In stark contrast to the bicycles and Gothic  courts of this institution, stand  the ever energetic, scantily clad girls (and boys) who make up the “Cambridge Cougars” Cheerleading Society.

To the bemused tourist, this lively and interesting group must look more like the cast of an American teen film than Cambridge students. Yet, the 45 or so members, of whom four are male, call Cambridge home. They are a lively bunch who enjoy outings to Thorpe Park and nights out in Cambridge. However, it’s not all fun and drink: although the majority of members have never done cheerleading before their first training session, members of the squad work their way up  “quite a steep learning curve” according to Cally Humphrey, one of this year’s coaches.

The squad was started three years ago by Alison Berner from Jesus College. From humble beginnings as a College society it became University-wide just a year later and has since flourished, with the squad crowned ICC British National Open Champion in Senior Co-Educational Cheer Division 2 this year. The squad also claimed third place in the BCA University Championships Co-Educational Cheer Division 2 and second place in the same competition’s Co-Educational Group Stunt, both in 2009.

However, the work doesn’t stop at the execution of routines, which must incorporate a variety of elements, including basket tosses and tumbles, but extends to choreography, which is entirely brought to fruition by students too. According to Humphrey, “inspiration mostly comes from American teams but we try to be creative and original to stand out at competitions.”

The squad, clad in turquoise and white, boast a bevy of supporters who, irony aside, cheer them on at competitions and events. The squad’s Facebook group is a testament to its popularity. A constant hive of activity, it is awash with members posting such claims as, “Last night was INSANE! GO CAMBRIDGE!” Let’s just hope for competition’s sake that their days this year are as memorable as their nights.

Humphrey would urge all interested parties, “no matter what their year, gender or level of experience”, to come to training. It’s never too late to become enthusiastic, after all.