Scottish Claymores - American Football in Scotland

Girls on film - Claymores Cheerleaders show twirl power in BBC Show

Tune in the TV and set the video! The Scottish Claymores Cheerleaders give a rare inside look into the world of professional cheerleading in a new BBC documentary which airs next week

Twirl Power was filmed at the end of the 2003 Claymores season and is part of BBC Scotland's respected Ex-S documentary series.

Filmed by independent production company Caledonia Sterne and Wyld, the girls are followed around their homes, workplaces and in training for last year's World Bowl final at Hampden Park.

From a rainy Hampden backfield party to a North Sea oil rig, we see exactly what's involved in being a professional cheerleader and how it affects the girls' lives.

We see how friendships are built and the strict rules involved in representing the Scottish Claymores and the NFL Europe league.

The film crew were granted unlimited access to the girls and we see behind the scenes footage from the Claymores games, cheer practice sessions and promotional appearances.

Cheerleading manager Debbie Jackson said, "It was strange at first, having cameras following us around everywhere, but we quickly forgot about them, so what you see in the film is exactly how it is.

"It's such a diverse bunch of girls that we have, and the film shows that. It also shows how hard the girls work and what a huge part of their lives the Claymores organisation is.

"You see what it's like getting ready for the big game, the performances and the unique experiences the girls have."

But it's not all glamour - the girls are seen battling with the terrible rain at the last game of the season.

Says Debbie, "The cameras caught the girls looking less than perfect in the Scottish rain, but that's the reality of cheering in Scotland. "Fortunately we made up for that with a scorching World Bowl!"

Twirl Power airs on Tuesday February 17 at 10.35pm on BBC One Scotland.

12 Feb, 04 | 10:11 am

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