The newsletter that keeps you up to date

London Gymnastics ~ Connecting Gymnastics to you!

Our monthly news publication ‘London Matters’ shares news with you all about events attended by London gymnasts and shares in their success.

Since London 2012 our sport has never been more attractive, our clubs have never been busier, clubs are devising new ideas, growing classes, fundraising and achieving success in London and beyond. London Gymnastics wants to continue to shout about the suc- cess of our London clubs but we need your help.

• Has your club done something different, maybe added a new type of class for a particular group of gymnasts that has been a success? • Have you done some unusual fundraising? • Been on a really successful course that you would like to share? • Bought a new piece of equipment or resource that is really useful? • Attended a competition? • Won a local award for success in your club or a particular gymnast or coach? • Do you have a special volunteer, coach or gymnast that you think needs recognition?

We want to share this news across London. London Matters wants to continue to promote all that is out- standing about our sport across London. So if you think your club has something to share then email us a report. Photographs are brilliant to as they help the article come to life. If you include a photograph we must also have an email giving permission for publication from the photographer.

We will now be offering the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to a regional event as a ‘London Gymnastics Reporter’. You will receive 2 tickets to a London Gymnastics competition or event and a ‘Press Pass’ after the event you can write a report on the event for inclusion in London Matters.

All you need to do to win this prize is send us an arti- cle about your club for inclusion in our monthly London Matters newsletter. [email protected]

London Matters – it really does but we can only share your success if you share it with us!

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision Dear Friends of the Festival del Sole, as announced earlier this year the 12th edition of the Festival del Sole will be held in Riccione from June 29 to July 5, 2014. Registrations will open on 1 November 2013: as newsletter subscribers you will receive first all the information needed to register your team. To ensure good organization, registrations to the Festival del Sole will be limited: we will only accept the first 130 teams who will submit the registration form. As always, there will be no restrictions on age, level or discipline. Please note that to participate in the Festival del Sole you will need to purchase the hotel package, which we will be offering at very convenient price. For the coming edition, the price will be final- ized by July and will be communicated together with the cost of the participation fee. We are working to bring lots of new features to the Festival: continue to visit our website festivaldelsole.it to discover them. Meanwhile, you can write to [email protected] for any questions you may have.

Suppliers to London Gymnastics

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision If there are any subjects, topics or coaching items that you feel should be included in future conferences, seminars or training events then please forward them to either Jessica Capelli' the London The London Club Development Conference took place Area Manager at on Sunday 10 February at the magnificent Europa [email protected] Gymnastics Centre, Crayford.

Or Anne McNeill the Regional Chairman at: The event began with an opening address and [email protected] presentations by Matt Connell, Head of Marketing and communications at British Gymnastics and Ben Murphy, London Gymnastics Marketing Executive followed by some amazing displays from Bromley Valley and Europa.

The day was a great success with over 100 delegates attending 24 workshops throughout the day ranging from Pre-school, Gymnastics for All, Ballet, Men’s Artistic, Women’s Artistic, Freestyle Gymnastics and Nutrition.

If you missed this year Club Development Conference then watch out for the information for 2014 which will be included in London Matters and on the regions website www.london-gymnastics.co.uk

Gallina Clarke from A & V Rhythmic Gym Club was presented with the British Gymnastics Gym- Mark plaque by Claire Ongley the British Gymnastics London Club Development Coordinator for South London.

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision European Medallists (Junior and Senior) MAG: Daniel Keatings, , Brinn Bevan, Sam Oldham, Jay Thompson, Frank Baines, , , Sam Oldham, , Theo Seager, Reiss Beckford, Cameron Mackenzie, Samuel Hunter WAG: Beckie Downie, Jocelyn Hunt, Niamh Rippin, Hannah Whelan

The English Gymnastics Championships 2013 was Commonwealth Medallists hosted this year at The Europa Gymnastics Centre. MAG: Reiss Beckford, Max Whitlock Len and Yvonne Arnold OBE and their strong volun- WAG: Laura Edwards, Charlotte Lindsley, teer team certainly know how to put on an event. The Niamh Rippin, Beckie Downie championships this year spanned three days and had a huge entry from London Gymnastics Clubs. Scores Youth Olympic Medallists from the event can be found on MAG: Courtney Tulloch, , Sam Oldham, http://www.gymdata.co.uk/comps.asp , Nile Wilson, Reiss Beckford, Ashley Watson With two World Class gymnasts competing in the WAG: Tyesha Mattis, Teal Grindle, Catherine Lyons American Cup ( and Gabby Jupp) we were still left with an array of talent. One World, European multi medallist ( MBE) off Strictly dancing, another World, European and Commonwealth medallist (Beth Tweddle MBE) off ice skating and flying around you’d think there wouldn’t be much talent left to see but how very wrong you would be.

Who would have thought even 10 years ago that we would be hosting an English Championships with so much depth of talent? The calibre of gymnasts really demonstrated the strides forward made by British Gymnastics and their work in partnership with coaches and clubs. The figures below show that 17 Male gymnasts were competing at the English Championships who have at least one International medal. On the girls side there were 9 gymnasts. It’s certainly not going to be an easy job for Eddie and FRIDAY 1ST MARCH

Amanda to pick their final European’s squads. The WAG Espoir Competition British Championships at the Echo Arena in March is Europa gymnasts Georgia and Catherine certainly got going to be a huge event with so many gymnasts the event off to a winning start. Georgia-Mae Fenton needing to peak at the right time. English Espoir AA Champion, Bars Champion, Beam

We now have so many gymnasts that can fight for and silver medallist. The diminutive Georgia had medals on the International circuit and the biggest a superb day when everything just came together. problem for a Team GB gymnast these days is staying Beautiful presentation, clean execution and just healthy and fighting to get higher scores than their enough difficulty to prove that she was simply the team mates to get in the squad. High difficulty and best – English Espoir All Around Champion! perfect execution are key as one mistake and there’s Catherine Lyons (back from her success as a last another gymnast waiting behind for your spot! minute replacement in the AYOF 2013 championships) performed with her trademark poise and elegance. Amongst the start list for the English championships it When she performs everyone stops to watch. Espoir was difficult to predict who would take the titles with Floor Champion, Silver medallist Bars and 4th place AA so many big names competing. Espoir.

2000 Olympian: Lisa Mason SATURDAY 2ND MARCH 2008 Olympians: Daniel Keatings, Hannah Whelan, Beckie Downie WAG Senior Competition 2012 Olympians: Sam Oldham, Daniel Purvis, Europa’s Olivia Blatch travelled all the way back from Max Whitlock, Hannah Whelan Loughborough and competed well on three pieces after her success in the BUCS competition the World Medallists previous month. Daniel Keatings, Daniel Purvis

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision SUNDAY 3RD MARCH The family is certainly going to be sending a large part of their life in the gym for the next 15 years or so! Big WAG Junior Competition sister Ellesse added to the medal tally at last month’s London ended the last day of the English Champion- Disability Floor and Vault taking a Silver medal, she ships with a bang, medals for our London gymnasts performs with the trademark family smile! The set is were shared between Europa, East London and completed with brother Carlos who trains at the Aspire. In the WAG Junior Competition the girls really Europa Centre but within the sport of boxing and like demonstrated their depth taking 7 out of the possible his brothers and sister is also at the top of his game. 15 medals. From East London Chantelle Halford took Silver on Uneven Bars, Bronze on Beam, tied Bronze on Vault and 4th AA with Tyesha Mattis becoming Champion on Vault with Silver for AA and Floor. Aspire’s Lauren Mitchell tied for Bronze on Floor and was 8th AA.

On Sunday the success for home club Europa continued, Ellis O’Reilly, (Tied on Vault for bronze, 10th AA), Briony Moir (16th AA, Europa)

Congratulations also to coaches of our London Medallists for your many hours of work with your medal winning gymnasts: Rochelle Douglas, Sam James and Peter Etherington (Europa GC) Rebecca King, (Aspire GC) Lorraine Atkinson (East London GC)

Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer. The Europa family came out in force for the English championships. Many started last Wednesday with the break down and con- tinued all day Thursday and into the early hours of Friday. Many who went to work Friday and Coach Samantha James said of the girls "It was a rushed back to the club to help with the general very hard job for the Europa gymnasts to running of the competition and the awful task compete on home ground but all of them did of getting all those people parked! Many also the club very proud and have set 2013 off to a joined us on Sunday to get the gym up and run- great start. What a great success for Europa to ning for Monday morning! Without the volun- win 6 English titles plus 6 more medals across teers the competition could not be as success- the competition, we are also delighted with the ful. A special mention for our gymnasts who growing confidence of all of our gymnasts.” give up their time to march the gymnasts

around and look professional at all times! MAG Junior Competition Julie Hull (Europa Volunteer and London 2012 In the MAG Junior Competition host club Europa’s Gamesmaker) Giarnni Regini-Moran really dominated: Champion AA, Floor, Vault, Silver , Bronze Pommels. The London Gymnastics thanks the Europa Team for relationship between gymnast and coach is special yet another first class event. and in this case couldn’t be broken. When Pete Etherington was employed as Head of Boys at Europa the Regini-Moran’s had a life changing decision to make and have moved to Crayford in pursuit of their children’s dreams. Giarnni is not the only one to be producing the medals. Younger brother Emilio (member of British U10 squad) has already won a range of gymnastics medals and is being followed by the smallest Regini-Moran, Ricco, who is starting on his gymnastics journey aged 5 years.

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision An occasional column by June Tatch looking at gymnastic matters, nationally and regionally – hoping to inspire others to comment on these comments!!! Contact June at [email protected]

Many years ago – the then technical Director for BG referred to me as the ‘Mother of the Region’. Was not too sure of this term at the time, and must say that I much prefer the title by which I am usually referred to these days – ‘Aunty June’.

However, with my retirement from the region, I often feel like a proud grandparent as I watch the London region develop and improve. No doubts in my mind that it is, by far, the very best of the regions in the very best of all sports!!! (Grandparents are permitted to boast!). Wonderful atmosphere, and lots of happy gymnasts, coaches and parents. Many more clubs could easily One of my delights is seeing disciplines that have not compete some of their gymnasts – so many children been very active in the past really taking off with may have some form of disability – development both for coaches and gymnasts – and it hidden or obvious, physical or behavioural. is so good to see Rhythmic running their Four Seasons programme of competitions covering all levels of this I felt very honoured and humble at being able to act lovely type of gymnastics . The base levels are as a judge – and these gymnasts were judged on the perfectly suitable for all General (Gymnastics 4 All), same basis as usual. Other general-trained F&V trained coaches and gymnasts to be able to take part. judges may wish to offer their services to Kay and her team to help out at future competition. Gymnastics for people with disabilities (now known as Disability Gymnastics), has always existed in the London region – how could it not when we are fortunate enough to have Kay Salter amongst us. She has led the way for coaches and clubs and many of us received our training in GMPD with her at her lovely club.

Great day – enjoyable and so useful in the morning as I attended the Disability Awareness workshop – pity that every club in the region did not have at least one representative at this – you all do need to get it into diaries for next year.

There is a push now to get Gymnastics accepted into the Para-Olympics – we all need to be part of this pro- ject and the best way is to get your club to have, at So good to see how many gymnasts attended the fifth the very least, ONE coach with the add-on qualifica- London Floor & Vault competition, the first to be held tion of Disability Gymnastics. Heavily subsidised at Europa GC recently – Some of these course being run in May – in London. Has YOUR club participants could overlap into General Competitions, got a coach attending? If not – WHY NOT? but many would not and this event gave these youngsters the challenge and opportunity of Contact June at [email protected] her new competing. e-mail address

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision Commiserations goes to Joshua Mason (Aged 15) who worked so hard for his first competition but was unfortunately struck down with a vomiting bug the day before and was unable to compete. We wish you well Josh and hope to see you back at the gym next week otherwise we'll have to suffer Philip's tea making!!!!.

A very BIG Thank You to all the Europa Team who work so hard setting up their gym for this event and to Kay Salter and her team for organising this event. The competition was very well attended with around 80 gymnasts competing and a packed audience for a change! This was really nice to see as these kids work so hard just to achieve even the most simplest of skills and deserve to be supported on their special day.

Keep up the hard work everyone & Well Done!

Jackie Lewis Head Coach & Director of Training Croydon School of Gymnastics Bleu Silke with coaches Philip Davis & Paul Newton. Showing off the trophy he won for Highest Catleaps enjoys the Disability Floor & Vault Scoring Male Gymnast of the day! Competition On Sunday 24th Febru- To all our gymnasts and their coaches who have once ary we travelled across again made their Croydon School of Gymnastics very to Europa with Joshua proud of them. All our gymnasts who were entered in to participate in the the London Disabilities F&V Competition held at the London Disability Floor Europa Gymnastics Centre on Sunday 24th February And Vault Competition. 2013 came home with medals. Chloe had worked hard with Joshua to William Brown (Aged 16) who is Autistic won the ensure he was well Overall Gold in the U21's age group and little John prepared for his floor Lynch (Autistic with ADHD) entered his first routine and his two competition and our youngest gymnast just (Aged 6) vaults but I think on the picked up a Silver Medal in the U9's section but he day it was Chloe who clearly wasn't happy on the rostrum as he wanted the was more nervous. gold! Maybe next time John. However, Bleu Silke (Aged 9 – With ADHD) competed in the U12's not only Joshua performed won the overall Gold but was presented with a trophy one of the best vaults he has ever done and followed for the highest scoring male gymnast of the day. this up with a second also of excellent quality. He remembered all of his floor and tried to ensure he demonstrated control during his performance.

Then there was the wait, had Joshua done enough? All the gymnasts and coaches nervously sat down for the medal presentation and his event was called, bronze medal...no, silver medal....no, and the London Regional U12 Champion is...... Joshua.

I think he managed to bounce all the way to the po- dium. One very happy gymnast, one very relieved and proud coach and two very happy parents! Well done Joshua and Chloe and huge congratulations to Kay and her team for running the event.

Catherine Bates John Lynch William Brown Catleaps Gymnastics Club

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision CITY OF LONDON GYM CLUB Have moved their training venue to: Academy Sport Westminster Academy 255 Harrow Road London, W2 5EZ And are now in the City of Westminster.

WALTHAMSTOW GYM CLUB This is the new name for Kelmscott Gym Club brought about by the change of name of the leisure centre where they train.

SOUTHWARK GYM CLUB Have returned to their original training venue Camberwell Leisure Centre Artichoke Place, Camberwell, London SE5 8TS. They are still at Brunswick Park Infant and Junior School

On the 24 February the second regional competition of the "Four Seasons “tournament" (winter) was held at A&V Rhythmic Gymnastics Club

32 rhythmic gymnasts from four clubs took part in the winter season competition and performed beautiful routines with hoops.

A & V Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Elite Gymnastics Falcon Spartak London Academy of Gymnastics & Dance

This was the first competition run with the new code of points and we have to say a big thank you to Cleo Hooper for helping the London Region Rhythmic Tech- nical Committee with running the competitions.

Next is the “Spring Competition” when the gymnasts will be performing ball routines. This will be held at Edmonton Leisure Centre on Sunday 2 June and we are looking forward to having more clubs and gymnasts participating in this tournament.

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision

A & V Rhythmic Gymnastics Club is looking for Level 1 and Level 2 Rhythmic Gymnastics coaches and volunteers to support our growing club.

Volunteers will be offered free coaching or judge training with support to build their carrier path.

Vacancies We run classes in London SE3 and E16 as well as

in Erith in Kent. Volunteers

(UKCC Level 1-3 course fees paid by club) If interested please e-mail Women’s Artistic level 2+ [email protected] Men’s Artistic level 2+ Rhythmic gymnastics level 2+ Current enhanced CRB required

Mayfield Gymnastics Club based in Tooting, We are growing North London based club with London SW17 needs gymnastic coaches both vacancies at three venues in N9, N21, and EN4 recreational and women’s artistic and require enthusiastic, self motivated, reliable coaches/volunteers. Interested? Contact by e-mail

[email protected] 5 - 23 hours per week available or phone 0208 767 2094 Pay rates between £7 - £18 per hour

Please send CV to Sean Sampath the club CROYDON SCHOOL OF GYMNASTICS Secretary [email protected] If you are a coach looking for work for just a few hours a week or part time and hold a UKCC www.elite-gymnastics.co.uk Coaching Qualification in: • General Gymnastics • Pre-School • Disability Gymnastics [Previously GMPD] • Women’s Artistic • Men’s Artistic To see the various positions available and more details please visit www.londongym.org.uk

If you are interested please send your CV and a covering letter by e-mail: [email protected]

Futunity UK are looking for suitably qualified Gymnastics coaches, level 1, 2 and 3 coaches to coach in our busy gymnastics club in Hillingdon, Middlesex.

We are also seeking coaches to work in local schools providing lunch time, after school and curriculum time gymnastics sessions. All sessions based in the borough of Hillingdon and sur- rounding boroughs.

Please email a CV and covering letter to Helen Heanen at [email protected].

For further enquiries please give us a call 01895 251224, or check out our website www.futunityuk.com.

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision Women's Artistic/ GFA Coaches. Salary - £ competitive - depending on Our current Coaching Team comprises mainly Coaches who have been with the Club for a long time experience and qualifications. so the ability to integrate quickly to a new environment is essential. Due to increased activity at the Club - Ladywell Gym- nastics Club is seeking to recruit at least one and pos- The post is offered on a FULL TIME or PART TIME sibly two dedicated Women’s /GFA basis and although the post will be based at the prem- Coaches to supplement our existing roster of experi- ises of Ladywell Gymnastics Club; travel and work enced Coaches. within other clubs / venues may also be required. Ap- plicants should be flexible in approach as from time to Pay and hours will depend on the applicant’s current time, the contracted hours may need to be adjusted to qualification and experience levels . assist in the running of or participation of Club Gym- nasts at an event or competition. Ladywell Gymnastics Club is based in Catford, South East London and is one of the longest established In the first instance contact the Club by sending a cov- gymnastics Clubs in the UK. Membership at the Club ering letter and CV by email to [email protected] ranges in age from two years old to Adults. using COACH APPLICATION as your subject line or you can post your CV to: For extensive information regarding the Club, visit our web site at www.ladywellgym.com Mrs Shirley Callaghan, Manager & Head Coach, Application Criteria: Ladywell Gymnastics Club, Bellingham Leisure & Lifestyle Centre, • Applicants should live within reasonable 5 Randlesdown Road, travelling distance from the Club premises. London SE6 3BT • Applicants must be of Women’s Level 2/GFA Level 2, or either currently or be willing to agree to work towards this qualification on appointment. • The applicant must have a current BG CRB certificate. • You should have a minimum of 3 years’ connecting experience coaching gymnastics within a Club or School environment. gymnastics • Although not absolutely essential - applicants should ideally have basic level IT skills, to a to level where they could produce quality printed session/development plans. you • The applicant must be outgoing in nature and display lots of enthusiasm, dedication and be results driven as opposed to financial gain driven. A solid work ethic combined with punctuality and a child friendly demeanour are also essential. london-gymnastics.co.uk • The applicant must possess the ability to work alone within a Squad environment – yet at the same time remain true to the ethos of being part of a successful Team.

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision Was formed in 2009 and is run from a small dedicated gymnastics and dance facility in Hackney. We are a If you are interested then please send your CV with a very busy recreational and pre school club with a covering letter to: - small artistic section. We are affiliated to British Gym- nastics and are an accredited “Gym Mark” club. We Lara Everall are currently looking to recruit hard working, reliable North East London Gymnastics Club LTD and enthusiastic coaches to join our dedicated coach- 46, Milton Grove ing team. London N16 8QY If you are a coach looking to work just a few hours a or email to [email protected] week or part time and hold a UKCC Coaching Qualifi- cation in: - Closing date 20 March 2013 General, Women’s or Men’s Artistic Have current BG Membership Hold a current enhanced CRB Have training in safeguarding & protecting chil- dren awareness

COACHES REQUIRED General Gymnastics Level 2 Coaches The candidate should hold at least a Level Two UKCC qualification in General or Artistic, and have a current 10% discount for first five orders from enhanced CRB. Coaches are required for a: London Gymnastics…...... Wednesday 5.00 – 8.00 pm Friday evenings 4:00pm – 9:00pm At FeedEasy Ltd we specialise in the provision of Saturday afternoon 2.00 - 5.00. packed lunches and breakfast bags. Further work and training opportunities are available. We will consider coaches who are available for one or We are pleased to offer a 10% discount for the first all of the sessions above. Rate of pay, £10 per hour. five orders quoting the promotional code LGFE2013. Orders must be over £50 and can only be used once The position requires:- by the same purchaser. Level 2 UKCC Coaching Qualification.

Be available for part time coaching The lunch and breakfast packs provided are for event Have current BG Membership representatives, stewards and security staff at many Hold a current enhanced CRB different types of events around the country, including music festivals, motor racing meets, fun runs and Men’s Artistic Level 2 Coach triathlons to name but a few. We are looking for a coach to work with a small group of young boys 2 - 3 times a week. These gymnasts Our packed lunches are delivered using clean, currently train on a Tuesday and Thursday evening modern refrigerated vans ensuring that the products but there is an option to increase the training to in- maintain their freshness right up to the date clude a weekend session. The ideal candidate should consumption. hold a Level 2 coaching qualification in Men’s Artistic, We are able to cater from 50 be dedicated, enthusiastic & have an ambition to pro- bags up to 5000 bags and gress their coaching & judging knowledge. Further have experience in assisting training opportunities are available and further coach- with many large events nation- ing opportunities are available at the club for the right wide. candidate. Rate of pay is £10 per hour. The position requires:- For further information or to You to hold at least Level 2 MA Coaching Qualifi- discuss menu options and cation. prices please contact: Be available for part time coaching & be available daytime during school holidays Telephone: 08444 722932 Have current BG Membership [email protected] Hold a current enhanced CRB www.feedeasy.co.uk

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision THE ZONE Pennine Business Park Pilsworth Road, Haywood Greater Manchester OL10 2TL Tel: 01706 368819

PERFORMANCE GYMNASTICS CLOTHING www.the-zone.co.uk

LONDON GYMNASTICS Providing the perfect balance of fun, passion and precision