JUNIOR SQUAD

Junior Squad is Swan Academy's competitive gymnastics programme for gymnasts who are serious about their development. Training starts at a minimum of 2.5 hours per week and increases up to 8 hours or more depending on the gymnast's level, goals and competition schedule. Led by Sophie Cripps and Svetlana, sessions are intense, structured and focused on building competition-ready gymnasts across all four apparatus. This is where talent meets hard work. Gymnasts in Junior Squad are expected to train consistently, push themselves and represent the club at competitions throughout the year. Entry is by invitation only following assessment from the coaching team.

What Your Child Will Experience:

WHO THIS IS FOR:

Junior Squad is for gymnasts who have been invited by the coaching team based on ability, attitude and commitment. Most gymnasts progress from Development Squad or Advance 4 All, though gymnasts joining from other clubs may be assessed for direct entry. This programme is for children who are passionate about gymnastics, willing to put in the hours and ready to compete regularly. It requires dedication from both the gymnast and their family.

Skills They Will Learn:

OUR GYM:

Junior Squad: What We Ask of You

Junior Squad is a competitive programme and that means it works best when every gymnast, and every family, is fully committed. Before enrolling, please make sure you're happy with the following:

Attendance: We ask for a minimum of 90% attendance across all scheduled sessions. Training hours build on each other - consistent attendance is what allows gymnasts to develop safely and progress at the pace they're capable of.

Competitions: Representing Swan Academy at competition is a core part of this programme. Gymnasts are expected to attend all competitions they are entered into. Competition dates will be shared in advance, and coaches will give as much notice as possible. Competition entry fees and any associated travel costs are charged separately and are non-refundable once submitted to the event organiser.

Notice Period: If you decide to leave Junior Squad, we ask for a minimum of 30 days' written notice. This allows us to manage the programme, plan coaching resources and offer the space to a gymnast on our waiting list.

Kit Squad: gymnasts are required to wear the Swan Academy competition leotard at all events. Club kit is available to purchase via the club shop.

Terms & Conditions Full terms including our refund policy, squad withdrawal terms, medical disclosure requirements and IGA insurance obligations are set out in our Terms & Conditions. Please read these before enrolling.

We want Junior Squad to be an amazing experience for every gymnast. If you have any questions about the programme or what's involved, please get in touch before booking.

This Programme Is Not Easy. That's the Point.

Junior Squad is demanding by design. Sessions are intense, training hours are high, and the standard expected of every gymnast is uncompromising. Coaches will push your child. There will be hard days, frustrating days, and days where progress feels slow. That is part of the process.

This programme exists for one reason: to take talented young gymnasts and develop them into the best athletes they can be. Everything - the conditioning, the repetition, the competition preparation, the hours - is built around long-term athletic development done properly.

Gymnasts in Junior Squad are not here to try gymnastics. They are here to train seriously, compete regularly and grow into athletes who can perform under pressure. That requires commitment, resilience and a willingness to be challenged every single session.

It also requires the right mindset from families. Training schedules, competition dates and coaching decisions need to be respected and supported at home. The gymnasts who thrive in this environment are the ones whose families back the process, even when it's hard.

If your child has the talent, the attitude and the drive - and you're ready to support that journey - Junior Squad is where they belong.

Class Information:

Class Fees: Fees are paid monthly.

IGA Insurance: All gymnasts must hold a current IGA membership. The annual IGA insurance fee is £32.00 per year, processed at the point of registration through ClassForKids.

Refunds: Term fees are non-refundable once the renewal window has closed.

Parents and Carers: Parents and carers may leave the site during sessions but must remain contactable at all times by phone.

Progression: You will be contacted directly by our coaching team when it is time for your gymnast to move to a new class suited to their age and ability.

What to Wear:

Appropriate attire is essential for the safety of all gymnasts. Please follow the guidelines below before attending any Swan Academy session.

Suitable clothing includes:

• Long or short sleeve t-shirt with leggings or shorts suitable for gymnastics

• Leotard or unitard (a leotard can be worn with shorts or leggings as appropriate)

• Socks or gym shoes for trampoline classes

• Sweatshirts on colder days

Long hair must be tied back securely. Glasses must be worn with a sports band.

Please do not wear or bring the following:

• Earrings - unless recently pierced, these must be removed and must not be taped over in line with IGA policy

• Any other jewellery or watches

• Clothing with zips, buttons, buckles, belts or hoods

• Fancy dress, costumes or skirts

• Face paints

• Excessively long fingernails

Religious and Medical Jewellery In line with IGA guidelines, a risk assessment will be carried out to determine whether jewellery can be safely covered by a sweatband. If the coach identifies a risk to the participant, coach or others that cannot be adequately controlled, participation may be prohibited on safety grounds.

Badges and Assessments:

Junior Squad gymnasts are assessed against competition-level benchmarks on an ongoing basis. Coaches track technical development, strength, flexibility and competition readiness. Feedback is detailed and individual, with clear goals set for each training block. Progression within the squad is based on consistent performance, attitude and commitment.

Shows and Competitions:

Competition is a core part of Junior Squad. Gymnasts compete regularly throughout the year at regional events, invitational competitions and the Swan Ruby Cup, Swan Emerald Cup and Swan Diamond Cup internal pathway. Coaches build and polish individual competition routines across all apparatus and dedicate specific training time to competition preparation in the weeks before events. Junior Squad gymnasts also perform in the annual club showcase. Representing Swan Academy at competition is an expectation of the programme.

Watching Weeks:

Parents are invited to watch sessions each term. Coaches will discuss individual progress, competition plans, training hours and long-term development pathways with families.

Junior Squad is Stevenage's premier competitive gymnastics programme for young gymnasts training up to 8+ hours per week at Swan Academy.