WHO ARE WE
Marquette’s Baton Twirlers and Cheerleaders was formed in January 1999. Set up by Anita and Jim Cornish, the family (along with daughter Charlotte – an enthusiastic athlete) realised there was a gap in the provision of opportunities for young people who were keen twirlers and particularly interested in taking part in competitions, alongside fetes and other community events. Originally opened as Downham Market Majorettes, we work to engage with young people, realising there are many skills that can be gained through this sport. By offering these sessions and opportunities to young people in Downham Market and the surrounding areas, our members have the chance to gain confidence, whilst also understanding and building their knowledge of team work and leadership. Furthermore, with the lack of provision of youth services in Downham Market, by offering these sessions, it offers somewhere for young people to go which is safe, affordable, fun and off the street. Marquette’s Baton Twirlers and Cheerleaders is run by a steering group (details of which can be found at the bottom of the page).
General Training – Tuesdays 6pm to 8pm at Downham Academy
Athletes under the age of 16 must be collected from inside the academy by a parent or guardian. If you intend for someone else to collect your child, please inform a member of the steering group before the session begins. If your child is unable to attend training for any reason, please contact a member of the steering group in advance.
Please note: smoking is not permitted and dogs are not allowed on the Downham Academy grounds. Other evening classes take place at Downham Academy, please be respectful when arriving/leaving the site.
Please ensure that athletes arrive on time in suitable training wear (see training wear section below) with their baton. We ask that athletes pay attention to the coach in charge of their session, respect their coaches and other athletes.
Parents – We must be out of the Academy by 8.15pm, please arrive on time to collect your child; as we are charged hall hire, we may get charges if we have to wait around. Sessions end at 8pm, please allow 5 minutes for sessions to be dismissed. Please ensure paperwork and payments are returned by the set deadlines, failure to comply may mean your child cannot take part in events, competitions or exams.
We ask that parents and students remember that Marquettes is supposed to be a safe place for athletes to come and feel good about themselves. Every student progresses at their own pace and every student will achieve their own personal level of accomplishment. Berating another child or your own for what they do or do not achieve can be detrimental in the long run.
•Always adhere to the dress code
Club Fees – We aim to accommodate all young people and therefore charge a fee which is significantly smaller than that of other clubs of this nature. We charge £3.75 per session, which is collected in advance on a monthly basis. We ensure to notify you of each payment by monthly invoice sent to you via email or handed to you/your athlete at training. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable, we must still cover our training costs (hall hire, club insurance) even if your child does not attend training. If a training night is cancelled beyond our control that night’s fees will be transferred to another night.
Between May and September athletes are given the opportunity to display their talent and skill at local events. We attend approximately one event per month. We ask for as much support as possible for these displays and are always in need of tombola donations and volunteers to help run our stall.
Chairman – Jim Cornish
Required Training Wear & Equipment
Athletes are required to dress appropriately for the sport, they also need to demonstrate that they are prepared and ready for each class and presented in a professional manner. Athletes training wear must be comfortable, flexible and appropriate.
LOST PROPERTY
All dancewear should be clearly labelled with the athlete's name. Lost property will be collected and held by the steering group until the end of term, after this time unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
INJURIES & ILLNESS
Should an athlete turn up to train injured or ill please inform the coach prior to classes starting. The coach will decide if it is appropriate for the athlete to train and may alter training to suit the athlete where possible.
If an injury is sustained during training, all steering group members and coaches have been first aid trained and appropriate action will be taken. You will be informed of all incidents at the end of training.
DISCIPLINERY