Become a young leader

Many of our coaches started in the club as gymnasts and worked their way up to becoming coaches. This starts with some volunteering as a young leader from as young as 11 years old.

What does a gymnastics assistant volunteer do?

Until you complete any formal training, you will be counted in our gymnast to coach ratios as a gymnast, however you will be part of the delivery team, being offered training and guidance from our lead coaches.

Your role is:
  • to support the qualified coaches to deliver the club's gymnastics programme.
  • to help provide positive and fun sessions.
  • To act as a role model to lead by example.

Skills you will gain:
  • Leadership skills.
  • Teamwork.
  • Interpersonal skills such as communication.
  • How to support basic gymnastics elements.
"[My child] was buzzing after the session this evening. Came out full of excitement about helping and showing the gymnastics how to do things.  Trying to be a good role model to them. She was made really welcome too."
A young leader, September 2024

Apply now

To safeguard our gymnasts, we follow a safer recruitment process. Therefore anyone joining our team needs to complete an application form. This is the same application as our 18+ gymnastic assistant volunteers complete.
If your application is successful, you will be required to sign our volunteer agreement, as well as read and agree to abide by our code of conduct.
Gymnastics assistant volunteers will also need to hold a valid British Gymnastics membership.

Training

British Gymnastics run a gymnastics helper course which is the start of your journey to becoming a qualified coach. ​This is an introductory course aimed at anyone interested in learning more about how to effectively help in a gymnastics session. This course is ideal for older participants, parents/carers, and volunteers, and will provide you with the key skills needed to help your lead coach run effective and participant-centred sessions. 
For our adult volunteers, British Gymnastics also run a gymnastic activity instructor course, which includes some elements of coaching as well as managing a session, risk management, safeguarding, etc. This course is ideal for parents/carers and adult volunteers, and will provide you with the key skills needed to lead a basic gymnastics session. For the right volunteer, there is potential for the club to support the funding of this course.