In Yekaterinburg, cheerleaders were selected for the clubs "Avtomobilist" and UGMK.

      In Yekaterinburg, a selection of girls for the cheerleading team (support group) of the men's hockey club "Avtomobilist" and the women's basketball club UGMK took place, reports the EAN agency. One of the experts was choreographer and dancer Michelle Alikina, the wife of "Avtomobilist" goalkeeper Evgeny Alikin.

      More than 200 applications were submitted for the casting. The selection process took place in several stages. First, the candidates filled out questionnaires. Then they participated in a general warm-up with young dancer Dima Pele (his videos are gaining thousands of views, writes EAN) and began learning dance routines. In the final stage, the participants presented their choreographic number, which they had managed to prepare, to the jury.

      As the head of the support group, Olga Davydova, explained, the preparation of cheerleaders includes not only physical training and choreography but also psychological work.

      According to her, many girls come to the team lacking confidence, but over time they become more liberated and learn to perform confidently in front of a large audience.

      Thus, this work provides girls with not only sports skills but also helps them develop personally.

      "Like professional athletes, we have a training system and even a nutrition system. This is already a way of life, not just a hobby or pastime," the mentor noted.

      "Technique, charisma, and energy are important to fill a huge stadium. Additionally, character and the ability to work in a team are crucial," Michelle Alikina explained about the requirements their work places on cheerleaders.

      At the same time, the lack of sports experience in gymnastics or acrobatics does not close the door to cheerleading. As a result of the casting, the participants will join the team that will perform in the new season at the home matches of the clubs.