Loughton cheerleaders have beaten American counterparts at their own game by winning a competition in Florida.

Casablanca Cheer’s Gravity team travelled to the US Finals competition at the weekend and were crowned champions in their class on Sunday (March 12).

The team of nine to 14-year-olds competed in Pensacola after winning a qualification round at the British Cheerleading Association National Championships last year.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The triumphant team in their white winner's jackets

Head coach Carli Bacon, 26, runs the group with her brother Daniel and assistant coaches Sasha Thompson and Frankie Crowther.

She said: “We are just in shock, we never expected to win.

“America is the home of cheerleading and we are just a small team from Loughton, we never expected to get anywhere.”

She added: “All the children are so happy.

“We said to them just come and do your best – to win, is just great.

“The children and all the coaches are so hardworking, it is completely deserved – just unexpected.

“The children are so dedicated.

“There has been a lot of support from parents as well.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

Casablanca's coaching team in Florida

Team members and supporters on social media reacted with shock to the victory, with many claiming Casablanca are leading the way for British cheerleading.

Contestant Carmela Ferrari, 14, said: “All the American teams were so good to watch and so talented, we never expected to do so well.

“We did our best ever routine”

Eva-Lynn Hales, 9, added: “I cannot believe it, it feels awesome.

“Cheerleading is my life and it feels so good to win.”

Epping Forest Guardian:

The stage at the US Finals in Florida

Peter Moore, father of cheerleader Grace, 11, said: “They train most nights, it is obviously a great deal of commitment but this makes it all worthwhile.

“I am very proud and glad all the training has paid off.

“Nobody expected us to go to America and win, but we did and it proves that it is as strong here as it is in America.”