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.
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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

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Nobel School, Sports Centre Mobbsbury Way,
Stevenage SG2 0HS

Swan Gymnastics and Dance Academy is Stevenage's home for gymnastics and dance, offering classes for all ages and abilities. Get in touch to find out more or book a free taster session. All rights reserved 2026

SWAN

Get in touch to book a taster session, ask about our classes or find out more about Swan Academy.

ACADEMY
Logo Footer
Stay Up to date

Be the first to hear about new classes, camps, competitions and everything happening at Swan Academy. Drop your email below to join our mailing list.

© Swan Academy Ltd / Swan Academy Community CIC.

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Nobel School, Sports Centre Mobbsbury Way,
Stevenage SG2 0HS

Swan Gymnastics and Dance Academy is Stevenage's home for gymnastics and dance, offering classes for all ages and abilities. Get in touch to find out more or book a free taster session. All rights reserved 2026

SWAN

ACADEMY

Get in touch to book a taster session, ask about our classes or find out more about Swan Academy.

Stay Up to date

Be the first to hear about new classes, camps, competitions and everything happening at Swan Academy. Drop your email below to join our mailing list.

© Swan Academy Ltd

© Swan Academy Community CIC.

Award Icon
Award Icon
Award Icon
Nobel School, Sports Centre Mobbsbury Way,
Stevenage SG2 0HS

Swan Gymnastics and Dance Academy is Stevenage's home for gymnastics and dance, offering classes for all ages and abilities. Get in touch to find out more or book a free taster session. All rights reserved 2026