We're representing Sunderland on the international cheerleading stage

The AAA Tigers cheerleading team, who are based at AAA Sports in Southwick, having been awarded a Cheerleading Bid - an exclusive invitation to compete at The European Summit 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal.

A spokesperson for the team said: “A bid isn’t something you can buy - it’s earned through performance, teamwork and skill. Being selected means our small community team has been recognised as one of the most outstanding in the UK, now set to represent both Sunderland and the North East on the international stage.”

The European Summit is one of the biggest and most prestigious cheerleading competitions in Europe, bringing together elite teams from across the continent.

For many of the 16 athletes on the team, it will be their first international competition.

“It’s a huge moment of pride for the girls, their families and coaches, and for our wider community,” added the spokesperson.

They added: “For these 16 girls, cheerleading is more than a sport — it’s a family. It’s teamwork, resilience, and confidence-building. It’s hours of training, pushing through nerves, celebrating each other’s wins, and learning from mistakes together.

“Competing at The European Summit isn’t just about trophies — it’s about showing young athletes that dreams can come true when you believe in yourself and work hard for what you love. We want to show every young person in the North East that no dream is too big and no team is too small to make it to the top.”

The team is now fundraising to get to Lisbon, which will help cover travel, accommodation and competition costs.

They’ve been hosting everything from sponsored walks to bake sales to help boost the fund after have reached more than £450 of their £800 target.

You can help them achieve their goal with donations via their Go Fund Me page.