Clapham cheerleaders are going for gold at a national competition.

Cheerleading club, Ultimate Cheer, is set to bring six teams to the national championships in Bournemouth in July - provided covid restrictions allow the event to go ahead.

Members from the Clapham South-based club hope to win a place at the World Championships, which would see them represent South West London in Florida next year.

After restarting training in April as lockdown restrictions eased, competitors have only 12 weeks to prepare for the Future Cheer Internationals in Bournemouth.

Ultimate Cheer train in Clapham South

Ultimate Cheer train in Clapham South

However, after securing a title at the same competition in 2019, competitors are feeling hopeful.

Head Coach Tasmin Steer said: “We are so excited to be taking our teams to compete at a National level. For some athletes this will be their first experience of a competition, which is so exciting.

“This season has been hard for the team, we have stuck to all government advice and adhered to COVID safety guidelines with all of our training, from sanitizing all of our equipment between all uses to training outside, and the teams have been so positive and supportive of each other throughout everything.

“We are so happy that it seems like Future Cheer Internationals will be going ahead and our athletes can have a somewhat normal end to a difficult season! Whatever happens, we want to make sure everyone is safe and has fun.”

Founded in 2018, Ultimate Cheer has expanded to include two recreational teams and six competition teams for children and adults.

The club has recently been spotlighted on Netflix's podcast representing the UK cheer community.

Ultimate Cheer offers free taster classes every week to anyone wanting to give cheerleading a go.

Try-outs for the club’s fourth season will be taking place in July, and aspiring athletes can register their interest here or message the club on Instagram @ultimatecheeruk