A CHEERLEADING squad is hoping to raise £10,000 to give its members a special floor for their flips and tricks.

Swindon Lightning recently moved into its new home in Cheney Manor, but the girls are having to use old equipment to practice on which are not competition standard.

Special soft-sprung mats, which make it safer for Lightning’s dancers to perform, are what the group wants to provide as they will emulate a competition scenario.

Danielle Foye, a member of the cheerleading fundraising team, said: “The importance of having something of this quality in the new home would make all the difference.

“It would make training productive and rewarding on a whole new scale as it will give the girls opportunities to develop as they will be adapting to a professional mat every session.”

Danielle added: “The cheerleaders thoroughly deserve to have something like this as they are extremely hard working.

“It would make such a difference.”

The club was founded in 2011 by Millie Little, a schoolteacher, but it does not fall under the umbrella of any recognised sports funding body, so it must rely on grants, funding applications and fees from parents.

There are seven teams for all ages that are based and coached at the venue.

In the past year they have received accolades within the sport and were named over all grand champions at the Cheer Sports Wales competition.

To build on this success and for their cheerleaders to progress the organisers and everyone involved believe having these new mats are essential.

Danielle along with other committee members are organising a family race night to raise money for the Swindon lightning cheerleading club.

The event will be held on November 9 at The Southbrook Inn which has been donated for free by the owners of the pub.

There will be a raffle on the night and the group hopes local businesses will donate to their cause.

Danielle said: “We are hoping to raise the funds within 12 months, that would be the dream.

“But if anyone would be kind enough to sponsor us then that would also be hugely appreciated.”

The club is currently free taster sessions for the whole month of September.

Anyone interested in helping should contact the group via e-mail at admin@swindonlightning.com