Venom Allstars: Wagga’s first gym purely for competitive cheer set to soar

With every extension, stunt, tumble, and toe touch, Wagga Wagga’s newest competitive cheerleading gym is set to reach new heights.

Venom Allstars Cheerleading is inviting everyone to its official grand opening on Sunday (9 February).

Founder and owner Grace Mattingly is ecstatic about this new beginning.

“It is something new and exciting for the Riverina. We are the first and only dedicated competitive cheerleading gym,” said Grace.

“This is a significant milestone for our region as it provides a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to fostering the growth of cheerleading as both a sport and a community activity in the Riverina.

“Our goal is to create a space where athletes can develop their skills, gain confidence, and reach new heights — both literally and figuratively.”

Grace began her journey providing competitive cheerleading in Wagga at Street Slamin Dance Centre, which she also owns.

The 23-year-old said cheerleading was bigger than many people realised in the Riverina.

“It has grown dramatically, and the kids love it. We had our biggest classes over at Street Slam, and we had to expand,” Grace said.

“We’ve already reached over 100 students before even opening.”

Grace said her new gym was located just across the carpark from her original studio.

“I walked over, looked at this building, and thought, ‘This is perfect. I can’t pass up this opportunity,'” she said.

Born and raised in Wagga, Grace’s cheerleading journey began at six years old at a local dance school.

“I have always loved cheer and dance, but cheer is my true passion. I will do cheer for the rest of my life,” she said.

“Cheerleading is more than just a sport. I don’t like it when people say it isn’t one. Cheerleaders are athletes.

“The passion and dedication required are extreme, and people commit to it for their whole lives.”

Venom Allstars Cheerleading offers lessons for all ages, from three-year-olds to adult recreational classes.

“The recreational classes are great for beginners. They are fun, and you learn all the skills, jumps, and stunts. We start from the basics and build up throughout the year,” Grace said.

“We also have our competitive teams and welcome beginners to those as well, because you learn as you go.

“In competitive teams, athletes are placed according to their skill levels. Even beginners can join — everyone is welcome.”

With 17 years of cheerleading experience, Grace emphasised that anyone could get into the sport, regardless of gender or fitness level.

“We had one boy in our youth team last year, and they were undefeated. He tried it for the first time and absolutely loved it,” Grace said.

“I’ve seen older men and even bodybuilders get into cheerleading because it incorporates so many different skills.

“It is challenging in a country town to get older, stronger boys involved. When I look at city teams, I wish we had more of that strength, but we make it work. The girls do just fine.”

Grace said the cheerleading scene in Australia was expansive and thriving.

“The cheerleading competitions around Australia are massive. In the cities, it is out of this world,” she said.

“Some competitions run for over 12 hours a day across four days, with over 1000 athletes competing daily.

“It’s nothing like what people expect — it’s so exciting and encouraging.”

She also stressed that she would never take her students to competitions with a reputation for being toxic, ensuring a positive experience for athletes and their families.

The grand opening of Venom Allstars will be on Sunday (9 February) from 2 to 5 pm.

The event will feature performances by state champion cheerleading teams and facility tours showcasing modern equipment and training spaces.

There will also be an exclusive merchandise launch and an information booth for new families.

Venom Allstars Cheerleading is located at 138/140 Hammond Avenue. To find out more click here.