The University of Brighton Cheerleading Team (UBCT), also known as the Brighton Panthers, is one of the University’s most successful and energetic sports clubs. With multiple national titles and a growing community of over 50 student athletes, the club combines competitive cheerleading with an inclusive and supportive environment. As proud sponsors of the team, WhichPad sat down with the 2026/27 committee to discuss university life, competitive sport and the challenges of finding student accommodation in Brighton.
Team Quick Facts:
- University: University of Brighton
- Sport: Cheerleading
- Achievements:
- 🏆 Coed National Champions (2025)
- 🏆 All Girl Stunt National Champions (2025)
- 🏆 University Team of the Year (2025)
- 🥇 Team Midnight – 1st Place, Power Up 2026 | 5th Place, Legacy 2026
- 🥇 Team Lightning – 1st Place, Power Up 2026 | 3rd Place, Legacy 2026
- 🥈 Team Vortex – 2nd Place, Power Up 2026 | 4th Place, Legacy 2026
- Squad Size: 55
- Sponsored by: WhichPad
The Spotlight Interview:
Tell us about the team this season – what are your biggest goals and highlights so far?
Freya, Vice President: “My biggest goal this season is to continue building on the club’s legacy with another successful year. Becoming National Champions and then being elected Captain, followed by Vice President, are definitely the highlights of my university experience so far.”
How do you balance intense training schedules with university studies and student life?
Ellie, Social Sec: “I balance my training schedule with my university studies by planning my time effectively and prioritising my commitments. I train twice a week, enjoy taking part in socials, and ensure all of my coursework and essays are completed by their deadlines. Having a structured routine allows me to maintain a healthy balance between my academic, sporting and social life.”
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to incoming freshers wanting to join a sports team?
Chloe, Social Media: “Starting uni can feel very daunting, but joining a sports society is the best thing to do! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played the sport before or have years of experience, everyone gets the chance to get involved and try something new. It’s one of the best parts of uni life and a great way to make lifelong friends. Don’t be afraid to give it a go and keep turning up!”
As student athletes, what are the most important factors when choosing where to live?
Maddie, Comp Team Vice Captain: “The most important factor for me when choosing where to live at uni is location. Living close to campus and training facilities saves both time and travel costs, making it much easier to balance university studies with competitive sport.”
Have you had any funny or memorable experiences with teammates while house-hunting?
Mair, Welfare: “We turned up to a house viewing and realised halfway through that we’d gone to the wrong house! The owners were so confused.”
What are the biggest challenges student renters face?
Scarlett, Tumble and Fitness Coach: “Having to find housemates early as the houses get snapped up, joint tenancies mean one tenant’s actions can affect all tenants, so choose housemates you trust! Maintenance issues take longer than expected to fix, and trying to get your deposit back at the end of the tenancy is more difficult than you think, so look after your house well.”
If you could give one tip to other students about choosing a letting agent or landlord, what would it be?
Amelia, Performance Team Captain: “Research the letting agents or landlord by reading reviews, asking other students about who they chose and any positive or negative experiences. Never rush into signing a contract, make sure to read it thoroughly.”
How important is it to live close to your teammates?
Emma, Social Sec: “Living close to your teammates has so many benefits. You’re always able to meet up outside of training and build stronger friendships which definitely are always friends for life! It’s also quite handy if you need to organise events together or if you just want to walk to training with your friends. It’s always fun to have your friends surrounding you!”
What does the WhichPad sponsorship mean to the team?
Katie, Treasurer and Fundraiser: “As a team, this sponsorship means so much to us! We’ve never had a sponsor before, so having WhichPad support us is a huge milestone. Cheerleading is an expensive sport, with costs including competition entry fees, uniforms, and travel, so this sponsorship will make a real difference in helping our athletes compete and represent the team. We’re incredibly grateful for WhichPad’s support!”
What’s next for the team?
Gabby, President: “This upcoming season myself and my Vice Pres Freya want to make sure that we A) win at comp, and B) that we continue to grow and bond as a club and community, making sure we are a safe space for everyone involved!”
🚀Rapid Fire Round
Favourite study spot on campus?
Isabelle, Social Media: “The library is a great study spot at the university!”
Best takeaway near your student house?
Holly, Performance Team Vice Captain: “Pizza all the way so I’d say Dominoes!”
Early morning training or late-night revision?
Early morning training!
Must-have item in every student rental?
Nico, Stunt Team Co-Captain: “Definitely a dishmatic or an airfryer!”
Dream post-match celebration location?
Libby, Social Sec: “If the weather is nice then drinks on the beach or a social!”
One thing you wish you knew before signing your first tenancy?
Aminat, Stunt Team Co-Captain: “Understanding what I’m responsible for if something breaks.”
Best thing about being part of this team?
Moira, Comp Team Captain: “Doing what I love with other people who love Cheer as well!”
UBCT members believe that choosing the right student accommodation is about much more than finding the cheapest house. Living close to campus, training facilities and trusted friends can make university life much easier. Their biggest recommendation is to research landlords and letting agents carefully, read verified student reviews and fully understand your tenancy agreement before signing.
Finding student accommodation in Brighton can be highly competitive, especially before the academic year begins. Whether you’re searching for accommodation close to the University of Brighton or comparing local landlords and letting agents, reading verified student reviews can help you make informed renting decisions. WhichPad provides genuine student feedback to help students find accommodation with confidence.
Finding student accommodation in Brighton can be highly competitive, especially before the academic year begins. Whether you’re searching for accommodation close to the University of Brighton or comparing local landlords and letting agents, reading verified student reviews can help you make informed renting decisions. WhichPad provides genuine student feedback to help students find accommodation with confidence.
Follow UBCT @brightonpanthers_cheer
Follow WhichPad @whichpadonline
