Who We Are
We are an independent, not-for-profit organisation that delivers standards and policy for the Australian Cheer and Dance community, as well as management of Australian National teams representing our country.
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The Australian Cheer Union is the fusion of two organisations:
ACU (Australian Cheer Union) and ACSA (Australian Cheer Sport Alliance).
ACU (established in 2019) and ACSA (established in 2017) merged together into a unified body in 2024, with one ultimate objective:
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To create a single peak national body with the goal of formalising the role that the sports key stakeholders (coaches, gym owners and event producers) have needed over the last 15 years – being to stimulate, encourage and regulate the sporting disciplines of cheerleading and dance within Australia.
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We are the pre-eminent organisation taking responsibility for the development of the sport on a National level and our mission and purpose are to advance the sport of Cheerleading and Performance Cheerleading (Dance) by focusing on healthy competition and participation as well as overall growth for the sport in Australia.
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The ACU believes that a good strong governance structure is important in ensuring the integrity of our industry and allows us the best platform to advance the sport of Cheerleading.
Our Objectives
The ACU has a number of Objectives that we wish to achieve in the Cheer and Dance community.
These are the core priorities of our organisation:
National Recognition
Fulfilling all the requirements of the Australian Sports Commission to be awarded the title of a National Sports Organisation. This will unlock significant opportunities for athletes and coaches to engage their local & state governments for funding and participant support as well as give the sport access to resources such as the National Sport Integrity Framework.
Safety & Rules
Establishing and maintaining standardised rules, safety guidelines and competition standards across all disciplines of the sport that drive outcomes aligned with the overall goals of the organisation.
Education
Establishing a training curriculum and accreditation process for coaches and judges. ACU will aim for these programs to be certified and they will be based on the current Industry standard accreditation. It will also facilitate IASF accreditation for coaches with teams travelling internationally.
Growth of the Sport
Promoting our sport to the wider community and foster growth within our grassroot initiatives & encourage and develop the growth of performance cheer & dance programs.
MEET THE BOARD
Edward Miles
President
Board Member
Edward is the President of the ACU and has played a significant role in the growth and legitimacy of cheerleading in Australia for more than a decade.
His leadership has focused on strong governance, and building a participant-first culture that keeps athletes safe, supported, and inspired.
He has served previously as Chairman of the Australian Cheer Sport Alliance, is the current CEO of the Belgravia All Star Group, and has contributed to international boards and committees across the International Cheer Union and International All Star Federation.
He was also the Head Coach of Australia’s first Premier National Team at the ICU World Championships in 2024.
Ashley Benstead
Vice President
Board Member
Elected to the board, Ashley Benstead (MBA, MMktg) is the current CEO of Taskbridge and Ray White Bendigo, and is a former gym owner of Cheer N Dance Athletics.
With over a decade of experience as a former owner-operator in the cheer and dance industry, Ashley brings a strong understanding of club operations, business growth and member-focused leadership.
He also has served for the last four years on the board of the ACU, contributing to the sport’s strategic direction and governance.
Ashley offers significant expertise in operations, with a strong focus on fiscal governance and sustainable organisational performance.
He is a member of the ACU finance committee.
Danelle Cooney
Team Australia Director
Board Member
Danelle is the current Team Australia Director (2025-2026 seasons), managing the Australian National teams and the country's representation globally.
With over 20 years of experience in Cheer and Dance, she is a former owner-operator and currently works as a National Operations Manager.
She won the 2019 AASCF Mentor of the Year and has served with both ACSA and the ACU since 2018, initially as the first Gym Owner representative.
Her extensive roles within the ACU include former Chairperson of the Gym Owner Advisory Group, former Technical Committee Chair, former Medical Committee Chair, and Member Protection Officer.
Her industry work has included policy development, education for gym owners, and advocating for vulnerable groups.
Danelle is passionate about supporting gyms and coaches and assisting them to build a community focused on the protection and positive development of the children and young people in the sport.
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Dena Piro
Secretary
Board Member
Dena Piro is the current Secretary for the ACU, bringing over 20 years of experience in All Star Cheer and Dance as an athlete, coach, and former Gym Owner. Originally part of the ACSA board, Dena is committed to developing a better future for the sport of Cheerleading and Dance in Australia. She remains deeply passionate about the growth of both Cheer and Dance and has actively contributed to the Technical Committee (including a number of years as Chair) since 2021. Dena is also the former chair of the Medical Committee.
Alexandra Cole
Board Member
Alexandra Cole was appointed to the board in 2025. Her background as the current Manager, Alumni & Community at Commonwealth Games Australia, where she leads initiatives that strengthen community connection and celebrate athlete legacy and her previous work with Tennis Australia delivers a strong sports management skillset to the ACU.
Through her work, Alexandra has engaged regularly with National Sporting Organisations and developed a deep understanding of the broader sporting landscape and the opportunities available for our organisation.In addition, Alexandra has more than a decade of experience as a former Cheer & Dance owner-operator and coach, so she also understands our sport deeply.
Alexandra brings valuable expertise in stakeholder engagement, operations and sector leadership to her appointed position with the ACU.
Jacqui Ross
Board Member
Jacqui Ross was appointed to the board in 2026.
She is a governance-focused leader with a strong background in financial oversight, risk management, and board advisory across private, family-owned, and community organisations.
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She excels at bringing a governance lens to decision-making, supporting boards in navigating complexity, balancing risk, and ensuring long-term sustainable outcomes.
She also brings valuable experience from the sporting and not-for-profit sectors, specifically in strengthening financial oversight and developing governance practices, including child safety and compliance frameworks.
As a long-term stakeholder involved in cheerleading for over a decade, she also brings a valuable firsthand understanding of the industry's landscape.
MEET OUR STAFF
SIENNA CURRIE
Executive Administration & Membership Support
MADELINE FOWLER
Support Staff Lead
High Performance - Team Australia
STEVEN WALTERS
Cheer Lead
High Performance - Team Australia
VICKI CLARE
Dance Lead
High Performance - Team Australia
TONI ALTSHCWAGER
All-Abilities Lead
High Performance - Team Australia
