PfP donates £3,000 to Radcliffe School’s Cheerleading Club

Places for People (PfP) is delighted to announce its sponsorship of Radcliffe School’s cheerleading team, contributing £3,000 to help keep the club free for students.  

As part of PfP’s commitment to creating and supporting thriving communities, this sponsorship ensures the team can continue to flourish, providing every student with the opportunity to take part in this dynamic and enriching extracurricular programme.  

Radcliffe School, located near PfP’s Meadowside development in Stony Stratford, initially launched the Cheerleading Club to close the gap between children with differing socio-economic barriers. The school was aware that socio-economic barriers were also present in clubs outside of school, with membership fees and transport costs being unrealistic for families.

Recognising that a growing number of girls were disengaged from PE and physical activity, with many of them struggling with school socially and emotionally, the school partnered with local club, First Class Athletics. This collaboration allows the club to operate within the school, fostering a supportive environment while creating pathways for students to join First Class Athletics at discounted rates or through scholarships. The discipline, teamwork, resilience, trust, and sense of belonging that a cheerleading club brings, has been the vehicle for re-engagement.  

Sammie Steele, Regional Managing Director for London of Placemaking at Places for People Developments comments: “At PfP, we are passionate about creating thriving communities and supporting initiatives that have a real, lasting impact. When speaking to the Radcliffe team, it was clear that all involved are very passionate about this cause and their devotion to providing additional support to their students is admirable. As the UK’s leading social enterprise, and with a Leisure business that serves over one million customers a year, we know how important access to affordable health and wellbeing activities is to sustain a thriving community and open doors for young people.  We are delighted to contribute to the future of this outstanding Cheerleading Club and highlight our commitment to supporting young people in the community; ensuring extracurricular opportunities remain accessible to all students, regardless of their background.”  

Deputy Head, Steve Truan comments: “The impact of the Cheerleading Club has been truly transformative. It has provided our students with opportunities they never thought possible—building resilience and teamwork. This sponsorship from PfP will allow us to continue making a difference in these young people’s lives, ensuring they can compete, grow, and thrive.”  

The school could not be more pleased with the club’s impact. It has 78 weekly attendees, with nineteen girls now members of First Class Athletics and can attend through scholarship and discounted routes. Staff training has also enabled the school to integrate cheerleading into the curriculum and there is now a far greater percentage of girls participating in weekly lessons. Last year, the team competed in a national school competition, achieving runners-up status.  

While the club has secured funding from the Youth Sport Trust until April 2025, concerns remain about its long-term sustainability. With no confirmation on the continuation of the Trust’s three-year LEAP programme, PfP’s sponsorship will play a vital role in covering coaching fees for the next year, ensuring the club remains free for all students. 

This sponsorship is a testament to PfP’s commitment to empowering young people, breaking down financial barriers, and fostering a sense of community. The Radcliffe School Cheerleading Club is not just about cheerleading; it is about opportunity, inclusivity, and giving students the confidence to reach new heights. 

Looking ahead, PfP is committed to strengthening its partnership with Radcliffe School by exploring opportunities for work experience and career-focused initiatives, helping students bridge the gap between education and future employment.