A TOP cheerleading team says it is facing a real financial struggle - and is desperately searching for a major sponsor.Leaders of Felixstowe-based Team Spirit say they never turn away any youngster wanting to learn how to be a cheerleader, but many parents are finding it hard to pay the costs involved to keep the group running.

A TOP cheerleading team says it is facing a real financial struggle - and is desperately searching for a major sponsor.

Leaders of Felixstowe-based Team Spirit say they never turn away any youngster wanting to learn how to be a cheerleader, but many parents are finding it hard to pay the costs involved to keep the group running.

“We seem to be facing increasing costs and it is getting a little bit expensive - while many parents are happy to pay, there are many who cannot afford it,” said troupe organiser Bonny Healey.

“We never turn a child away and we don't stigmatise children - whatever background they come from they are welcome to join us and play an important role.

“But it is becoming a struggle because everything is costing more - insurance, travel costs, outfits, entrance fees, equipment, practice facilities - and if we could just find a sponsor it would make everything so much easier.”

Team Spirit, which currently trains at Orwell Park School, Nacton, was formed three years ago and its squad of 40 boys and girls aged five to 21 have already enjoyed success at national level.

They have won trophies at the British Cheerleading Association championships, and performed in the Paul O'Grady TV talent show You've Got Talent and also at Her Majesty's Theatre London.

The group has also been invited to perform in America after being spotted by talent scouts.

Miss Healey said they had been trying to find a sponsor but with little success so far.

“Realistically, we probably need about £5,000 but at this stage any help would be wonderful. We would work with the sponsors to give them as much publicity as we can and we perform at events all over the region and across the country,” she said.

The troupe had held a special cabaret night for business leaders to see the cheerleaders in action and find out more about how they can help with companies asked to sponsor Cheer Bricks ranging from £50 to £1,000. This raised about £400.

If you would like to sponsor Team Spirit or find out more, contact Bonny Healey on 0784 699 2652.

What do you think of cheerleading? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk