The Norwich Youth Football League under-10 cheerleading squad is headed to Florida after qualifying for the American Youth Football and Cheerleading national championship.

The team left for Kissimmee on Wednesday, Dec. 8, with competition slated to run from Dec. 10-12.

Rhonda Exum is in her 10th year as the cheerleading director for the Norwich Youth Football League, which is in its first year comepeting in the American Youth Football after years in Connecticut Youth Football and Cheer.

“I knew we were good but I had no idea we’d do this in the first year. I’m very happy,” Exum said.

The team is coached by Todd Thomas, Kaliyah Exum, Makenzie Frechette and Shante Talley.

The under-10 squad finished first at the local level, then was second in the state to Shelton and third in the regional competition in Bridgeport. The top three teams in the regional championships move on to Florida.

Team members are Akaiya Allen, Alliyah Baird, Landry Bohli, Kei’Andra Brookins, Kyzarae Campbell, Estrella Capellan-Seda, Jayden Dickerson, Nyarah Jarmon, Nyla Johnson, Ava Kashar, Brianna Livingston, Jadaye Muhammad, Malaysia Pemberton, Darielyz Rodriguez Suarez, Anglian Rojas, Miloh Ruffin and Yvonne Sullivan.