Competitive Gymnastics

South Durham Gymnastics Club offers an extensive competitive Women's Artistic gymnastics programme which has helped gymnasts achieve National & International medals and includes current and future generations of stars participating in Regional & National Squad.

The aim of all SDGC squads is to nurture passion and commitment in the sport with enjoyment a paramount consideration. This is demonstrated through the number of former competitive members becoming coaches and judges as they continue their involvement in the sport, influencing future generations.

All competitive/pre-competitive squad groups are by invitation only.  The team of South Durham coaches continuously assess the practices and progressions of our gymnasts, and if a coach thinks a gymnast has Squad potential, they are placed on the SDGC ‘Talent Board’. Pending on spaces within a Squad, the gymnast may be invited to join immediately, however, if the Squads are full, there may be a wait before moving gymnasts through. In this instance the Club will often wait for a number of spaces to become available and host a ’trial’ training session with a several pre-identified gymnasts.. 

When a child is invited to join a squad, they are first emailed an invite letter confirming details of the training programmes, fees, and expectations (of the gymnast, parent, and club). Attached to this email is a handbook, providing further information for the parent/guardian (which can also be accessed via their child’s online account).

Throughout all our squads, members work towards individual, tailored goals. Achievements of these goals, alongside demonstrations of kindness, teamwork and determination earn our gymnasts ‘diamonds’, which, once accumulated, earn the gymnasts a celebratory ‘bug’ or ‘beanie’.

In addition to receiving expert coaching & choreography from the South Durham team, SDGC competitive squad members also benefit from the expertise and support of Adam Reed (Physiotherapist) and Stuart Parnaby (Strength & Conditioning Coach). Adam, Middlesbrough FC Physiotherapist, attends the club around once a month to support with the pre-habilitation and rehabilitation of gymnasts. Stuart attends the Club twice a week to deliver bespoke strength and conditioning sessions, primarily with the Performance gymnasts.