The UAE Allstars Cheerleading Team - in pictures

  • The UAE Allstars cheerleading team perform on the beach in Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The UAE Allstars cheerleading team perform on the beach in Dubai. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Head coach Amy Todd goes through some moves with the team as they train at Aspire Gymnastics in Dubai
    Head coach Amy Todd goes through some moves with the team as they train at Aspire Gymnastics in Dubai
  • The team warm up with stretches
    The team warm up with stretches
  • The group practices a move called a prep liberty
    The group practices a move called a prep liberty
  • The Allstars aim to one day represent the UAE at international competitions
    The Allstars aim to one day represent the UAE at international competitions
  • Unfortunately, the team currently do not have enough Emirati members to compete internationally
    Unfortunately, the team currently do not have enough Emirati members to compete internationally
  • To get support from the government, the team needs to have at least three Emiratis on the squad
    To get support from the government, the team needs to have at least three Emiratis on the squad
  • The Allstars cheerleading squad held its first youth camp in March
    The Allstars cheerleading squad held its first youth camp in March
  • At the camp were children aged from 5 to 17
    At the camp were children aged from 5 to 17
  • The group has two practice sessions a week: Tuesdays for adults and Sundays for children
    The group has two practice sessions a week: Tuesdays for adults and Sundays for children
  • There are no other cheerleading teams representing the Middle East as of yet
    There are no other cheerleading teams representing the Middle East as of yet
  • Andy, a cheerleading consultant, takes members through some moves at Aspire Gymnastics
    Andy, a cheerleading consultant, takes members through some moves at Aspire Gymnastics
  • Practices typically take place in Dubai Investments Park
    Practices typically take place in Dubai Investments Park
  • 'We want to show that our sport is inclusive and is enjoyed by every culture. We want to bring the Middle Eastern version of it to the world,' Amy Todd says
    'We want to show that our sport is inclusive and is enjoyed by every culture. We want to bring the Middle Eastern version of it to the world,' Amy Todd says