Welcome to Derby Ravens

The official cheerleading squad representing the University of Derby.

Who are we?

We are a student-led competitive cheerleading team offering a wide range of exciting opportunities in cheerleading. As part of the Ravens Family, you’ll train, learn, compete, and socialise alongside a close-knit team that supports each other every step of the way.

We train multiple times each week and offer teams suited to all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced athletes. Whether you’re looking to develop new skills, compete at a high level, make friends, or be part of a supportive community, there’s a place for you with the Ravens.

We’d love for you to join the Ravens Family!

 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly, supportive, and enthusiastic members to join the Ravens family! With a range of competitive and non-competitive teams, there is a place for everyone, regardless of experience.

Whether you're looking to compete, perform, develop new skills, or make lifelong friends, Derby Ravens offers a welcoming and inclusive environment to help you make the most of your university experience. If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you through our social media channels! 🖤❤️🦅

 

Our Teams

Non-COMPETITIVE TEAMS

Performance Team:

Our Development Team is a welcoming and inclusive team open to athletes of all abilities. Throughout the year, we train and perform at a variety of events, including supporting our BUCS teams with sideline performances, fundraising events, and Varsity. We work together to create exciting routines that showcase a range of skills while celebrating the spirit of our club. This team is also the perfect pathway for athletes looking to develop their cheerleading abilities and progress towards one of our competitive teams in the future.

Pom Team:

Our Pom Team is a non-competitive team that focuses on dance, performance, and teamwork. The team performs at university events, showcases, and other club activities throughout the year. Open to all experience levels, it is a great way to develop your skills, represent the Ravens, and be part of the team without the commitment of competition.

COMPETITIVE TEAMS

STUNT GROUPS

Each stunt group is made up by 4-5 Ravens selected by our coaches during Try-Outs. They compete a 1-minute 15s routines at 2 competitions. 

Competitive level 1 stunt group

Competitive level 2 stunt group

 

COMPETITION TEAM

Our Competition team is made up of up to 20 athletes selected by our coaches during Try-Outs. As our highest-level competitive team, they perform a 2 minute 30 second routine at two competitions each season. This team requires dedication, commitment, and a passion for cheerleading.

 

The Ravens Calendar 📅

Returners Session – Monday 14^th September

8pm-10pm, Kirtley Hall

This session is for returning Ravens only and is a great opportunity to catch up with teammates, refresh the fundamentals, and get ready for another amazing season ahead!

 

Freshers Fair - Tuesday 15th + Wednesday 16th September

9am-3pm, Sports Hall

Freshers Fair is the perfect opportunity to meet the Ravens and learn more about what our club has to offer. Our committee will be on hand to answer any questions, chat about our teams, and help you find the right pathway for you.

Whether you're new to cheerleading or an experienced athlete, we'd love to meet you and welcome you to the Ravens family! 

 

Give it a Go Sessions

GIAG1 - Thursday 17th 7pm-9pm – Kirtley Hall

GIAG2 - Monday 21st 8-10pm – Kirtley Hall

Following Freshers Fair, you'll have the chance to experience what being a Raven is all about! Open to all abilities, this fun and welcoming session will give you the opportunity to try out stunts, jumps, tumbling, and pom while meeting current members and making new friends. It's the perfect way to get involved, learn something new, and see if Derby Ravens is the club for you.

 

Development sessions

DS 1 - 24th September (7-10 Kirtley Hall)

DS 2 -  28th September (8-10 Kirtley Hall)

With the new season commencing, we will be hosting two development sessions for both new and returning athletes. These sessions are designed to cover all the essential fundamentals of cheer, starting from the basics and building confidence across all skill levels. There will be dedicated workshops for flyers, bases, backs, and tumblers to help prepare everyone for try-outs and an incredible season ahead.

For athletes wishing to be considered for a competition team, attendance at both development sessions is compulsory.

 

Try-Outs

1^st October – 7pm-10pm (Kirtley Hall)

Following our development sessions, we will host try-outs for our competition teams. These will take place across two sessions, where both new and returning athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and be considered for their desired team. Try-outs will assess a range of cheerleading abilities, including stunting, tumbling, jumps, and dance.

We are proud to offer opportunities for all athletes, and every Raven who attends try-outs will be placed on at least one team for the season.

 

Competition season

First training session in competition teams - starting Monday 5th October

After tryouts the Competition season begins!! Our competitive teams work hard throughout the year to create routines that they then go on to perform at nation level competitions across the UK.

 

Don’t Miss These Events! 🔥

These events are all in the works! Keep an eye out on our socials for more information.

American dream

American Dream is an American-themed event hosted alongside American Football, where we learn a themed pom and performance routine during our training sessions and perform at the event, It’s a fantastic opportunity to perform, socialise, and experience one of the highlights of the Ravens calendar, with everyone heading out together afterwards.✨

 

Christmas Dinner

The Christmas Dinner is a chance to celebrate the festive season together and dress up before the Christmas break. We enjoy a relaxed sit-down meal as a team, followed by an optional night out for those who want to continue the celebrations. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on the season so far and spend time together outside of training in a fun, social setting. 🎄

Varsity

Varsity is one of the biggest events of the year and can be thought of as a University Sports Day. Each year, we take it in turns to host and visit another university, competing across a range of sports in a fun but competitive atmosphere. This year, the University of Hertfordshire will be visiting Derby.

For cheerleading, we prepare a large showcase routine to demonstrate our skills, including a joint pyramid with both universities, and spend the day supporting and cheering on all the other teams. Following a three-year winning streak against Hertfordshire, we’re hoping to continue our success this year and keep the trophy at Derby!

 

Cheer Awards

Cheer Awards take place at the end of the academic year and are one of the highlights of the Ravens calendar. All members are invited to attend an evening of celebration, where we get dressed up and come together to reflect on everything we’ve achieved throughout the season. It’s a fantastic opportunity to recognise hard work, celebrate successes, and enjoy time together as a team outside of training and competition.

 

Training Times -