Traitors star Theo reveals why he wants more kids and teens to have chance to cheer in Leeds
As the Government bans social media for under-16s, here’s why Traitors star Theo thinks kids should try cheerleading 📣
A star of BBC reality show The Traitors has shared his hopes to move his cheerleading club to Cross Green to expand sports opportunities for kids and teens in Leeds.
Theo Mayne, who took part in series one of the smash-hit reality gameshow, is the founder of Mayne Allstars, a competitive cheerleading team based in Fearnville Leisure Centre.
However, as the cheerleading group have “outgrown” Fearnville Leisure Centre, which is set to undergo redevelopment, Mayne Allstars is now looking for a new permanent base to train its athletes.
Leeds-born Theo wants this new home to be in Cross Green, an area he feels lacks positive environments for children and teenagers.
“Cross Green is one of the most deprived areas of Leeds. Over recent years, the area has seen continuous industrial development, with warehouses and business units being built across the estate,” Theo told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“While investment and economic growth are welcome, there appears to be very little consideration given to facilities and opportunities for local children and young people.”
Leeds-born Theo discovered cheerleading at 17-years-old and since then has “never looked back”.
Theo said: “ It helped me become who I am today as a confident gay male.
“It’s a safe sport to help you be who you want to be and enjoy something that’s very different.”
Since 2018, the TV star has proudly run Mayne Allstars which enables children aged five and up to build their confidence, teamwork, and resilience through cheerleading.
The club takes part in “electrifying” competitions in the UK and abroad and they train to develop technical skills in dance, jumps, tumble, and acrobatics.
As well as this, the club is set to be featured in an upcoming docuseries spotlighting the “fantastic sport” of cheerleading.
As the Government has announced a social media ban for under-16s, Theo believes activities like cheerleading are now more important than ever.
“What’s going to happen to our youth? What are the Government going to provide for them instead of social media because right now they’re hooked on it?”
Mayne Allstars offers a chance to socialise away from technology and it prides itself on being “one of the cheapest teams in the region” so it can be accessible to as many people as possible.
The cheerleading club aims to move to Cross Green to further widen this access as soon as they can find a suitable location where a landlord will accept them.
Once Mayne Allstars relocates, Theo plans to turn the business into a Community Interest Company (CIC) to create further positive opportunities beyond cheerleading.
“It wouldn't just be a home to Mayne Allstars - we want to open our space up to dance schools, family morning meetings, and other things.
“Not everybody wants to be a rugby player or a boxer but right now that’s the only thing that’s really offered in the area.
“We need something different and something unique.”