The history of Ballysillan Gymnastics ClubFrom it’s humble beginnings as a local club organised and maintained by the leisure centre, Ballysillan Gymnastics has developed into a self-run, independent Gymnastics Club. The club has produced many talented gymnasts over three decades and participated in competitive events locally, nationally and internationally. We had the honour of Max Whitlock MBE Olympic and world medalist visiting our club to give advice to our gymnasts and share his experiences with us. The clubs success is all due to the hard work and commitment of our coaching and admin team who make BGC the family friendly, attractive and vibrant club it is . We are a cross community club and welcome children from all areas and some travel far to come to our club.
Over the lifetime of the club we have gained strong relationships within the local community and have been presented with several award for excellence. We hold Belfast City Council bronze, silver and gold accreditation and were awarded Northern Ireland Gymnastics Club of the Year 2016-2017. Our young leadership academy were awarded the Diana Award for their services to volunteering .We are dedicated to developing the talent of all our gymnasts and have a strong team of coaches with a track record of experience, proven by our medals received in local, national and international competitions. The same team of coaches also take our recreational classes ensuring none of our members receive any less than the best coaching experience.
All our coaches are access NI cleared and have completed child safeguarding certificates. Several members of the club are first aid trained. The club has in place dedicated welfare, child protection and first aid officers.
Jean is the longest standing coach at Ballysillan Gymnastics and has been around almost as long as the club itself. Jean took the club over in November 1982 and since then the club has grown from a membership of 20 gymnasts to approximately 185 gymnasts each Saturday. The waiting list has in excess of over 100 names. Jean has received several prestigious awards such as lifetime achievement, coach of the year and an MBE for services to gymnastics.
Michael was a member of BGC since the age of 10 and competed in competitions regionally and nationally. Michael recently completed his level 3 coaching allowing Ballysillan to step up to the next level of competitive gymnastics. He participates actively within the club creating development and conditioning plans for recreational and competitive gymnasts alike. With his years of experience Michael also provides the club tumblers with a unique insight in his coaching.
Laura is also a past gymnast currently working towards Level 3 sports acros. With a strong history participating in multiple disciplines Laura brings a wealth of experience to the club. Her experience in dance is essential in preparing the choreography for our gymnasts routines. Laura works alongside Lynsey playing a fundamental role in preparing our gymnasts for competitive events. Whether coaching recreational or competitive club members Laura devotes the same passion and enthusiasm throughout.
Michael has been a member of BGC since the age of 7 competing regionally and nationally. Michael acts as a supplementary coach to the core team, providing support when necessary to both recreational and competitive members of the club. Michael also assists the club fulfilling various roles when the need arises such as acting club judge, and chief technical support. Michael’s competitive experience and judging background provide the club members with a unique insight into competitive gymnastics.
Amy has been a gymnast with us since the age of 10 with a strong history of regional competition. She is currently holds a Level 2 sports acro qualification. Amy acts in a support role to the core Coaching team providing assistance and cover where necessary. An avid sports person Amy’s experience in various clubs and sports make her an ideal coach with the ability to provide concise effective coaching to our club members.
Becky is an ex-gymnast aspiring to be a PE teacher currently in her final year of university. She holds a level 2 general gymnastics coaching qualification and is working towards ataining her level 3 general and level 1 acro qualifications.
Lucy has been an acro gymnast and keen tumbler at the club since she was 9 years old and has participated in competitions both Regionally and Nationally. In the last 3 years she has maintained her position as the Under 16s Northern Ireland Champion in tumbling and recently competed for Girl's Model in the British Schools Finals. Lucy has also been award the Diana Award for volunteering in the club with younger gymnasts and has recently completed her level 1 Sports Acro coaching award. Her other interests include trampolining and dancing providing her with a depth of experience to pass on to other members of the club. Lucy has recently given up Acro to take up coaching part time within the club while still maintaining her tumbling training.
Abbie has been an Acro gymnast at the club since she was 4 years old and has competed in Regional competitions for several years. She was awarded the Diana award for volunteering in the club with younger gymnasts and has recently completed her level 1 Sports Acro coaching award. Abbie's experience with both trampolining and gymnastics will provide invaluable insights for other members of the club as she steps up to take a part time coaching role.
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Lucy, Jenna and Grace are young volunteers within the club who assist the coaches by helping out with members in younger classes. All gymnasts within the club themselves, the girls are each working towards coaching qualifications of their own in the hopes of joining the coaching team in the near future.
Between them, they ensure a smooth running club, keeping parents up to date with club news, events and photos via social media and in person. They provide administrative support for the coaches and take responsibility for managing club membership, registration and insurance.
