THE Jacksonville Jaguars American Football team gave a youngster from Ealing the chance to take centre stage dancing with their professional cheerleading team, THE ROAR of the Jaguars.

Bonnie Swatton, 11, was one of only 25 girls to win a place in the Junior ROAR Academy and get a taste for the dedication needed to be a professional cheerleader.

The Jaguars were at Westfield in Stratford. Members of the cheerleading squad, Karen, Jessica, Lauren, Erin, Katie B and Rachel, were flown over from Jacksonville especially for the visit.

After being presented with a Junior ROAR T-shirt and pompoms, Bonnie took part in a choreographed final performance and could barely hide her delight after the day’s fun.

Bonnie said: “I did cheerleading with THE ROAR of the Jaguars at Fulham Football Club last October and it was the first time I’d tried it. “Then, I did it with them again earlier this year, so I wanted to come this time, too. I really enjoy the dancing and the Jaguars cheerleaders are really good coaches.”

Fourth-year cheerleader Karen said: “The girls were brilliant today. They were really attentive, keen to get involved and, judging by the way they were all grinning ear to ear, they clearly had a great time!

“We love being able to come over to London to meet our fans, and a massive part of this is engaging with groups of youngsters.”

The Jaguars have made London their second home after they signed a deal to play one of their regular-season games each year at Wembley Stadium until 2016. The team will be back in November to play the second of their four agreed home games - a sell-out clash against the Dallas Cowboys on November 9.