A group of talented young athletes will be jetting across the globe to put their skills to the test on one of the world’s biggest stages.

Six members of Solid Rock Cheer and Gym in Linwood will take on some of the world’s best young athletes at the ICU World Championships in Orlando next year.

The group of gymnasts and dancers — who are all aged between 12 and 15 — will take on teams from countries such as Australia, China, Africa and Japan while representing Scotland in the event in the US.

Youngsters Carys Sloan, 12, Cara Johnston, 13, Conan Rooney, 13, Hollie David, 14, Olivia McCormack, 14, and 15-year-old Abbey Campbell will fly out to Florida with coaches Gillian Rock and Suzanne Stewart in April next year.

Conan Rooney has been called up to the national squad
Conan Rooney has been called up to the national squad

Proud coach, Gillian, who owns the gym with her sister Suzanne, praised the group for their hard work.

She said: “This is a fantastic achievement for all of them.

“They have worked so hard to get their place.

“And it’s amazing that all of them managed to get a spot to go.

“They all picked which team they wanted to try out for and they all got their slot on the teams they wanted.

“It’s such a long process to get picked and they have to do a lot or practice and training so they deserve this so much.”

Solid Rock specialises in gymnastics, cheerleading, pom dance and hip hop and has over 350 pupils from across Renfrewshire and beyond who attend classes at the Napier Street facility.

Solid Rock Cheer and Gym dancers will represent Scotland at the World Championships
Solid Rock Cheer and Gym dancers will represent Scotland at the World Championships

Members regularly compete in competitions all over the country, and have even enjoyed World Championship success in previous years.

Four pupils attended the World Event as part of the national team in the previous two years.

Gillian says taking part in events helps the youngsters develop valuable skills.

She added: “Taking part in competitions like this really helps build their confidence, especially as they are so young.

Carys Sloan will fly the flag for Solid Rock Cheer at the tournament
Carys Sloan will fly the flag for Solid Rock Cheer at the tournament

“It is a unified team Scotland which means it is made up of young people from all over the country.

“They make so many new friends and it is such a fun and great experience for them working alongside other dancers.”