Coach Education

GymFun, a Newtownabbey based gymnastics club

GymFun Student Employability Programme

 

School’s GymFun: Ulster University’s Gymnastics Coaching Employability Programme

Launch Your Coaching Career with GymFun

The School’s GymFun Initiative is a pioneering Student Employability Programme, developed in partnership with Club GymFun, British Gymnastics Northern Ireland, and Ulster University. It offers students a unique opportunity to gain real coaching experience, achieve national qualifications, and enhance their career prospects in sport and physical education.


What the Programme Offers

This award-winning initiative combines:
Work-based learning in a live club environment
Formal British Gymnastics coaching qualifications
Paid and voluntary coaching opportunities with GymFun
Leadership skill development and mentoring
✔ Participation recognised through the Ulster Edge Award (UUSU)

Whether you're just starting your coaching journey or looking to build on existing experience, GymFun provides a supportive, structured pathway to grow your confidence and career in gymnastics coaching.

“Get involved. Gain qualifications. Make an impact.”


Real Career Impact

GymFun has become a key recruitment and training ground for aspiring gymnastics coaches across Northern Ireland.

Many participants have gone on to become:

  • 🏅 Qualified gymnastics coaches in clubs province-wide

  • 🧑‍🏫 Teachers in primary and post-primary PE settings

  • 🧠 Coach educators, assessors, and mentors with British Gymnastics

  • 🚀 Entrepreneurs opening new clubs, pre-school programmes, or full-time facilities

  • 🧒 Leaders in child development, physical literacy, and movement education

This programme doesn’t just improve employability — it transforms lives, builds careers, and contributes meaningfully to grassroots sport.


How to Get Involved

Are you an Ulster University student interested in:

  • Gaining practical coaching experience?

  • Becoming a qualified gymnastics coach?

  • Supporting younger students and developing leadership skills?

  • Enhancing your CV and degree through real-world opportunities?

Or are you already a coach looking to develop further?

💬 We’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch by emailing Sinead Connolly (Lecturer in Sport and Exercise - Physical Education), Ulster University

Ulster University GymFun Student Employability Programme
Ulster University GymFun Student Employability Programme
Ulster University GymFun Student Employability Programme