What does my child need to wear to their gymnastics lessons?

Pre-School: Leggings or jogging bottoms with a t-shirt.

Beginner Girls: Leggings or jogging bottoms with a t-shirt or a gymnastics leotard (cycling shorts/leggings may be worn over the top of leotards).
Beginner Boys: Jogging bottoms or shorts with a t-shirt.

Recreational & above: Gymastics leotard (cycling shorts/leggings may be worn over the top of leotards).

Who are the gymnastics classes taught by?
At Shooting Stars we have a team of experienced, passionate & qualified coaches. Our coaches have not only been coaching the sport for many years, but have expert knowledge and experiences of competing as high level gymnasts themselves.
All our classes are taught by our dedicated team of coaches, who are all:
•British Gymnastics qualified
•DBS checked
•Safeguarding & welfare trained
•First aid trained
•Our head coach was trained by former 1988 US Olympic gymnast Brandy Johnson-Scharpf
•Enthusiastic & love gymnastics

What is the progression pathway and are their opportunities to progress if desired?
Gymnasts of school age usually start in a 55 minute Beginner class where they will learn basic fundamental gymnastics skills on all the apparatus, once gymnasts have achieved the basic skills usually within 6-12 months of joining they are then given the opportunity to progress into a Recreational class. From there gymnasts will progress into our Intermediate and Advanced sector.

Coaches also regularly assess classes for gymnasts to move into our Squad program, with a variety of competition squad’s available dependant on the child’s age & ability.

Is feedback available from my child's coach?
Our coaches are happy to discuss any feedback & questions you may have regarding your child's progression. At times our coaches may be busy before & after your child's class and may not be able to talk to you, if this is the case please feel free to email our coaches quoting your child's name & session day/time: shootingstars_gymnastics@yahoo.com

My child would like to do more gymnastics, is this possible?

It is possible for your child to attend two beginner classes in a week when starting out, this will help your child progress faster and fast track moving up to the next level. (Additional classes are at an additional cost)

Alternatively your child's coach will offer a more advanced class once they are ready to progress past the beginner level.

How often will my child be tested for their gymnastics badges?

Gymnasts are tested for their badges twice a year, and spend 4-6 weeks before the test date working on the skills needed in order to pass.

Am I able to stay & watch my child's gymnastics lesson?
Our viewing area will be available for parents to watch classes once a month, calendar dates are available on our door at the club. Our viewing policy has been put in place to benefit every child, helping them get the most out of their classes. Not only are children more focused which benefits their progression within gymnastics, it also helps strengthen confidence and independence.

How might my child progress through the club?

We proudly offer classes for various abilities ranging from complete Beginners through to Women’s Artistic Squads. Our two pathways ensures appropriate progression and opportunities for every gymnast no matter their ability or personal ambitions. Meaning every gymnast has the opportunity to work to their potential.

When do they get to move up a level?

At each level gymnasts work towards achieving a set group of skills across each of the apparatus. Once gymnasts have achieved everything in the lesson plans and are ready to progress onto harder skills they’ll be offered to move up to the next appropriate level. As every child progresses differently and will learn at their own pace it varies how long they’ll work at each level. But rest assured, our expert coaches continuously assess gymnasts for readiness of moving up a level. Different factors are considered when assessing a gymnast to move up. It’s important to remember that with each level progression the class duration increases, meaning younger gymnasts might need a bit longer in a group compared to an older gymnast with a strong focus and high endurance level. As a club we strongly want to avoid it being too mentally or physically challenging, as it can and will result in gymnasts giving up this amazing sport too soon. Our goal is to ensure every gymnast is progressing well but most importantly enjoying their lessons too! After all the bigger the love for the sport the bigger the motivation for both achievements and staying within our incredible sport.