Choose to Live
Gymnastics is one of the most popular and thriving sports in Perth and Kinross.
So much so that the national governing body, Scottish Gymnastics, now has its event base at Bell’s Sports Centre which brings national and regional competitions to the area several times each year.
These strong links at national level, which attract both crowds and profile, have been nurtured over the years thanks to ongoing investment into the sport from Live Active Leisure (LAL) and partner agencies such as sportscotland and The Gannochy Trust.
In turn, LAL has created a well-supported programme of gymnastics opportunities for children aged from 12 months to 18 years across the region.
Running in all five localities, the team delivers to approximately 900 participants each week with the termtime programme consisting of sessions in wee springers (pre-school), gymnastics and trampolining.
In 2019 LAL’s popular holiday programmes saw the introduction of family-friendly sessions alongside the more traditional gymnastics camps.
Tumble camps, trampoline camps, back flip workshops, mini ninja warrior and family ninja warrior sessions were all included.
Laura Munro, sports development officer at Live Active Leisure, said: “The LAL gymnastics programme really is a great example of a vibrant, sporting success story.
“All of our participants would tell you, I’m sure, that they learn in a positive, inspiring and inclusive environment and have lots of fun along the way.
“The programme is led by a core team of six full-time gymnastics activity instructors who are supported by around 20 assistant coaches and volunteers, all of whom are integral to the continued success in the area.
“Each lead coach has a minimum of British Gymnastics level two with coaches holding qualifications in many disciplines, including women’s artistic, general gymnastics, acrobatics, disability, trampolining and pre-school.
“With this dedicated team leading the charge, parents can be confident that their child will receive a professional, consistent and progressive gymnastics experience.”
Outwith the Live Active Leisure programme, there are four gymnastics clubs in the area - Ace Gymnastics, Auchterarder Gymnastics Club, Perth Gymnastics Club and Tay Valley.
Both Auchterarder GC and Perth GC provide grassroots participation through to performance level.
Auchterarder Gymnastics Club is gold level PACES accredited, the local quality assurance system that helps sports clubs operate efficiently and effectively.
As well as class and club based programmes, Perth and Kinross has a well-established schools gymnastics programme with many local schools achieving national titles. St John’s Academy, for example, are the current national level four secondary champions.
Laura continued: “Because there are so many excellent clubs and classes in the area, from beginner to performance level, a good number of the young gymnasts from Perth and Kinross go on to achieve Scottish and British Gymnastics award scheme certificates and badges as well as working towards local level competitions.
“This in turn has led to an exemplary coach development programme which encourages and supports young people to continue on their gymnastics pathway past teenage years.”
The school sport coaching project, supported by the Gannochy Trust, offers Perth and Kinross Council school pupils the opportunity to undertake introductory sports coaching, leadership and officiating qualifications.
Working in partnership with PE staff and Active Schools, as well as targeting senior gymnasts in their own programmes, the team at LAL aim to provide a clear pathway into coaching for young volunteers who are typically aged 14 to 16.
“The coaching project is a great way for young people to develop communication and leadership skills, build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and get experience in a sporting environment,” explained Laura.
“We also provide mentoring from senior coaches, the opportunity to gain qualifications and access to workshops aimed at providing a wider breadth of knowledge.
“The ‘learn to coach gymnastics’ course takes place each summer and many of our volunteers and coaches have been through this.
“On completion of it, pupils are required to undertake 20 hours of volunteering in a school, local authority or community club setting.
“This is where our strong links with Scottish Gymnastics really come into their own.”