Blackwater Gymnastics Club
Children and Adult Gymnastics
Blackwater Gymnastics Club opened its doors in March 2022 in Tiptree, followed by an additional venue at Tolleshunt D’Arcy Village Hall in May. The club was set up to give children and adults in the local area, the opportunity to become more active, offering an exciting activity which would benefit everyone in the short and long term.
Gymnastics builds confidence, resilience, problem-solving skills, improves cognitive functions from an early age, develops self-esteem, a sense of achievement and healthy habits, along with improving agility, coordination, flexibility, and overall strength.
From ‘stay and play’ classes for young children and parents, to ‘gym tots’ for children to learn holistic gymnastics, to adults who want to move in a less conventional way, sessions have been designed to be fun and engaging. Blackwater Gymnastics Club have ensured participants can familiarise with equipment in a colourful gym and build sessions that relate to the audience they are catering for.
Supported with funding from Active Essex, Blackwater Gymnastics Club, were able to expand to the second venue, to ensure residents living in the villages between Tiptree, Maldon, and Colchester, were able to access the activity. This funding also contributed to holding several free open days, to advertise the new club, and ensure residents were more likely to come and try the activity.
Head coach Silvia, an Italian ex-gymnast with over 18 years of gymnastics coaching, mentoring, and club management, established this club with other enthusiastic coaches who hold multiple years of experience. In addition, they have worked hard to employ a team of young ex-gymnasts, who want to develop their knowledge and achieve gymnastics certifications and qualifications, which helps to invest in the Essex physical activity and sport sectors’ longevity.
Key Learnings
It's important to take time to reflect and understand the learnings from work undertaken, in order to focus on ways to improve in the future.
Additional Support
Psychological support is paramount for the success of an activity involving children
Competitions
Need to start competing at local competitions to peak interest of developing gymnasts
Build Workforce
Important to continue to invest in the development of coaches to benefit all
