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DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Development Squad is Swan Academy's stepping stone between recreational gymnastics and competitive squad training. Gymnasts train for two hours per week with the same dedicated coach, giving them the consistency and focus needed to develop skills at a deeper level. Sessions are more structured and technique-driven than recreational classes but without the intensity of full squad training. The emphasis is on building strong foundations, refining skills across all apparatus and preparing gymnasts for the demands of Junior Squad when they're ready. If your child has been recommended by their coach and wants to take their gymnastics more seriously, this is the programme for them.
What Your Child Will Experience:
Two hours of focused coaching per week with the same dedicated coach
Structured skill development across floor, beam, bars and vault
Emphasis on technique, consistency and building strong foundations
Strength and flexibility work tailored to each gymnast's development
Regular assessments with detailed individual feedback
Watching weeks each term for parents
A close-knit training group with a supportive team environment
WHO THIS IS FOR:
Designed for gymnasts who have been recommended by their coach from Gym 4 All or Advance 4 All. This programme suits children who are committed, coachable and ready for more focused training but aren't yet at the intensity level of Junior Squad. It's also a great fit for gymnasts who want to develop seriously without the pressure of a full competition schedule.
Skills They Will Learn:
Refined technique across all four apparatus
Consistent handstands, cartwheels, round-offs and walkovers
Introduction to back flics, front tucks and more advanced tumbling
Bar combinations including casts, hip circles and dismounts
Beam series with connected elements and increased difficulty
Vault technique and run-up consistency
Strength and conditioning specific to gymnastics progression
Badges and Assessments:
Development Squad gymnasts are assessed regularly against clear technical benchmarks. Coaches provide individual feedback on progress and areas to work on. Gymnasts who consistently meet the required standard and demonstrate the right attitude, commitment and work ethic will be considered for progression into Junior Squad.
Shows and Competitions:
Development Squad gymnasts take part in our annual club showcase and have the opportunity to enter competitions including the Swan Ruby Cup, Swan Emerald Cup and Swan Diamond Cup pathway. Coaches will prepare gymnasts for competition and guide families through the process. Competition is encouraged but always tailored to each gymnast's readiness.
Watching Weeks:
Parents are invited to watch sessions each term. Coaches use this time to discuss individual development, areas of focus and potential progression into Junior Squad.
Swan Academy's Development Squad offers focused, skill-driven gymnastics training in Stevenage for gymnasts ready to progress beyond recreational classes.
Development Squad is Swan Academy's stepping stone between recreational gymnastics and competitive squad training. Gymnasts train for two hours per week with the same dedicated coach, giving them the consistency and focus needed to develop skills at a deeper level. Sessions are more structured and technique-driven than recreational classes but without the intensity of full squad training. The emphasis is on building strong foundations, refining skills across all apparatus and preparing gymnasts for the demands of Junior Squad when they're ready. If your child has been recommended by their coach and wants to take their gymnastics more seriously, this is the programme for them.
What Your Child Will Experience:
Two hours of focused coaching per week with the same dedicated coach
Structured skill development across floor, beam, bars and vault
Emphasis on technique, consistency and building strong foundations
Strength and flexibility work tailored to each gymnast's development
Regular assessments with detailed individual feedback
Watching weeks each term for parents
A close-knit training group with a supportive team environment
WHO THIS IS FOR:
Designed for gymnasts who have been recommended by their coach from Gym 4 All or Advance 4 All. This programme suits children who are committed, coachable and ready for more focused training but aren't yet at the intensity level of Junior Squad. It's also a great fit for gymnasts who want to develop seriously without the pressure of a full competition schedule.
Skills They Will Learn:
Refined technique across all four apparatus
Consistent handstands, cartwheels, round-offs and walkovers
Introduction to back flics, front tucks and more advanced tumbling
Bar combinations including casts, hip circles and dismounts
Beam series with connected elements and increased difficulty
Vault technique and run-up consistency
Strength and conditioning specific to gymnastics progression
Badges and Assessments:
Development Squad gymnasts are assessed regularly against clear technical benchmarks. Coaches provide individual feedback on progress and areas to work on. Gymnasts who consistently meet the required standard and demonstrate the right attitude, commitment and work ethic will be considered for progression into Junior Squad.
Shows and Competitions:
Development Squad gymnasts take part in our annual club showcase and have the opportunity to enter competitions including the Swan Ruby Cup, Swan Emerald Cup and Swan Diamond Cup pathway. Coaches will prepare gymnasts for competition and guide families through the process. Competition is encouraged but always tailored to each gymnast's readiness.
Watching Weeks:
Parents are invited to watch sessions each term. Coaches use this time to discuss individual development, areas of focus and potential progression into Junior Squad.
Swan Academy's Development Squad offers focused, skill-driven gymnastics training in Stevenage for gymnasts ready to progress beyond recreational classes.
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story

Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Time to create you new story
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
Two hours of coached training per week
Same dedicated coach each session for consistency
Coaching across floor, beam, bars and vault
Structured assessment and progression framework
Access to competitions and the annual club showcase
Two hours of coached training per week
Same dedicated coach each session for consistency
Coaching across floor, beam, bars and vault
Structured assessment and progression framework
Access to competitions and the annual club showcase
Optional
Competition entry fees charged separately when applicable
Club leotard required for competitions and available to purchase
Gymnasts are expected to attend consistently to maintain their place
Entry to Development Squad is by coach recommendation only
Children should bring a water bottle and any personal grips or supports
Competition entry fees charged separately when applicable
Club leotard required for competitions and available to purchase
Gymnasts are expected to attend consistently to maintain their place
Entry to Development Squad is by coach recommendation only
Children should bring a water bottle and any personal grips or supports




