Cheerleaders of Australian basketball team Adelaide 36ers incredibly set for the axe because they are not ‘family friendly’

CHEERLEADERS of Australian basketball team Adelaide 36ers are incredibly set to face the axe because they are not ‘family friendly’.

The Sixers’ NBL playoff game against the Illawarra Hawks looks set to be their last outing after 15 years of service.

Getty Images

Outgoing Sixers owner Carmel Margaritis puts the move down to criticism and lack of sponsorship in the past four years, saying she fears for their future once she walks away.

Keep up to date with ALL the latest sport news, gossip and rumours.

Margaritis said: “I’ve really had to fight to get the girls back the last couple of years, with money being the main issue.

“We haven’t had a major sponsor for about four years now.

Getty Images

Getty Images

“Two seasons ago there was serious talk the cheerleaders would be canned… it’s been a real challenge to bring them back.

“There’s been a lot of sweat, blood and tears to make sure they return. I don’t know what’s going to happen once I’m gone.

“There’s not going to be that person there to fight for them.

Getty Images

Getty Images

“People perceive the girls as not being family friendly and not being good role models, and I think women are intimidated by them as well.

“But when you look at the overall picture, they’re a good role model to young girls. The amount of young girls who love them and look up to them is endless.

Getty Images

“They are committed to a sport, they are committed to a job, they train hard and look after their bodies and they mingle with the fans.

“They are about entertaining. They are a massive part of the game, bigger than the club realises.”