A Glasgow student is set to represent Scotland at the Cheerleading World Championships after being inspired by a Netflix series.
Josh Craik, 21, got the call-up to represent his country just three years after taking up the sport after being inspired and motivated by the Netflix series, Cheer.
The Glasgow Caledonian student, who is studying Forensic Investigations, will be flying out to Florida next April as he looks to make his country proud.
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Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Josh has admitted that the sport has been "life-changing" for him after he has grown in confidence since taking up cheerleading.
He said: "I just fell in love with the sport straight away, it was something that I really took to.
"At first, it was really daunting to be in the same team as everyone who had been there for years and years, but once that had passed it was what motivated me to prove that I am just as good.
"I had been inspired to take it up after watching the Netflix show, Cheer. It just looked amazing and it was something that I wanted to give a go.
"That was when I went to my local cheerleading team, All Stars and Stripes, and they were brilliant with me.
"They showed me what to do and really took the time to bed me into it.
"Now, looking back, I am much more confident in myself and who I am as a person all thanks to cheerleading."
The cheerleading enthusiast added that representing his country is something that hasn't quite sunk in yet.
He said: "To be able to say I am representing Scotland is crazy and mad, it is something that I don't think has hit me.
"I am so honoured to be able to do this and I am looking to make everyone proud when I am over there.
"My family and friends all couldn't believe it when I told them, they have been mega supportive"
Josh, who is from Elgin, moved to Glasgow for his studies and joined his university cheerleading team, something he now coaches.
The cheerleader is now preparing to do a sponsored walk to raise money for his journey across the Atlantic Ocean to America with 25% going to the MS Society UK.
Throughout the month of April, he will aim to walk a grand total of 190 miles minimum, which works out at roughly six miles a day, but is looking to break through that barrier.
Josh went on to say: "I am so excited to get over there and compete.
"The sport has been life-changing for me and it is something I am proud to say I do.
"It feels insane to admit that in my short career that I will now be representing Scotland, but that is done to all my teachers, family and friend's support.
"The next goal after this is to coach a team that will go to compete in the world championships.
"Ever since I took up coaching at the university, it has been an idea that has been brewing in my head and I hope that I get the chance to do that one day.
"But for now, it is all about Scotland and 2024."
If you would like to sponsor Josh for his walk throughout October, you can do so HERE
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