Progression & Competition
Everyone competes. Everyone progresses. Here's how pathways work and when gymnasts get to compete outside the club.
How gymnasts progress to squads
Every gymnast starts in recreational classes. Coaches identify potential and invite gymnasts into the squad pathway — there's no application.
Build skills and confidence at your own pace. No pressure, no selection. Advanced recreational is where coaches start to spot potential.
Already showing the skill and attitude for squad training. Invited straight to a trial session.
A stepping stone for gymnasts who need more time to build foundations before joining a main squad.
Tumbling and vault focus. Great for gymnasts who develop power quickly. Serious training without the full all-around commitment.
Full all-around training. Higher time commitment and intensity. For gymnasts ready to dedicate themselves across all four apparatus.
🎯 How does selection actually work?
Selection
Coaches observe gymnasts during regular lessons. There's no application — selection happens organically as coaches identify potential. They're looking at current skill, attitude, learning pace, and commitment.
If your child is selected, you'll receive an email about next steps — either a trial session or an invitation to Development Squad.
📋 What happens at squad trials?
Trials
Trials last 1–2 hours and give coaches a chance to see how gymnasts perform in a structured environment. You'll hear back within 1–2 weeks with an outcome and feedback either way.
What coaches assess:
- Technical ability: Quality of basics, shapes, and body control
- Physical readiness: Strength, flexibility, and conditioning level
- Learning ability: How quickly they pick up corrections and new skills
- Focus and work ethic: Attention span, effort, and independent working
- Group dynamics: How they work alongside other gymnasts
💪 What is Development Squad?
Dev Squad
A bridge for gymnasts who show real potential but need more time building foundations — strength, shapes, handstands, flexibility, and training habits — before stepping into a main squad. There's no fixed timeframe. When the coaches feel the gymnast is ready, they move up.
When can gymnasts compete externally?
Every squad gymnast moves through the same three grades — whether in Floor & Vault or Competition Squad. Grades are reviewed each term by coaches.
In-Club
All squad gymnasts begin here. Still building the skills needed to compete at an external level. Compete against SWL, Fulham, and Apex gymnasts at in-club events.
Prep
Training towards external standards. Coaches move gymnasts to Prep when they're building difficulty and consistency. Still compete in-club while working towards readiness.
Performance
Routines are polished and stable. Only Performance grade gymnasts are entered into external competitions outside the club. This is earned, not automatic.
⬆️ How do gymnasts move up grades?
Progression
In-Club → Prep
Coaches select gymnasts for Prep grade when they're consistently hitting their routines, showing good form, and demonstrating readiness to train at a higher intensity.
- Higher expectations for routine execution and cleanliness
- More pressure sets and consistency targets in training
- Working on harder skills (only when shapes remain safe)
- Stricter discipline around focus and work ethic
Prep → Performance
It's not automatic — it's when routines are polished, stable, and the gymnast is mentally and physically ready to compete outside.
- Routines are consistently clean with minimal major errors
- Gymnast demonstrates confidence and calmness under pressure
- Technical execution meets external competition standards
- Mental readiness to handle the external competition environment
Can gymnasts move back down a grade?
Yes. If a gymnast struggles to meet the expectations of their current grade (due to injury, personal circumstances, or skill regression), we may move them back to rebuild confidence and consistency. This is done to support long-term development, not as a punishment.
❓ Competition questions answered
FAQ
How often are in-club competitions?
We typically hold 1–2 in-club competitions per year, bringing together gymnasts from SWL Gymnastics, Fulham Gymnastics, and Apex Gymnastics. Everyone gets a chance to perform and receive feedback.
What if my child gets nervous at competitions?
Nerves are completely normal! In-club competitions are specifically designed to help gymnasts build confidence in a familiar, supportive environment. Coaches work with nervous gymnasts to develop coping strategies.
What are external competitions like?
External competitions are larger events run by regional or national organisations, often at different venues. They follow formal competition rules with independent judges, and gymnasts compete against teams from across the region.
Do we have to attend external competitions if in Performance grade?
Performance grade means we believe your child is ready and we plan to enter them, but we discuss this with families first. There may be valid reasons a gymnast doesn't compete externally, and we work with families to make the right decisions.
What to expect in squads
Both squad pathways use the same In-Club → Prep → Performance grading system. The difference is apparatus and time commitment.
🗓️ Attendance and expectations
Commitment
What we expect from all squad gymnasts:
- Consistent attendance — squad training builds progressively, and missing sessions regularly makes it difficult to keep pace and increases injury risk
- Focus and effort during every session
- Respect for coaches, equipment, and training partners
- Home conditioning (coaches will provide exercises)
What if we can't commit to all sessions?
If you have predictable conflicts (school activities, family commitments), please discuss with coaches before accepting a squad place. Occasional absences for illness or emergencies are understood, but consistent attendance is essential for success.
💷 Squad costs and what you'll need
Fees & kit
Monthly training fees
Squad fees are higher than recreational classes because gymnasts train for more hours each week. You'll receive full fee information when a squad place is offered.
Kit requirements
All squad gymnasts are required to have the club leotard, purchased through the club.
Other costs to consider:
- Competition entry fees for external competitions (Performance grade only)
- Travel costs for external competitions (varies by location)
- Replacement kit as gymnasts grow
If cost is a barrier to your child participating in squads, please speak with us confidentially. We may have options for financial assistance or payment plans in certain circumstances.