Hardly had time to catch my breath after return from Worlds & we need to start thinking about ECC.

STCA's Senior All Female Group Stunt is the only team competing in both Worlds & ECC. They will travel full of confidence after their Orlando showing. Their Senior Co-Ed & Junior All Female Group Stunt teams will try to emulate their success, as will their Senior All Female & Co-Ed Cheer teams.

Wild Spirit Allstars travel in force, also taking 5 teams – both Co-Ed & All Female in Senior Cheer & Group Stunt, together with Partner Stunt. A great achievement to qualify in so many categories – well done guys!

Gemini's Junior All Female Group Stunt follows a proud Gemini history of 8 years participation in Europe's premier Cheerleading competition. As these girls competed in this section last year they hope to improve their ranking. They also look forward to meeting up with their European friends.

Hawks will also be flying the UKCA flag again, experienced campaigners like the other clubs above. Junior teams represent us in both All Female Cheer & Dance divisions showing their clubs versatility in both forms of traditional Cheerleading.

New kids on the block are Maximum Cheer, but coached by reigning Individual European Champion Rachael Burrows, they don't lack ECC know how. Watch out for their Junior teams in All Female & Co-Ed Cheer and Co-Ed Group Stunt.

On the official side, we are proud to have 2 Judges represent our organisation – our President Pat Hawkins has agreed to return to the Judges table, whilst Amanda Holden (UKCA's Head of Judging) officiates for the first time at this level.

As Chair of the ECC Committee and ECA Vice President, I hope to help deliver a safe, competitive and enjoyable event for athletes, coaches, officials and spectators.

Whatever the results, we know our teams will do their best whilst maintaining the Spirit of Cheerleading. I hope you will join with the UKCA Board in wishing all our teams the very best of luck!

John Stone