"Cheerleading is an athletic discipline; it's not about pom poms," states Sarah Tierney.

The qualified British Cheerleading Association coach, who set up The Jets cheerleading group a number of years ago explains that it is a difficult sport that requires a high level of fitness and dedication. A former member of the Lakeland Marinettes, she took over that group after her mother retired 10 years ago. Initially, Sarah turned it into a dance group, before deciding that Fermanagh girls should give the age-old-American hobby a go.

Cheerleading is "huge" across the world, Sarah reports, particularly in America, where it originates.

With 80 members, The Jets are divided into three groups; The Teenies (aged five - 10); Varsity and Junior Varsity (two groups aged 11 and over). They train once a week and must do their own stretches every day.

"It's so important to warm up before training or a performance and to warm down afterwards. It's equally important that the girls do their stretches each day in order to stay limber; particularly those who go on top of the arrangement," Sarah says.

As well as that, many of the members attend a gymnastics class each week to increase stamina and flexibility. "They love it; particularly the stumping (pyramid routines)," Sarah reports.

A total of 22 of the local cheerleaders have arrived in America to under-go a four-day intensive cheerleading training camp. They left on Tuesday to attend Pine Forest Cheerleading Camp in the Pennsylvanian Poconos Mountains. There, they can expect to learn extreme routines where they will add "explosive stunts, jumps, or tumbling to the last five eight counts of the routine" they will learn at camp. In addition, they will learn new drum cadence choreography, plus exciting hip hop routines. Sarah added: "7,000 cheerleaders attend that camp over the summer months where they can learn the most up-to-date routines and skills." The camp also focuses on team-building and life skills. "They will be working from 7am to 7pm so it's very intensive, hard work," Sarah explained. The group will take a few days after camp to see the sights of the Big Apple and to relax.

Back home, they will be "gearing up for their next big competition"; the 21st Century Cheer competition in Galway on 9 November. They also perform at parades, village festivals and have performed at Ballinamallard's Ferney Park.

As for Sarah's own fitness routine, she cites running as a great way to keep in shape and to enhance stamina. "Some of the girls run with me to build strength and stamina, particularly before a competition." Sarah is helped by fellow-coaches Majella and Hannah and The Jets will be recruiting in September, so make sure to keep an eye on Jets Cheerleading facebook page.