'Hey! I'm Steph and I am dance captain for the Flames this year! Last year we had an amazing experience when we became Grand National Champions and then went on to win 1st place at internationals as well. I think I speak for all of the girls when I say that we all felt so proud to be a part of the dance squad and to be representing the Flames.

It is my job this year to make sure that we continue to show off exactly what we can do and have loads of fun in the process!! After all, that is what cheer is all about :-)

I will be choreographing dance routines for competitions and game days, and teaching dance class on Mondays from 6-8 in the activity hall. Whether you are dedicated to competing or just want to come along to class and have fun making new friends, this is the place to be!!

I look forward to another fantastic year with the Flames and cant wait to meet all the freshers!! Joining the Essex Flames was the best decision I made last year!! Its given me confidence, allowed me to improve my skills in both dance and stunt (which I was completely new to as most people are) and has blessed me with friends that I know are for life! So come give the cheer life a try... I promise you wont ever look back!'

Steph xXx

Hi my name is MJ and I am the president of the Essex Flames cheerleading squad. I am a third year student studying accounting and Finance. My position involves running the club as smoothly as possible by overlooking all of the committee member's tasks and to sort out the clubs competitions, training and liaising with the university and sports centre to ensure everything is in order.

I started cheerleading two years ago when I came to the university and loved it from the first session I went to. It was really good for helping keep fit; it was fun and great for meeting new people. I have made so many lifelong friends through cheer, including friends from the American football team whom we cheer for.

There is always something fun and exciting going on in the club, whether it is days and nights out, game days, competitions, or helping raise money for charity. There is something fun for everyone to get involved in which is one of the reasons why I joined.

I love cheerleading as it incorporates all the sports I loved when I was younger. I used to do gymnastics, dance and trampolining but never had enough time to do all three, now I can enjoy aspects of all three sports in one I love even more.

Although I had some dance and gymnastics experience when I was younger, the majority of the people on the squad have never done anything in the past that would give them any experience towards cheerleading. Anyone and everyone can join cheerleading, there is no experience needed.

Some people think of cheerleading as a certain stereotype, but it's not, all I can say is come and try it yourself and see how it can change your life at uni.

Hey all! I’m Izzy and for this year I’ve been given the honour of being your Squad Captain! Basically, I am in charge of the American Football games that the Flames go to support at on Sundays. The Flames started as a team that only went to cheer for the Blades, the American football team, so it’s really important that we remember our roots. American football games can seem really daunting as when I first started I didn’t understand the game at all! But that’s what I’m here for, to help you out, to make sure you understand what you’re doing on Sundays, to make them as fun as they should be and to get you nice and drunk afterwards! Games are a great way to bond with not only the other Flames you stand at the sidelines with, but also the Blades. Only one last thing to say, welcome to the Flames, it’s the best decision you could have made at uni! Lots of cheerie love, Izzy .x.