When I was at school I was more into running around in the mud and getting my ankles battered while playing hockey than shaking my pom poms.

In fact, I don't think cheerleading classes even existed back then.

I'm sure I can safely say America is responsible for the current cheerleading craze, with films like Bring It On fuelling young people's desire to dress up and cheer for their favourite team.

But it's not all lipstick and ra-ra skirts, as Kirklees physical activity development officer and Whitcliffe Mount cheerleading coach Sandeep 'Sunny' Grewal, explained.

"It's a common misconception that cheerleaders are just girls in short skirts and make-up, but a lot of boys take part too," she said.

"We originally set up our classes to get teenage girls more active and to encourage them take up an exercise class through the week, where they can go and learn something new and have a lot of fun.

"When Tom came to watch one day he asked if he could have a go and we didn't want to turn him away so he joined the squad as well!

"Cheerleading is great because it's really good exercise and it's also a massive confidence booster for the kids."

When I visited the Whitcliffe dancers were practising for a competition at the West Yorkshire Youth Games in Leeds, where they were representing Kirklees – meaning I got away with doing very little cheering.

Probably a good thing since I have the balance of a hippo on a tightrope and the style and grace of a whale.

The youngsters moved seamlessly across the hall in perfect time to Lady Ga Ga's Just Dance – the routine that won them their place in the Youth Games – chanting, "You may be good at football, you may be good at track, but when it comes to cheerleading you better watch your back!"

Then it was my turn.

The dancers, all between 11 and 16, are pros at all the key cheerleading moves – tumbling, jumps, stunting and lifts and were determined to get me up in the air.

I had to step on two of the girls' hands and then heave myself up, clutching onto their heads as I wobbled around like an idiot and screamed like a baby.

Thankfully, the girls managed to hold me and I was dismounted back to the ground – though not in a particularly graceful way.

Next we tried something a little easier – the girls made a cradle with their arms and I had to pull myself up and sit in it, which was actually quite comfortable for me. But the girls didn't look too happy!

After putting me through my paces the team jumped back into training. They will learn brand new routines and chants for their next competition. They will also show off their moves at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield on July 14.

The sessions at Whitcliffe Mount run every Tuesday from 5pm-6pm and cost £1. Children aged 11-16 can give it a try, so go along and give it a go. Pom poms provided.