SWL Gymnastics

Pathways

How gymnasts build foundations, progress into squad training and prepare for competition at SWL.

The starting point

Recreational Gymnastics

Gymnasts begin by building strong foundations in our recreational programme: low-hours gymnastics focused on developing basic skills across all our apparatus.

  1. Beginner
  2. Intermediate
  3. Advanced
View Rec Programme

Build foundations across all apparatus

Develop basic skills across each of these training areas.

  • Vault
  • Bars
  • Beam
  • Floor
  • Trampoline
  • Air Track
Moving towards squad training

Coach assessment

Our coaches continually assess progress and look for potential. When a gymnast is suited to squad training, they may receive an invitation to take the next step.

The invitation may be for
A squad trial or Direct entry into an appropriate squad
Broad squad progression

Our squad pathway

  1. Junior Squad

    Usually for younger gymnasts showing strong potential, introducing the foundations of squad gymnastics.

    Training focus
    Develop squad-level foundations and technique, with equal focus across all four artistic apparatus. Prepare for progression into higher squads.
    Equal apparatus focus
    Vault Bars Beam Floor
    View Junior Squad Programme

  2. Floor & Vault Squad

    A more focused pathway for gymnasts progressing beyond Junior Squad or selected directly from recreational gymnastics.

    Training focus
    Greater focus on Floor and Vault development, while continuing to train Bars and Beam alongside them.
    Floor & Vault focus; Bars & Beam continue
    Floor Vault Bars Beam
    View Floor & Vault Programme

  3. Senior Elite

    Our highest squad pathway, with 6+ hours of squad training each week.

    Training focus
    Higher-level skills and routines across all four Women's Artistic Gymnastics apparatus.
    All four artistic apparatus
    Vault Bars Beam Floor
    View Senior Elite Programme
Competition pathway

Competition at SWL and beyond

Every squad works towards competition. In-club events provide experience, while representing SWL externally requires preparation and a specific invitation.

In-club competitions

Inside SWL

Recreational gymnasts
Opportunities to take part in our in-house recreational competitions throughout the year.
All squads
Work towards our in-club competitions, normally held once or twice each year. These give gymnasts valuable experience performing under competition conditions.
Floor & Vault All-Round Mock competitions
By specific invitation

Outside SWL

All squads work towards this
Gymnasts prepare to represent SWL externally when ready. Floor & Vault gymnasts work towards external Floor & Vault competitions.
Prepared first. Invited when ready.
Before representing SWL externally, every gymnast goes through a preparation phase. We invite them only when we are confident their skills and routines are properly prepared and they can perform confidently under competition pressure.

Squad membership alone does not guarantee external competition.

External opportunities can progress from regional through to national competitions where appropriate.

SQUAD POLICY