A cheerleading team is gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime.
Crystals Elite, based in Croydon, has earned its first-ever bid to compete in The Summit Championship in Florida.
The Summit is one of the world’s premier cheerleading competitions and marks a major milestone for the programme.
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Ella Dolcey, head coach and owner of Crystals Elite, said: "This season has been Crystals Elite’s most successful yet, with teams achieving both regional and national titles.
"To now also secure a Summit bid makes this a truly historic moment for the programme one that will be remembered as a landmark achievement and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Crystals Elite.
"At the heart of everything we do is the belief that cheerleading has the power to change lives, building confidence, resilience, friendships, and opportunities for young athletes and this achievement is a perfect example of that vision becoming a reality."
The Under 16 Level 1 team, Dynasty, will now have the opportunity to compete on an international stage at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Florida.
Crystals Elite is the longest-running Allstar Cheerleading programme in the UK, established in 1993. For more than 30 years, the programme has supported young athletes not just in cheerleading but in developing life skills such as confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
Earning a bid to The Summit is no small feat, with teams from around the globe competing for a chance to attend. Crystals Elite will now prepare to represent Croydon in Florida, with strong support from coaches, families, and the local community.
To help make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible, the team is actively fundraising to cover travel and competition costs or training kits, new uniforms. Supporters can contribute and follow the team’s journey through their GoFundMe page.
