Bangor Cheerleaders Set to Compete at Allstar World Championships in Orlando

A Bangor-based cheerleading team is gearing up to take on the world as they prepare to compete at the Allstar World Championships in Orlando, Florida, on April 15.

Team AMMO, consisting of nine talented cheerleaders aged 13-19, represents Entourage Elite, a competitive cheer gym in Balloo. This marks their second appearance at the world’s largest cheerleading competition, where they hope to surpass their third-place finish in 2023 and claim the top spot in their division.

Aiming for the Top: The Team’s Journey

Having moved up to a higher competition level, coach and gym owner Alex McVeigh is confident in the team’s abilities.

“They are incredibly talented athletes with an unwavering work ethic. Their goal is clear—either match their third-place ranking or take the top step. Their dedication speaks for itself,” he said.

Since being selected in August 2024, Team AMMO has trained rigorously.

• Consistent Training: No team member has missed a session all season.

• Intense Schedule: Weekly practices, monthly weekend training, and since February, twice-a-week sessions with additional weekend workouts.

• Fundraising Efforts: The trip is entirely self-funded, and the team has raised over £5,600 through bucket collections, bag packing, and sponsorships from The Mortgage Shop, Ulster Property Sales, and Lasertec Medical Services.

A High-Intensity Performance Like No Other

Unlike the pom-pom cheerleading stereotype, Team AMMO specializes in high-energy, athletic cheer that includes stunts, tumbling, and synchronized flips.

“Their routine is two-and-a-half minutes of non-stop intensity. From the second the music starts to the moment it ends, they give 100% of their energy,” Alex explained.

The team recently showcased their routine at a special send-off event in Bangor and even had the chance to perform inside Asda Bangor, raising awareness for their journey to the world stage.

Facing the World’s Best Teams

With 25-30 teams in their division, the competition in Orlando is fierce.

“This is a massive event, bringing together some of the best teams globally. Every movement matters—something as small as a misstep during a lift can cost crucial points,” Alex noted.

The team is aiming for a high-scoring routine, with top teams often achieving scores above 99%.

A Bittersweet Moment for Some Cheerleaders

For some members, this will be their final chance to compete at the World Championships before moving on to new opportunities.

“For many, this is a bittersweet moment. It’s their last chance to be World Champions, and they’re putting everything they have into it,” Alex said.

Meet Two of Team AMMO’s Standout Athletes

✅ Darcy Blair (19) – Recently accepted into the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, she describes competing at Worlds again as “surreal.”

“It’s always the dream to make it to Worlds. Competing against American teams, who train from age three, is a huge challenge, but it fuels us to push harder.”

✅ Molly Anderson (13) – Cheerleading since 2018, she emphasizes the strong team bond.

“We’re like sisters. Competing together one last time means everything.”

Balancing Cheerleading & Academics

Despite the intense training schedule, many athletes are also managing GCSEs and A-levels, proving their ability to excel both academically and athletically.

“What they’ve achieved is remarkable. They’re showing that dedication to a sport doesn’t mean sacrificing their studies,” Alex said.

Follow Team AMMO’s Journey

Want to support Entourage Elite or get involved in cheerleading?

Follow them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EntourageElite
Email: entourageelitecheer@gmail.com