CARE to argue that cheerleading is just a spectacle of pompoms and prancing?

These athletes have three words for you: Bring it on.

The Cairns Taipans cheerleaders are part of a growing army of girls – and boys – making cheerleading one of Australia’s fastest-growing sports.

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Two years ago, local peak body Australian All-Star Cheerleading Federation had about 16,000 participants on its books. Now, it’s more than 35,000 nationwide.

media_camera NOT JUST POM POMS: Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports. Picture: Brendan Radke.

Competitive cheerleading combines elements of tumbling, stunt-work and dance, with teams of between five and 32 cheerleaders performing a 2.5 minute routine in time to music.

AASCF executive director Stephen James said successful squads required athletes of all shapes and sizes, from stronger girls and boys doing the lifting to the tiny, brave “flyers” thrown or pushed into the air during each routine.

“It’s a very inclusive sport and it really reinforces the teamwork aspect because, as opposed to a footy team or basketball team, they can’t train unless everyone turns up,” he said.