Cheerleading: Growing cheer for his sport

US cheerleading star Robert Scianna holds Brooklyn Grigson high at Bay Twisters yesterday.

Robert Scianna is on a mission to change the perception of the sport of cheerleading worldwide.

The 19-year-old pin-up boy of the sport in the US ran two coaching seminars at Tauranga's newest cheerleading club Bay Twisters yesterday.

It was part of his two month-long promotional visit to New Zealand as part of a world promotion.

Scianna is a household name in the US after his starring role in the reality television show Cheerleaders. He is a two-time world champion and is part of the famed California All-Stars Smoed squad.

He admits it is frustrating at times that his sport is not taken seriously and it will take time to break down the stereotypes about cheerleading, created by pom-pom waving girls at American football games.

"I think allstar cheerleading should have a different name, just because of the athleticism in it and all the work we put into training," said Scianna. "Conditioning is a huge part of it and you are doing all this aerial stuff, flipping girls in the air and catching them with one hand. It is a sport and is not what people stereotype it as."

Scianna emphasises the need to have really good body control, balance, confidence and a well conditioned body to do it all. "It is not all about looking pretty and putting on makeup, and smiling for everybody."

Cheerleading is growing in popularity throughout the world and Scianna says he expects it to take off in New Zealand in the next four to five years.

"In Australia and New Zealand, from what I have seen, it is growing quickly. It is about 10 years behind America at the moment here just the way society views it. It is not considered a sport to the average Joe but in America it is. Here not as many people want their kids in it and especially they don't want the guys in it, because of what they are stereotyped as. But it is definitely growing.

"Not only is it fun for the kids and keeps them doing something they love, it is a really good business opportunity. It is kind of a win-win for everything."

Bay Twisters owner Rebecca Grigson succeeded in getting Scianna to Tauranga through the NZ Cheer Union.

"As far as I am aware we are the only non-profit cheer team in NZ," she said. "We started in January this year and [have] been lucky to receive grants which means we have a fully equipped gym and over 50 girls."

Information: Rebecca@baytwisters.co.nz.