Local cheerleading group scores big from our Springboard Community Fund

Salford’s own community cheerleading and dance club, Red Hot Flames, has received a much-needed boost of over £1000 thanks to our Springboard Community Fund.

The funding helped ensure 60 of the club’s athletes could step out in style with new training kits as they headed to an international competition in Orlando, Florida, a trip that marked a significant milestone for the club.

Founded in 1996 by Suzanne Roberts, a former cheerleader for the Manchester Giants, Red Hot Flames has become a beloved part of the Salford community.

Suzanne, who was once both a gymnast and cheerleader herself, wanted to pass on her passion for the sport to younger generations, giving them a platform to learn, grow, and succeed.

Nearly three decades later, the club continues to thrive, offering a variety of classes including Pom Dance, Cheerleading, Gymnastics, Jazz, and Kick, for athletes as young as three years old.

This year, Red Hot Flames had the opportunity to represent Salford and their community in one of the world’s most prestigious dance competitions where the best cheerleading troupes from around the globe compete and show their dedication to the sport.

Taking 60 athletes to attend a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform on an international stage, was entirely self-funded by the club. After covering these costs, the club was left with a financial strain when it came to providing training kits for the event. This is where Salix Homes stepped in.

Thanks to the Springboard funding, Red Hot Flames were able to provide all 60 athletes with new T-shirts, ensuring they looked the part while representing Salford on the international stage.

Shannen Hook, Head Coach at the Red Hot Flames said: “With support from organisations like Salix Homes, the club can continue to foster a sense of teamwork and achievement, empowering young athletes to work together to achieve their dreams, both internationally and locally.

“All of our younger athletes have dreams to compete at the competitions in Orlando and follow in the footsteps of the teams who attended last year. By having funding for the training kit for the athletes, it makes the trips possible.”

Sian Grant, Executive Director of Customers and Communities at Salix Homes, added: “The Springboard Community Fund is our way of providing a boost for organisations and projects that benefit the people of Salford.

“The Red Hot Flames are doing a fantastic job of representing Salford on the world stage, as well as supporting young people’s health and wellbeing by providing a safe environment for them to focus their energy and pursue their passions. Well done to all the young cheerleaders for their success in Florida, and we’re proud to be able to support them in this way.

The team took part in multiple competitions while in Florida and came in at 6^th and 8^th place against many other competing teams from around the world.

To find out more, visit the Red Hot Flames on their website.

To apply for a Springboard grant, visit the Springboard Community Fund pages on our website.