Little Springers Gymnastics Club

Using local insight, a demand for gymnastics was identified in the Melton area. In response, a new community club was established in partnership with LRS, the NGB, School Sport and Physical Activity Network and a local equipment supplier. Based on the needs of participants, the club delivers gymnastics 'activity' as opposed to 'sport' and has a very clear focus and ethos around participation as opposed to competition which more traditional gymnastics clubs tend to offer.

The club has developed a varied offer for a range of age groups, establishing 25 different classes that serve its 600 members. The business is growing and now yields an annual turnover of £180,000. In addition, the club employs 3 staff working 20 hours per week, 2 student coaches linked to Loughborough University, 8 voluntary proficiency coaches and an apprentice employed for 30hrs per week through the British Gymnastics apprenticeship programme. The club have recently opened a purpose built 4,500 square feet gymnastics facility to cater for its clients.

"Without the support from LRS, we are certain we wouldn't be where we are today. LRS have helped us to link with local school sport, with lots of children and young people from local schools being signposted to our club. Working with LRS we have been able to upskill students from local colleges and Loughborough University which has helped us to quickly build capacity. Thanks to LRS funding assistance, the students we have recruited have now gained the Core Proficiency Coaching qualification. Interestingly, the students had no prior gymnastics background, but relevant transferrable, coaching attributes to support our style of delivery."

Charlie Hayes, Little Springers Gymnastics Club