Development

The first of the development groups started at Coalville Gym Club for many years was in 2001, when Coalville Gymnastics Club held trials in the summer holidays for new development squads. Since then, girls have been selected from the parent and toddler groups, recreational groups and ' schools -club links' with North West Leicestershire Schools .

Since 2001 Coalville Gymnastics Club has followed a development plan to bring in a new development group each year.

The development sessions introduce the girls to gymnastics through play to develop an enjoyment in training and gymnastics. This stage helps to direct the young girls towards the most appropriate groups based on their ability, attitude and enthusiasm. Young potential gymnasts start their days at Coalville with development sessions on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 4.00 - 4.45, then progress to sessions based on their level of progress. During these sessions they improve flexibility, strength and co-ordination through play.

The girls enjoy games that help them to balance, roll, swing and jump; they also begin to learn their basic gymnastic skills at this stage, which leaves them keen to learn more. Our young gymnasts may then move on to another session a week to further improve their skills. Wednesday and Thursday's sessions give the girls a wider scope of skills and strength training. Saturday mornings are available to those who have achieved more advanced development skills; here they learn their first routines and competition skills.

At each stage in the development process the girls are given the opportunity to progress towards the next level, where they are placed into the training group most appropriate for their needs. Possible training and competition squads are as follows: -

Elite Path - Gymnasts training towards 'Compulsory Grades' and in age voluntary competitions, aiming for British Championships. This is the highest level of gymnastics.

National Path - Gymnasts in these groups train towards a high level of competition performance and work towards the new 'National Grades'. Competition opportunities for these gymnasts are aimed at regional and national level.

Club Path - Gymnasts in these groups train towards regional competition, with a long term goal of Challenge Cup entry. (A National, open age level of competition.) These girls aim towards achieving their 'Club Grades'.

County Level - Gymnasts in these groups work towards competing at County level initially, with a view to progressing to regional level. Some of these girls will also aim to pass 'Club Grades'.

Recreational Level - Girls and boys in these groups work towards club competitions. They also aim to achieve the British Gymnastics Proficiency Awards. Recreational level groups are a mixture of boys and girls, however, if we identify talented boys we talk to the parents about recommended boys competition clubs in the area and encourage them to progress.

GRADES

Grades are competitions that are held at the beginning of the year, usually between february and april. Gymnasts must work to specific requirements for each piece of apparatus and may also a include range and conditioning exercise. Although the grades are in competition format, the main aim is to achieve the pass mark for each grade. Grades are soon to be divided into the following levels: -

Compulsory Grades - highest level of grades and the most difficult skills.

National Grades - middle level of grades.

Club Grades - lower level of grades.

ANYWAY, all these children certainly keep us on our toes here at Coalville Gymnastics Club, with the future looking rosy (and busy!)

If you think your daughter is a budding gymnast, or your child is interested in trying gymnastics, why not give us a call and find out what classes are available.

Telephone--(01530) 811001