Ysterplaat Primary School Majorettes, a development team based in Brooklyn, Cape Town, has been a beacon of hope and growth since its founding in 2017. Under the leadership of coach Luke Ramos, who took over last year and assumed full responsibility at the start of 2024, the team has blossomed in skill, confidence and determination.
Now, as they prepare for the 2024 South African Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (SAMCA) National Championships, the journey feels all the more rewarding.“All our athletes are learners at Ysterplaat Primary, with most hailing from Brooklyn and surrounding areas,” Ramos shared.
“Though their backgrounds are diverse they all face similar financial challenges and majorettes is an expensive sport. Yet their passion and dedication drive them to overcome these hurdles as we work to support and nurture their talent.”
‘Wild card’
With Nationals just around the corner, the Ysterplaat team is ready to take the stage. “It’s been a long, tough season with its fair share of ups and downs,” Ramos reflected. “But the commitment and hard work of these athletes have been truly inspiring. Despite some members coming and going, those who have stayed are proof that perseverance pays off.
”As a first-year coach he admitted there have been many lessons learned along the way. From long after-school practices to giving up Saturdays and holidays the sacrifices have been worth it.
“I jokingly call us the ‘SAMCA Nationals 2024 wild card,’ but in reality we’ve worked hard to earn our spot,” Ramos said with pride. Affiliated with the Western Province Majorettes and Cheerleading Association (WPMCA), the Ysterplaat Majorettes will represent their region at the prestigious National Championships at Erica Park Stadium in Belhar from 23 to 28 September.
Competing against the best teams from across the country, this event is the pinnacle of the majorettes’ calendar. “If majorettes were rugby, this would be our World Cup,” Ramos explained.
Limited resources
However, the road to the nationals hasn’t been without its challenges. With limited resources the team only recently received confirmation of their participation, leaving them scrambling to cover the necessary expenses.
“We need to settle our registration fees, but many of our athletes simply can’t afford it on such short notice,” Ramos explained. In addition to registration, the team still requires uniforms, gloves, and poms for their non-prop group. Despite these hurdles, the team remained hopeful. “Any support we receive for the nationals will not only help us in this immediate event, but will carry over into the next season as well, especially when it comes to uniforms and equipment,” Ramos pointed out.
“A team tracksuit or national T-shirt would also do wonders for morale.”Contributions for lunch, snacks and transportation would be equally valuable for the three-day event, ensuring the team is well-cared for as they compete on the national stage.
For Ysterplaat Primary School Majorettes the nationals are more than just a competition; it’s an opportunity to showcase their hard work and passion, and to prove that with determination and support, even the wild card can shine.
