About GymFun

Serious Smiles. Lifelong Skills. Founded in 2005.

Who We Are

GymFun Gymnastics Club is a thriving recreational gymnastics club based at Ulster University’s Jordanstown Campus in Newtownabbey. Since 2005, we’ve delivered high-quality gymnastics experiences for children and young people of all abilities.

We specialise in recreational gymnastics, where enjoyment, inclusion, and positive development come first. Our motto, "Serious Smiles," reflects our belief that gymnastics should be joyful and meaningful — developing skills, confidence, and friendships for life.

What We Do

We provide fun-filled, inclusive gymnastics classes and progression opportunities for boys, girls, teenagers, and young adults.
Our programme includes:

⭐ Weekly recreational classes (ages 4–18+)
⭐ Structured skill development through 4 levels: Enjoy, Learn, Perform, Master
⭐ Tailored sessions for teens and young adults
⭐ Participation and leadership opportunities through our Young Leaders Academy

We focus on building children’s fundamental movement skills, physical literacy, and self-belief in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. We emphasise skill mastery over competition, ensuring every child — regardless of ability — enjoys a high-quality experience and develops at their own pace.

"Gymnastics is to sport what the alphabet is to reading."

Our Membership

GymFun Jordanstown is one of the largest recreational gymnastics clubs in Northern Ireland, with over 450 members training weekly.

Most gymnasts attend a 1-hour weekly class
Some progress to 2.5 hours/week of training
We welcome primary and post-primary children of all abilities
As members grow, we adapt sessions to suit their needs and motivations
Our older members often become leaders through our Young Leaders Academy

Our Coaching Team

We are proud to have one of the most experienced and dedicated coaching teams in the country.

Coaches include Sinead Connolly, Pippa Davis, and Kelly Morrow— all of whom also contribute to the sport nationally through roles with British Gymnastics as tutors, assessors, and development officers
Many of our coaches are students or graduates of Ulster University’s sport and coaching programmes
We prioritise ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality coaching and continuous improvement

Our coaching philosophy is rooted in child centered, care, connection, and expertise — bringing out the best in every child. We focus on 'retention' as the cornerstone of youth sport participation and celebrate our members dedication over time over competitive success.

Developing Future Coaches

We’re committed to building the next generation of coaches through our innovative:
🎓 GymFun Student Employability Programme

Delivered in partnership with Ulster University and British Gymnastics NI, this unique programme is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland and has trained dozens of new coaches. Many graduates have gone on to:

Launch their own gymnastics clubs
Secure full-time roles in gymnastics
Positively impact the sport across the province

Quality & Accreditation

We are proud to uphold the highest standards in recreational sport.
🏅 British Gymnastics GymMark Club
Recognised for our commitment to safe, child-friendly, and effective gymnastics provision. This award assures parents and carers of our professionalism and care.

🌈 British Gymnastics Equality Standard
One of the first clubs in Northern Ireland to receive this award, affirming our dedication to inclusive, equitable access for all children — regardless of background or ability.

Awards & Recognition

🏆 UK-Wide (British Gymnastics National Awards)

Shortlisted: Inclusive Gymnastics Award – Kelly Morrow (2019)
Runner-up: Club of the Year (2016)
Runner-up: Coach Education Award – Sinead Connolly (2016)

🏅 Northern Ireland

Winner: Volunteer of the Year – Ellen Robinson (2019)
Runner-up: Volunteer of the Year – Amy McCann (2019)
Runner-up: Inclusion Award – Kelly Morrow (2019)
Winner: Inclusive Gymnastics Award – Kelly Morrow (2018)
Runner-up: Coaching Programme of the Year – Sport NI SportsMaker Awards (2018)
Winner: Services to Gymnastics – Sinead Connolly (2017)
Runner-up: Inclusive Gymnastics Award – Kelly Morrow (2017)
Winner: Club of the Year – British Gymnastics NI (2015–16)

Why Families Choose GymFun

✅ 20 years of proven, trusted experience
✅ Based in a high quality university facility
✅ Warm, inclusive, child-centred approach
✅ Progressive programme with clear development pathways
✅ Experienced, accredited coaching team
✅ Recognised nationally for quality and inclusion

Whether your child is taking their first cartwheel or dreaming of becoming a young leader, GymFun is the place to grow, move, and smile.