Development Trial
FAQ & Information
WHAT IS A DEVELOPMENT GROUP?
This is a set of 5-8 year olds working together towards competitive-level gymnastics, which requires multiple training sessions per week along with high levels of commitment and hard work both in the gym and at home. Gymnasts will work on strength, flexibility & conditioning for good physical preparation, which provides the foundations for skill development. This will eventually translate into building routines across all Olympic apparatus – vault, bars, beam & floor.
DO I NEED TO BE A CLUB MEMBER TO TRIAL?
No, trials are open to any girl born in 2016, 2017 or 2018 - you do not need to be an existing member to take part. Children who do gymnastics elsewhere, as well as those who have not yet been to a class, are very welcome to book in. Current club members are of course welcome to take part too.
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Please make sure to read all the information detailed below to make sure you're happy with what's involved.
WHAT SORT OF COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?
Gymnasts & parents interested in becoming competitive must commit to attending 2 x 2hr sessions per week initially. After a 4-6 month trial period establishing the fundamentals, those who have progressed and hit the required milestones would be expected to add an additional session per week as they get closer to being eligible to take part in events.
Parents must:
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Communicate – let us know about any issues, absences, questions, etc. that you have.
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Support – bring them on time to all their sessions, listen to & work with the coaches on feedback related to their progress, set up & pay your fees on time, etc.
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Encourage – help nurture your child’s passion for the sport, be positive about their progress & sympathetic about any difficulties they face, let them take part in and watch events, etc.
WHAT COSTS ARE INVOLVED?
Training fees for a 4hr per week Development place are £70.00 per month, paid via Class4Kids. Annual membership is £35.00 per year, renewed each Aug/Sept. This includes the fee for registering with British Gymnastics, which the club pays on your behalf.
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Parents must pay for any gymnastics clothing & kit required for training (leotards, handguards, elastics, bar loops, etc.), any competition entry fees (once they are ready to compete), training camps, etc. that their gymnast takes part in.
WHAT DO THEY WEAR?
Gymnasts should wear a leotard for all their sessions if selected – general sportswear such as t-shirts, zippers or hoodies and leggings/shorts can be worn as extra layers as well. All long hair must be worn tied back securely for safety, and no jewellery should be worn. Any newly-pierced ears need to be taped until they can be removed.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY DON’T PROGRESS?
If a Development gymnast isn’t progressing to the extent that we feel they would be better suited at another level within the club, they will be given a priority move into the class(es) they require. You will not lose your place & opportunity for them to take part in gymnastics if they don’t meet the competitive standards we’re aiming for.
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Coaches will keep you informed in advance if there are any concerns about your gymnast’s ability to keep up with the programme, and they will always have time to work on any feedback & catch up.
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTION?
We are looking for young gymnasts who show one or more of the key attributes required for competitive training:
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Focus – the ability to channel their energy into following coaching input, to not be distracted during sessions, and to have strong ambitions & work hard to achieve them.
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Physical Ability – natural strength, flexibility, co-ordination & spatial awareness which allows them to be agile enough to try tough exercises & skills and learn quickly.
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Resilience – gymnastics involves failing regularly & repeatedly until success is achieved, so we look for those who are not put off by challenges and enjoy the process of learning.
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Passion – enthusiasm for coming to sessions, practicing at home, watching videos and showing a desire to immerse themselves in gymnastics all make a huge difference.
Selection will be based on our coaching team’s assessment of these characteristics alongside their current skills & general ability demonstrated in the trial session. We have two groups available, each of 10-12 gymnasts, so a maximum of 24 places are on offer.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
If you have any questions at all about what would be involved, please get in touch via e-mail and our team will get back to you as quickly as possible.