Starting out in 2010 with no capital funding or premises, Twisters Gymnastics coaches could only access limited equipment and time at local leisure centres and schools for hire. But they have developed into a self-funded dedicated club with their own 12,000 sq ft facility kitted out with International Gymnastics Federation approved equipment for all ages and abilities, from tots to teenagers and beyond – for fun, fitness or competition.
In addition, Twisters encourages their gymnasts to join their Leadership Academy to gain recognition; become accredited; and then qualified coaches. And they sought funding to help three of their young Level 1 coaches to up-skill to Level 2. Cllr Darren Guy knows of the club and believes they are pretty successful in what they achieve. With his recommendation, the Committee agreed a grant of £900 towards course fees.
In the event, due to various changes in staffing, it was not possible to get courses organised and Twisters sought permission to use the grant towards new equipment instead. This was agreed and the club replaced bar rails (they had not been able to use old competition bars as they’d become worn and unsafe) and a new springboard – which was all very timely and exciting for the girls preparing for upcoming competitions. We hope they do well!
Twisters Gymnastics, Derry
