A TEENAGER who has been selected to represent England for the World Championships in cheerleading is aiming to reach new heights.

Ruby Bettis, 14, is set to represent Team England in cheer at the upcoming ICU World Championships in the USA which kicks off in Orlando in April. 

She is part of the Adaptive Abilities Cheer team which brings together both disabled and non-disabled athletes to create an inclusive routine which includes stunts, dance and tumbling

Ruby, who is from Cirencester, said: “I’ve only been cheerleading for three years but I instantly fell in love with the sport. 

“I am just so excited to represent my country at Worlds. It is a dream come true.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Ruby Bettis is set to represent Team England in cheer at the upcoming ICU World Championships in April Ruby Bettis is set to represent Team England in cheer at the upcoming ICU World Championships in April (Image: Ella Bettis)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Ruby practicing with her team Ruby practicing with her team (Image: Ella Bettis)

However, the sport is expensive with costs in the region of £2500. 

Despite cheerleading being recently recognised by the International Olympic Committee, Ruby's family are not eligible for any funding or grants within the UK. 

They have set up a GoFundMe fundraising page to support Ruby. 

Ruby started her journey at the Cotswolds Gymnastics School at the age of seven where she fell in love tumbling. 

She began cheerleading at the Cirencester Elite Academy before transferring to the Angels Dance Academy in Bristol, where she earned a spot on Team England AA.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Ruby and her Team England Adaptive Abilities Cheer team Ruby and her Team England Adaptive Abilities Cheer team (Image: Ella Bettis)

Proud older sister Ella said: “This opportunity for the World Championships has been Ruby’s dream since starting the sport. 

“Since cheerleading has been announced as an official Olympic sport, this has only become more apparent.

“As a big sister, I could not be more proud of what Ruby has achieved and I can’t wait to see how far she goes.”

"It gives me a great sense of pride"

Ella’s partner Samuel Richardson has also been selected as a member of Team England hip hop competing at the ICU World Championships. 

Samuel's team finished second at the last world championships in 2022 and is now hoping to become a World Champion.

“I got into dance at a very young age and it gradually became my life rather than just a hobby,” he said. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Samuel Richardson is set to represent Team England in hip hip at the upcoming ICU World Championships in April Samuel Richardson is set to represent Team England in hip hip at the upcoming ICU World Championships in April (Image: Ella Bettis)

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Samuel Richardson with Team England hip hopSamuel Richardson with Team England hip hop (Image: Ella Bettis)

“It feels amazing to represent my country at worlds with Team England hip hop and it gives me a great sense of pride to be doing it alongside my team.”

An expensive sport 

Ella added: "Cheerleading is very expensive and there is a lot needed to compete at such a high level.

"This includes travel, accommodation, specialist trainers, competition uniform, entry fees, training kit and insurances. 

“The travel, hotel and kit will be in the region of £2,500 alone.  

“With Ruby being 14 years old this responsibility falls to my parents. 

“The team themselves are fundraising, but there is no way they will be able to fully support each individual athlete.

“Sam, being an adult, is able to support himself in paying for his Worlds trip despite this being an expensive sport. 

“We have set up a GoFundMe to support Ruby in her journey. 

“We encourage any local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring Ruby or Sam individually to get in contact.”

You can donate to Ruby’s GoFundMe, here - https://tinyurl.com/22u37ver