Home games just got a little more entertaining at a local rugby league club.
Armed with pompoms and bursting with enthusiasm, 11 youngsters take to the field to perform chants and cheers in support of their home team.
They call themselves the Jagetts and they are the first official cheerleaders for the Pakuranga Rugby League Club.
The squad was recruited by Wanita Te Wao, the junior chairperson for the league club, who says she is really excited about the season ahead.
“This is the first season as junior chairperson after being in management of the club for more than 24 years so I really wanted this season to stand out.
“One of the biggest motives for starting this squad was to help get the children who watch their brothers, dads and uncles play every week involved in something themselves,” she says.
Six weeks in and the Jagetts are enjoying learning the fundamentals of cheerleading.
They perform sideline chants during every Pakuranga Rugby League Senior Prems and reserves home game.
At halftime they head to the middle of the field to entertain the crowd with a few of their carefully crafted cheer routines.
None of the girls had ever cheered before but Wanita says they are gaining confidence every day.
Their youngest cheerleader is 3-year-old Ava. The rest of the team are aged between 7 and 10 years old.
“I’m really excited that I’ve started this and I intend to follow through with it for many, many years to come.”
The Jagetts are always looking for new recruits and welcome both boys and girls.
They are also searching for sponsors to help buy the team jackets.
If you would like to join or sponsor the squad you can contact Wanita on 021 2223331 or email wanitatewao76@gmail.com
