If a gymnast in a recreational gymnastics session demonstrates the required characteristics they may be invited to join the Development Pathway system which can lead to the Artistic Squad (dependent on age).
This selection will usually take place around the age of 4 to 6 years – although in some cases children may be slightly younger or older. This selection may be through regular coach observation or an arranged trial. Only a small proportion of recreational gymnasts will demonstrate the necessary physical and mental attributes to be an Artistic competitive gymnast.
We do have a continuous assessment programme to ensure your child is in the appropriate class/group.
The aim of the programme is to give recreational gymnasts the opportunity to gain experience from working alongside our Squad Gymnasts and Coaches. It will also give a Coach time to assess how a child copes with increased hours and the intense training sessions. This group is by invitation only as a higher level of commitment and effort will be required.
Elements competitive gymnastics sessions are by invitation only. The head coach of Artistic regularly monitors the gymnasts in our recreational Level 1 & 2 classes and will approach the parents of children who we feel have the physical and psychological attributes necessary to take part in competitive gymnastics and invite the children for a trial.
We offer competitive opportunities to the gymnasts which gives them the opportunity to represent the Club, Area, Region and Country. The club has had many gymnasts being successful within competitions which has resulted in them being selected out of the West area to be apart of the West Area Regional & Elite squad groups as well as being selected throughout the whole of Wales to be apart of the Welsh Squad, which can lead to being apart of the British Squad representing the club and country at National Championships.
Artistic gymnastics develops strength, balance, flexibility whilst being ascetically pleasing. Gymnasts must also possess qualities such as courage and have the ability to cope under intense pressure on four different pieces of apparatus.
To ensure our gymnasts achieve each gymnast has a specifically designed training programme in order to be successful.
All squad gymnasts are expected to maintain a skill and conditioning level which is appropriate to their level. In addition, regular attendance is essential both parents and gymnasts should be aware that if attendance is poor or attitude to training is poor then it may affect the competitions in which they will be entered and also their training group.
Competitive Squad gymnasts will be eligible to be selected for regional and national competitions and regional/national squad trials which are appropriate to the gymnast’s level. Personal coaches will select gymnasts based on the requirements laid out in the relevant trial criteria’s.
Gymnasts are regularly tested by competitions and grading events. If gymnasts are not able to perform the required skills then they will not be entered for competition. We believe that the happiness and welfare of children is paramount and we will not push gymnasts to a level which is perceived to be beyond their reach or something that the children do not want. The club will also not enter children for a competition or grading if we believe they will fail – as we feel that this is not fair to gymnast.
If you wish to discuss the progress of your child please make an appointment to speak to your gymnast’s personal coach. All gymnasts are categorised in specific groups for specific reasoning’s. It is not the head coaches duty to coach all gymnasts within the Development Pathway and Artistic Squad, the head coach is there to guide all coaches to guide all gymnasts in the right direction that is tailored to their specific needs.
