Description

In this week’s episode, James speaks to Pat Hawkins, CEO of the UK Cheerleading Association. Cheerleading is a relatively new sport in the UK but it has great results, with national, regional, and international competitions taking place all over the country. With competitors like FutureCheer and BCA, she prides her organisation as being one of integrity and primed to safeguard young people.

Pat opens up about the challenges of building consensus in the sector and getting cheerleading the recognition it needed to become an official sport. She has not only been growing UKCA to its now 200,000 affiliated members and 4000 clubs, she has never ceased her campaign to make cheerleading an officially recognised sport in the UK.

What you’ll find out in this week’s episode:

• How Pat’s background in dance led to her building a career from the age of 14
• How she challenged the educational status quo with her first formal employment at 17
• What led to her working with cheerleaders, basketball and fashion in Manchester
• How difficult it has been to categorise cheerleading as an NGB
• How Pat pivoted UKCA competitions with COVID-19 restrictions in place
• Pat’s philosophy, routine, habits and mission for the next five years for UKCA

…and much more!

Connect with Pat Hawkins at the UKCA:

UK Cheerleading Association: https://ukca.org.uk/

Pat also supports Wythenshawe Safespots – a premier organisation for supporting female victims of domestic abuse

Connect with James:

Instagram: @james_ventures

Facebook: Coordinate Sport FB Page

LinkedIn: James Moore

Coordinate Sport: The Drive Phase Podcast