An Eastbourne Cheerleading team is appealing to the online community to help its members book a place in the prestigious “Future Cheer” competition which is held at the Disneyland Resort, Paris.

Every year competitors from all over Europe descend on the major tourist attraction to showcase their talents in front of an international crowd.

Sussex Stars Cheerleading is hoping to compete in the 2017 event, in what would be the first time the squad has travelled across the channel to perform. The announcement comes just one month after the Stars took second place at the BCA Allstars competition at Eastbourne’s Congress Theatre.

Coach Emma Turner said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the girls to train hard for such an inaugural event in the cheerleading calendar. It is our goal to get them to Paris although we appreciate not every parent has the funds to be able to send their child to another country for competition.”

The PE and dance teacher went on to say: “We are asking people to ‘Wish Upon a Sussex Star’ via our ‘Go Fund Me’ page so we can spread the word and hopefully receive some donations to help get as many of our girls to Paris as possible.”

Emma and fellow coach, Caroline Thomas train girls from ages seven to 14 in a sport which combines gymnastics and dance. They are always keen to hear from potential new members.

Should the squad reach its target to get to Disneyland Paris, it would tie in with the club’s tenth anniversary. Coaches Emma and Caroline can think of no better way of celebrating, than shaking their pom poms in the Disney parade with the rest of the Sussex Stars.

Sussex Stars is aiming to raise £4000 by this time next year, to help get the girls to Paris. The donation page is https://www.gofundme.com/tadqsma8 Videos of the cheerleading group’s winning BCA routine can be found on Facebook and YouTube by searching for Sussex Stars Cheerleading.