Northland cheerleading teen Grace Hegh opens own gym

Grace Hegh has opened her new permanent location for Blackout Cheer. The opening on Sunday involved routines involving Hegh and Demi Wharfe, right. Photo/Supplied

Spirited teenager Grace Hegh has tumbled into a permanent home for her cheerleading gym.

The 14-year-old has made her dream a reality and, with the help of her parents, has opened Blackout Cheer's permanent gym.

Blackout Cheer had been at a temporary building for a few months before moving to the new location at the beginning of March.

Hegh said it was a huge effort to get everything ready to go.

"We moved to our permanent gym at the beginning of March," she said.

"It has been a really big job to get everything set up but with the help of my mum, dad, older brother and sister and a cheer dad we have managed to set up an amazing facility.

"We have been blessed with having more equipment and better facilities than most gyms let alone gyms just starting out and now we are ready to grow."

They had their grand opening on Sunday, with about 120 people showing up for the big day.

"We had all our athletes arrive at the gym at 8.45 and had three very talented choreographers friends came to work with them for three hours before our official opening," Hegh said.

"At the opening we had team, stunt group, tumbling and individual routine displays in front of the audience.

"The athletes did so well and I was so proud of them all especially given that they have only had their routines for a few weeks and part of their routines for a matter of an hour!

"The crowd was fantastic and seemed to really enjoy the performances which was so encouraging for the athletes."

Although Blackout is Hegh's venture, she is only 14 so her mum is helping her learn more about the business side of gym ownership as they go.

The new gym is situated at Unit 3, 17-19 South End Ave and now has three teams and tumble classes up and running.

Next term they begin their mini class for ages 3-6 as well as recreational classes where kids can go and learn cheerleading but don't have to compete. They are also hoping to start school teams that we can take to National competitions.

She said she could not be happier with how everything has worked out.

"I'm so proud of what has been achieved so far and even prouder that we have the most fantastic athletes, coaches and families to work with," she said.

"Cheerleading has always been a huge part of my life but this is a whole new level. I love coaching and watching athletes grow as both individuals and as part of a team.

"It is really challenging but so rewarding to be apart of. I am so lucky to also have help from my coaching friends in the industry their support has been so appreciated and humbling and is absolutely invaluable."