit it.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15It wasn't clean. I want it sharp!
0:05:15 > 0:05:16The pressure is on.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25While the Rising Stars are trying out their competition routine
0:05:25 > 0:05:28in the North, in East London the Ascension Eagles
0:05:28 > 0:05:31are skipping the first comp of the season.
0:05:31 > 0:05:33And things aren't going well.
0:05:33 > 0:05:34Keep it under control!
0:05:34 > 0:05:37The Eagles have the smallest team, made even smaller
0:05:37 > 0:05:39when top tumbler Shola broke her leg.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44After four weeks out, it's finally on the mend,
0:05:44 > 0:05:49so Shola meets with coach Angela to talk about getting back to training.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51So...how is your knee?
0:05:51 > 0:05:54I've tried to move it, and it's fine.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58And I'm starting to put a bit of pressure on it as well.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01What exercises have you been given from the hospital?
0:06:01 > 0:06:05I'm sticking to what they say a little bit, but not really doing it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I'm doing a little bit, but not really,
0:06:07 > 0:06:09because I don't think it's that important.
0:06:09 > 0:06:11It's really important that you do your exercises
0:06:11 > 0:06:13if you want to get better and compete.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15We really need our great performers to be there,
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- so I'm really counting on you to be there. I need you.- OK.
0:06:19 > 0:06:20Yeah. I'll do it.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22All right!
0:06:22 > 0:06:25It would be a disaster if Shola couldn't compete.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27We need her back for this season.
0:06:27 > 0:06:31If the Eagles want to win the top prize, they need a full team,
0:06:31 > 0:06:36so while her team warm up, Shola needs to do some physio exercises.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39Starting immediately.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41So, ten of those, please.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- Now?- No, tomorrow(!)
0:06:43 > 0:06:44One...
0:06:44 > 0:06:48These small moves will help her build her leg strength back up.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- We need you to be nice and strong for competition.- Yeah.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52If Shola wants to get back on the team,
0:06:52 > 0:06:55she needs to work hard today - and keep at it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Sometimes she doesn't seem to understand the urgency
0:06:59 > 0:07:00of the competition looming.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03We need to work on getting that flexibility back.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05That's a big concern.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07With injury holding them up,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09will the Eagles be able to pull it out of the bag
0:07:09 > 0:07:10in time for competition?
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- Pull it, pull it, pull it, pull it. - Agh!
0:07:13 > 0:07:14Good girl.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21Last season's champs Unity Allstars
0:07:21 > 0:07:23are going to the Southern regional competition,
0:07:23 > 0:07:28and it's a big day for Lily, captain of Unity All Stars Pearl team.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35Lily's pumped about getting started -
0:07:35 > 0:07:37well, she will be, once she's woken up.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41I'm really tired!
0:07:41 > 0:07:44But I think we're going to do well today,
0:07:44 > 0:07:47because everyone's been doing so hard at training.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I'm really excited for everyone.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Nearly there.
0:07:51 > 0:07:54It's really nerve-racking when you get out,
0:07:54 > 0:07:58because people look at you and they think, "Unity..." It's just like...!
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- Yeah...- Unity are in the house!
0:08:00 > 0:08:04Because they're a big team, they're kind of like... "Ooh!"
0:08:04 > 0:08:08Last year, Unity had a perfect season,
0:08:08 > 0:08:11so the pressure's on to keep it up this year.
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Competition day!
0:08:12 > 0:08:15When everyone goes to these competitions,
0:08:15 > 0:08:20everyone can look up to us and think, "Wow, they're really good."
0:08:20 > 0:08:23And if Unity want to keep up their standards,
0:08:23 > 0:08:25it means looking like champs...
0:08:25 > 0:08:27from the moment they walk in.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Not allowed to wear these. Can't, because I'll get in trouble.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35By Tori.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Now she's here, Lily and her team-mates
0:08:39 > 0:08:43start their all-important pre-performance preparation.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- Scarlet!- Hey!
0:08:45 > 0:08:47Unity's day is going according to plan...
0:08:47 > 0:08:49Tori said to look glam.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51That's what we gotta do.
0:08:51 > 0:08:52..until...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- SHE GASPS - Oh, my...- No way!- What happened?
0:08:56 > 0:08:57What happened?
0:08:57 > 0:08:58I landed on my foot on Wednesday.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- I'm still competing.- Are you really? - Are you still competing?
0:09:01 > 0:09:03Are you tumbling?
0:09:03 > 0:09:06Daniela is one of Unity's top flyers.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09But those crutches have no place in coach Tori's routine.
0:09:09 > 0:09:13Daniela has hurt the ligaments in her ankle falling off a block.
0:09:13 > 0:09:15I was tumbling, and I landed on my foot,
0:09:15 > 0:09:17and I've done ligament damage to the front of my foot.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Cheerleading is a team sport.
0:09:19 > 0:09:21It's one of the very few performance team sports there is,
0:09:21 > 0:09:24and every person is so important on that team,
0:09:24 > 0:09:27no matter what they do, so being one man down is really difficult.
0:09:27 > 0:09:32If Daniela can't compete, Unity's winning run could be over.
0:09:32 > 0:09:37That's really worried me. Really. Because she's a flyer.
0:09:37 > 0:09:40But hopefully, she can pull through, she's a strong girl. So...
0:09:40 > 0:09:43I'm going to try and compete, I'm going to try and tumble,
0:09:43 > 0:09:45but I don't know if I'm going to be able to or not.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46So just going to see how it goes.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49I just hope it doesn't affect the routine too much.
0:09:54 > 0:09:57In East London, Shola's stepped up her physio
0:09:57 > 0:09:59and is back for the Ascension Eagles.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01It's really good that Shola can compete again,
0:10:01 > 0:10:03because she's one of our best tumblers,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05and she scores loads of points for us.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11Her broken leg might be ready for action, but is her attitude?
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- One...!- Come on! Get your hands...- One!
0:10:14 > 0:10:16Oh, my gosh!
0:10:16 > 0:10:18One, two, three, four...
0:10:18 > 0:10:20She's getting distracted...
0:10:20 > 0:10:21Can we go on the...
0:10:21 > 0:10:25..and taking her eye off the ball means someone's going to get hurt.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- What...?- Ooh!
0:10:27 > 0:10:29She's talking to Sam!
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Sam...!- Oh, my back!
0:10:32 > 0:10:34There's nothing worse than trying to get somewhere
0:10:34 > 0:10:38and they just talk and laugh and it's not serious, and then people fall,
0:10:38 > 0:10:42and then stuff doesn't hit the way it's supposed to, and you know,
0:10:42 > 0:10:43we're so close to competition now
0:10:43 > 0:10:45that we just don't have time to mess around.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48One, two, arms up!
0:10:48 > 0:10:52The Eagles' concentration levels are dropping by the second
0:10:52 > 0:10:54and time is running out to get the routine right.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57No talking, I just said! Do not talk!
0:10:58 > 0:10:59Again!
0:10:59 > 0:11:02Sometimes it's frustrating when other people don't get it.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04It's probably because they don't listen
0:11:04 > 0:11:07when Angela's telling them what to do.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09..five, six, seven. One, two, three...
0:11:09 > 0:11:11The team aren't focusing...
0:11:11 > 0:11:12One, two, three...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15..and a disastrous pyramid pushes coach Angela over the edge.
0:11:15 > 0:11:18..three, four, five, six... Stop!
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Come down. Do you know what?
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Do you know what? - Sorry, Leila! Sorry.
0:11:22 > 0:11:23Get up. Do you know what?
0:11:23 > 0:11:26You just dropped her feet because someone kicked you in the head.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Listen, am I the only person that feels the urgency
0:11:29 > 0:11:31of us competing in two weeks' time?
0:11:31 > 0:11:33Angela...
0:11:33 > 0:11:35is kind of strict.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39All you're doing is talking through every single thing.
0:11:39 > 0:11:40This is dangerous.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44When they're shouting at us, you just have to take it in.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48They're strict, but you have to take it in, because it's for the best.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51The problem with you guys is you think you've won all the time,
0:11:51 > 0:11:53and you'll turn up to the competition and it'll be fine.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55When you get to the competition
0:11:55 > 0:11:57and see what they're doing in their routines,
0:11:57 > 0:11:59and you go, "Oh, my gosh," you'll wish you worked harder.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Coaches, they have to scream at you to get your attention,
0:12:02 > 0:12:04because sometimes it's just so hard for them.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07So I actually quite respect that they shout at you,
0:12:07 > 0:12:08because they have to.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11The Eagles may have won in the past,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15but right now they're far from looking like champs.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19Coach Angela has an idea to make sure they don't fall further behind.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22She's asked an American cheer expert to come to training
0:12:22 > 0:12:25and give the team some home truths about their performance.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28There's only two weeks until the Eagles go head-to-head
0:12:28 > 0:12:31with the other teams - the clock is ticking.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Guys, can I give you my honest opinion?
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Right now, you're going up and you're coming down,
0:12:36 > 0:12:39but everything that happens in between is whatever you want to do.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Little details that are really going to make
0:12:41 > 0:12:43a difference in a competitive division,
0:12:43 > 0:12:45and right now, it's like you're not focusing on them.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47You have to care. Am I clear?
0:12:47 > 0:12:49Yes.
0:12:49 > 0:12:50I'm Lisa, by the way.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52We've asked Lisa to come in because she gives us,
0:12:52 > 0:12:54like, a judge's point of view.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57You have got to stop moving in the air. Trust yourself.
0:12:57 > 0:12:59Your minds are not on the task at hand.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00Sometimes, as a coach,
0:13:00 > 0:13:03you can find yourself saying the same things over and over again,
0:13:03 > 0:13:05and the kids just don't seem to take it in.
0:13:05 > 0:13:06But you bring in a different voice
0:13:06 > 0:13:08and all of a sudden there's a light bulb moment
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and they say, "Oh!" Like they've never heard it before.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- ..five, six, seven, eight! - Come on, guys! Push!
0:13:14 > 0:13:16..five, six, seven, eight! One, two...
0:13:16 > 0:13:20Get down, get down. Stop! Enough, enough!
0:13:20 > 0:13:25That HAS to hit, because if that doesn't hit, this all comes down.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Why are you not trying harder?
0:13:27 > 0:13:30You're better than this. It's really disappointing.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32Pull it together.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36The Eagles need some inspiration,
0:13:36 > 0:13:39and Lisa thinks she knows where to find it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40Come over here.
0:13:40 > 0:13:42So, this is what needs to happen.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44- Right now, your team... - Mm-hm.- ..they're not hitting.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47And you know they're not hitting. You need to get everybody fired up.
0:13:47 > 0:13:50You need to encourage them, you need to tell them,
0:13:50 > 0:13:52"Guys, why are we talking? We need to get stuff done."
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- OK.- You know what I mean?
0:13:54 > 0:13:55The team doesn't care. I can tell.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58I'm watching them, and they don't care enough to do it better.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01- So you need to encourage it. Can you do that for me?- Yeah.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- Get 'em pumped.- OK.- All right.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05Lisa's like, I should kind of lead the team on,
0:14:05 > 0:14:07and support them and encourage them.
0:14:07 > 0:14:09We're actually going through a hard time,
0:14:09 > 0:14:11and people are not really hitting the stunts.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16I should take on the role and encourage everyone to hit the stunts.
0:14:16 > 0:14:17Go on, Zach!
0:14:20 > 0:14:24Zach is one of the Ascension Eagles' most experienced cheerleaders,
0:14:24 > 0:14:26so who better to lead them into battle?
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Come on, everyone, we can do this!
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Come on, fight for it. And when you do it, throw it up.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35They just need some leadership from the team, from within,
0:14:35 > 0:14:36to make it better.
0:14:36 > 0:14:38Come on, guys! We can do this!
0:14:40 > 0:14:44Zach's leadership boosts the whole team...
0:14:44 > 0:14:45Yes!
0:14:45 > 0:14:47..and finally the routine comes together.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49Beautiful!
0:14:49 > 0:14:51They have a habit of rising to the occasion.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54It's just kind of hoping they really fulfil their potential,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56and hit that routine the way that I know they can.
0:14:56 > 0:15:01Guys, remember this - the only run that matters is the run that you do.
0:15:01 > 0:15:03If you decide to give it your best
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and hit the way we believe you can hit,
0:15:05 > 0:15:07you can have some amazing results.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10You determine how that two minutes and 30 seconds goes.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13Whether you think you can or you can't, you're right.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15The Eagles are back on track,
0:15:15 > 0:15:18but the countdown to championships has already begun.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22It's down to them, really. We can't do any more than we've done.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Back at the Southern Championships in Surrey
0:15:29 > 0:15:32it's time for Unity's Pearl team to head to warm up
0:15:32 > 0:15:34before their big performance.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37Injured flyer Daniela is going to try and compete.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39Daniela's doing incredibly well.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42Like, you can see she's in pain - it's really, really swollen.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44We know she's got ligament damage, she went to the hospital.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46She strapped it up and she's good to go.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50But backstage, the competition gets a bit close for comfort.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55So, we're now sharing a room with the people that we're competing against.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Unity come face to face with their closest competition rivals,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01ICE Heat.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03I think that's kind of awkward.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The team that they're competing against today,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08we haven't competed against before. They're a really good team.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11Really impressed with everything I've seen from them today.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Really impressed. So...hopefully they'll be OK.
0:16:14 > 0:16:16I'm getting nervous, now.
0:16:18 > 0:16:19- One... ALL:- ..two, three...
0:16:19 > 0:16:21There's just minutes until Unity perform,
0:16:21 > 0:16:24and their nerves are starting to show.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28Now, at this point, we can't do anything. We can't stop the music,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30we can't make them rework something.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Now they've just got to do it,
0:16:32 > 0:16:35and if they feel nervous or pressured there's nothing we can do.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We can't help them, this is on their own.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40It's one shot, and that makes me nervous.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42I feel a little bit nervous.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45Hopefully, it goes all right!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48One...three, four, five...seven...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52As they feel the pressure, the team start making mistakes.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54Again.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Seven, one.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58You just did it worse, Olivia, than you have done yet.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01Guys, that was awful.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Grab, hit, hot, yeah? Really sharp.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07Again.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12We don't mind not winning if we do our absolute best
0:17:12 > 0:17:13and someone's better than us.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15But if they make some mistakes
0:17:15 > 0:17:18and if they do something that they could have done better,
0:17:18 > 0:17:20then we'll be disappointed with them.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22And I hope that doesn't happen today.
0:17:23 > 0:17:24It's time.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26Unity head to the competition floor
0:17:26 > 0:17:29to put their undefeated record on the line.
0:17:34 > 0:17:36Back in Blackpool, and the Rising Stars
0:17:36 > 0:17:40are minutes away from their first performance of the season.
0:17:41 > 0:17:43In warm up, things are going great,
0:17:43 > 0:17:46especially for 14-year-old Aimee.
0:17:46 > 0:17:48Go on, Aimee. Yeah!
0:17:52 > 0:17:54Aimee has struggled with her knees all season
0:17:54 > 0:17:59but today her tumbles are on fire and back in the routine.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Good girl, yes!
0:18:01 > 0:18:05I mastered my backhand spring a week ago
0:18:05 > 0:18:06just before the competition,
0:18:06 > 0:18:09so I'm really excited to put it in the routine,
0:18:09 > 0:18:11because it's the first time I've competed it.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I hope that all the stunts hit in the routine,
0:18:14 > 0:18:16and that no-one falls over.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19But you never know what might happen.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Could even fall over just walking onto the floor.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- Yeah, that's what I did!- Yeah! That was really funny.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27Last competition, when we were walking on the floor,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30I tripped over the side and I fell face-first onto the floor,
0:18:30 > 0:18:32and Jess had to pick me up.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36But whilst their tumbles are looking good,
0:18:36 > 0:18:39their stunts aren't even close to being battle ready.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Out of time!
0:18:41 > 0:18:44The Rising Stars aren't in sync.
0:18:45 > 0:18:49The baskets in the tumble section are completely out of time.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Someone's going wrong, OK? They have to be clean, OK?
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Clean and tight.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57And when they get to the pyramid, things go from bad to shocking.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01The pyramid at the end, your arms are all over the place.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05Like, I've got high Vs like this - it needs to be sharp and strong, OK?
0:19:07 > 0:19:11At the big championship last season the Stars' pyramid was a mess.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14The pressure is definitely on for this pyramid to hit.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17You've done that pyramid a hundred times better than that before.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21The worst thing that could possibly happen is the pyramid falling.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23OK, that's it. Done.
0:19:23 > 0:19:24Let's go.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27They're just stressing out.
0:19:27 > 0:19:31I think it's just a case of panicking - they panic.
0:19:31 > 0:19:33But it happens to all teams, so...
0:19:33 > 0:19:36They just need to not rush it, they're just rushing it,
0:19:36 > 0:19:39and it's making it hard to recover when things go wrong.
0:19:39 > 0:19:40That's it.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43It's time for the Rising Stars to take centre stage
0:19:43 > 0:19:46and put months of training to the test.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48Come on, guys!
0:19:48 > 0:19:53Welcome to the stage Rising Stars!
0:19:57 > 0:19:58# What you going to do?
0:19:58 > 0:20:01# People ain't ready for the black and the blue... #
0:20:06 > 0:20:09It's a strong start for the Rising Stars.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15Aimee and her team-mates nail their opening tumbles
0:20:15 > 0:20:18and move onto the first stunt section.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22This is where the Stars were out of sync in the warm up.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26They're perfectly synchronised this time,
0:20:26 > 0:20:29and that will be big points from the judges.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34# Bright like the sun
0:20:34 > 0:20:38# Shine like the stars cos we're number one... #
0:20:39 > 0:20:41It's time for the pyramid.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46If this goes wrong, the Rising Stars can wave goodbye to first place.
0:20:46 > 0:20:51Flyer Sophie slips. It looks like it's all over...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55..but somehow the team save the pyramid.
0:20:56 > 0:20:57Woo!
0:21:04 > 0:21:07The Rising Stars finish with a bang.
0:21:07 > 0:21:10The team pulled a show-stopping performance out of the bag
0:21:10 > 0:21:12and they're buzzing.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16I'm shocked. I'm out of breath, I don't know what to say.
0:21:16 > 0:21:17We're all just really happy
0:21:17 > 0:21:20and excited that all our hard work's paid off.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Everything hit properly and everyone was cheering and singing.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25So it was really good.
0:21:25 > 0:21:28There was a little stumble on the pyramid, but they really saved it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:29Yeah.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32And coach Kat is pretty impressed too.
0:21:32 > 0:21:36It was amazing! It was even better than I could have hoped it would be.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39Everything hit, they performed - the tumbles were amazing.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42What more could I ask? I'm absolutely buzzing for them.
0:21:42 > 0:21:43Amazing.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46The Rising Stars owned the competition floor,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49but will it be enough for first place?
0:21:53 > 0:21:56In Surrey, it's time for Unity All Stars Pearl team
0:21:56 > 0:21:59to put their undefeated record on the line.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01As they wait to go on,
0:22:01 > 0:22:05rivals ICE Heat are ripping up the competition floor.
0:22:05 > 0:22:06I'm not watching them
0:22:06 > 0:22:10because apparently, it's bad luck if we watch them.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14They're good. They are a good team, and they've hit so far.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16We've got butterflies.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19All the other Unity teams have already done so well,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22and we want to live up to what they've all just done.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25This is it. Unity Pearl are up.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Get ready to put on a show!
0:22:28 > 0:22:29- Woo!- OK?
0:22:29 > 0:22:31Good luck. We'll be there, screaming.
0:22:31 > 0:22:32Good luck!
0:22:32 > 0:22:34We've trained so hard
0:22:34 > 0:22:36- to be on that floor for two minutes and 30 seconds.- Yeah.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- P-E-A-R-L... - ALL: Unity Pearl!
0:22:44 > 0:22:51Let's welcome to the stage Unity Allstars Pearl!
0:22:54 > 0:22:57THEY CHANT: U-A! U-A! U-A!
0:23:01 > 0:23:03# Unity Allstars
0:23:03 > 0:23:04# Let's go
0:23:04 > 0:23:08# Pearls on the floor like diamonds in the sky
0:23:08 > 0:23:11# Pearl Unity owns this stage worldwide
0:23:11 > 0:23:15# Together we are raising the bar... #
0:23:15 > 0:23:17Unity's opening tumble run is flawless.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25And despite going wrong in warm up, their stunts are spectacular.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30They are on fire.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36It's time for Daniela's first stunt.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Will her ankle hold up to the pressure?
0:23:42 > 0:23:43Up she goes....
0:23:43 > 0:23:45and manages to stay in the air.
0:23:48 > 0:23:50Now the pyramid.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52The true test of cheerleading teamwork.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03The Unity Allstars smash it.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19It's an incredible performance by the team.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23And they've made their captain proud.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25The girls done absolutely amazing.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Everything hit, everything went to plan.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30They done - I couldn't have asked for better.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34It was really good, because in warm up, my stunts weren't hitting,
0:24:34 > 0:24:38so I was really proud when we hit it.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42Daniela came through for her team and lasted the entire routine.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46I'm really proud of Daniela for hitting her stunts.
0:24:46 > 0:24:48I forgot it was, like, hurt or anything.
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- Basically, when we finished, then it kicked in.- The pain hits.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54Daniela was brilliant. She's a hard-core Unity athlete.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58Unity athletes are made of metal. They never give up.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01Unity wait nervously for their results.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05In the North, Rising Stars are about to find out
0:25:05 > 0:25:08if their routine has won them the top spot.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12In our junior level three division, first place...
0:25:12 > 0:25:15If they can't win this regional comp
0:25:15 > 0:25:18they stand no chance at the national championship.
0:25:18 > 0:25:19..Rising Stars!
0:25:19 > 0:25:22THEY CHEER
0:25:27 > 0:25:30It feels really good, because it means all our hard work has paid off.
0:25:30 > 0:25:32So we're really happy.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34We all pulled it out the bag, and we did really well, so...
0:25:34 > 0:25:36I think this competition's spurred us on
0:25:36 > 0:25:38to get even better at the routine
0:25:38 > 0:25:41and hit all our stunts even better than we did today.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44They've proved themselves today on the floor.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47They can bring it and they can win it.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Rising Stars started with a win.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53Can Unity match them and take the top prize?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Taking home the first in our junior level three division...
0:25:59 > 0:26:01Drum roll, please.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05AIR HORN SOUNDS
0:26:05 > 0:26:08Unity Allstars!
0:26:08 > 0:26:09THEY SCREAM AND CHEER
0:26:14 > 0:26:15I'm so proud of everyone.
0:26:15 > 0:26:18I really wasn't expecting this to happen.
0:26:18 > 0:26:20The winning doesn't stop there.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22Unity scored top points across the board,
0:26:22 > 0:26:25making them grand champions.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27We won first place and we got grand champs,
0:26:27 > 0:26:29so we got the highest score out of every team
0:26:29 > 0:26:31that came for the junior divisions.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33It's just so amazing.
0:26:33 > 0:26:35That is the best thing that you could get in any of this.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38To win first and grand champs. I'm so excited!
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Now back to the gym and get even better.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44With one win under their belt,
0:26:44 > 0:26:48the coaches have already got their eye on the next, national, prize.
0:26:48 > 0:26:50The hard work has only just begun, because this means, now,
0:26:50 > 0:26:53we compete for national champions.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56You guys need to step it up at training. Don't be slacking off.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Come in on Wednesday ready to work. Am I right?
0:26:59 > 0:27:00- ALL:- Yes.- Oh, yeah!
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Although we've won this comp, there's no stopping there.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05We have to push through, and get even better at all our moves.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Next competition, we've got to be careful,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10because we're against Ascension and Rising Stars,
0:27:10 > 0:27:12and they're really good teams to compete against.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14So I think it's going to be a close one.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Next time...
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Our three teams go head-to-head in battle.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30And only one can emerge victorious.