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
The team warm up with stretches
The group practices a move called a prep liberty
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
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
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
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
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
