Cheerleading

Welcome to Derby Ravens

The official cheerleading squad representing the University of Derby.

Who are we?

We are a student led competitive cheerleading team offering a wide range of exciting opportunities within Cheerleading. We are a close knit family that learns, trains and socialises together multiple times a week.

We offer 7 teams that are suited to all abilities and we would love for you to be a part of the Ravens Family.

COMPETITIVE TEAMS

Competitive Level 1 Team

New for the 24/25 season! Our passionate and qualified coaches select 15-20 members during Try-outs, this team is made up of both Freshers and Returners. This is a development team that is really well suited to those who are new to cheer but would love to participate at a competitive level. Over the year, they will perform a level 1 routine at 2 competitions as well as varsity. This team requires those who are committed, passionate and willing to learn. Expect to form amazing friendships which offer an outlet to University Life.

Competitive Level 2 Team

A slightly smaller group of Ravens made up of mostly returners that are selected by our coaches during Try-Outs. This team perform a Level 2 routine at 3 competitions over the year. This is our most advanced team that requires a real passion and dedication to the sport, forming amazing friendships and an outlet to university life.

 

STUNT GROUPS

competitive level 1 stunt group

competitive level 2 stunt group

 

competitive level 3 stunt group

Our Stunt Groups range from levels 1-3 and are made up of pods of 4-5 Ravens. Our qualified coaches work alongside each pod to develop routines within their ability level that are performed at competitions, showcases and sideline performances throughout the year. Stunt is an amazing opportunity to really focus on the stunting elements of cheer, without the pressure of learning tumbles and jumps.

 

NON-COMPETITIVE TEAMS

Performance Team

This is a social team where all abilities are welcome. We train for multiple events throughout the year such as supporting our BUCS Teams with sideline performances, fundraising events and Varsity. We work together to perform creative routines with a variety of skill levels, celebrating and showcasing our amazing club!

Pom Team

This is a non competitive social team, where all abilities are welcome. We train for multiple events throughout the year such as supporting our BUCS Teams with sideline and half time performances, fundraising events and Varsity. Our main focus is creating fun and entertaining pom routines with a mix of stunting in collaboration with the Performance team.

 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly, supportive, and positive members! Derby Ravens offer a range of both competitive and non-competitive teams for you to choose from to best fit with what you want to get out of your university experience.

We want individuals who love being part of a team as much as we do, with the willingness and commitment to learn and improve. The Derby Ravens is a welcoming and inclusive family, so if you have any further questions, please reach out to us on any of our social media platforms, we would love to hear from you!

 

Our year at a glance

 

Freshers Fair

 

Tuesday 17th + Wednesday 18th Septmeber

Freshers Fair is a great opportunity for you to come and meet us and find out more about the Ravens.

Our committee will be there to answer any questions you might have, as well as showcase what we offer as a club.

As a whole this event is an amazing, relaxed opportunity to settle into Uni life and find out a bit about our Team. We would love to see you there!

 

Give it a go

 

GIAG1 - Thursday 19th 5:30-7pm - Sports Hall

GIAG2 - Monday 23rd 8-10pm - Kirtley

GIAG3 - Thursday 26th 5:30-6:30pm - Sports Hall

After Freshers Fair Week, you will get the chance to have a go at cheering with us. No matter your experience, you will get involved with Stunts, Jumps and Tumbles. It will be a fun, friendly and laid back session for you to see what being a Raven is all about.

 

Welcome session 

 

 

Thursday 26th September 7-8:30pm - Kirtley hall

A relaxed and informative session where you can meet the committee, learn the basics of cheer, note down key dates and become familiar with what a year on the Ravens will entail.

 

Returners session

 

 

Returners session 8:30-10pm - Kirtley hall

This will be a session to returning Ravens only. It will be a great chance to catch up and recap the basics ready for a new, amazing season!

 

Development sessions

 

 

DS 1 - 30th September (8-10 Kirtley Hall)

DS 2 - 1st October (7-9 Atrium)

DS 3 - 3rd October (5:30-7 Sports Hall) (7-10 Kirley Hall)

DS 4 - 7th October (8-10 Kirtley Hall)

DS 5 - 10th October (5:30-6:30 Sports Hall)

With the new season commencing, we will be hosting 5 development sessions for both new and returning athletes. These sessions will be compulsory and start from the basics, recapping all the essential fundamentals of cheer. There will be dedicated workshops for flyers, bases, backs and tumblers to best prepare everyone for try-outs and an incredible season. We cannot wait to see you there! 🧡💙

                                

Try-Outs

 

Thursday 10th (7-10 Kirtley Hall) + Monday 14th October (8-10 Kirtley Hall)

After a few weeks of development sessions, we will host Try-Outs. This will span over two sessions where both freshers and returners will try-out for their desired team. All Ravens will make at least one team and the try-outs will involve a mix of stunting, tumbling, jumping and dancing.

 

Competition season

 

first training session in competition teams - Starting Thursday 17th October 

After tryouts the Competition season begins!! Our competitive teams work hard throughout the year to create routines that they then go on to perform at nation level competitions across the UK.

 

Events to look out for

These events are all in the works! Keep an eye out on our socials for more information.

American dream

This is an American themed event that takes place in Popworld. We learn the routine in pom + performance sessions and perform it to other societies and students. It’s a great experience and everyone goes out after.

 

Christmas Dinner

The Christmas dinner is a chance to celebrate and dress up before the Christmas Break. We have a sit down meal, and those that fancy it head out afterwards.

 

Varsity

Think of Varsity as a Uni Sports Day! It is one of the best events of the year where we take it in turns to visit the Uni and compete in different sports. This year we are visiting Hertfordshire Uni . We prepare a big routine to show off our skills and create a pyramid with both teams. We then support the rest of the teams through the day.

 

Cheer Awards

At the end of the Academic Year we host Cheer Awards. Every member is invited and It’s a great chance to get all dressed up and look back at everything we have accomplished throughout the year.

 

Tour

This is an optional holiday open to anyone on the Team - #RAVENSONTOUR. Last year we went to Spain for 5 days. Lots of different societies all went together. We showed off our cheer skills as well has having a go at different sports. It is an amazing experience and you make friendships for life!

 

Bournemouth 7’s

This is an annual sports and music festival held in Bournemouth, UK. It's renowned for combining competitive sports tournaments with live music and entertainment, attracting thousands of participants and spectators each year!! We are hoping to have a travel team new for the 24/25 season who will train throughout april and may and then go on to compete at bournemouth 7's at the end of May :)

 

Training Times -