Frequently Asked Questions

At present we only enrol gymnasts who are of primary school age (P1+). We hope to be able to cater for younger children when we launch preschool classes (2019).  There is no age limit on participation and once children are in school, they can join at any stage thereafter.

The design of the facility is such that we have neither the space in the gym for spectators or a viewing gallery and unfortunately, cannot therefore, accomodate parents staying to watch during class time. The Univeristy has coffee shops, refreshments and comfortable seating for your perusal and many parents take the opportunity to workout in the excellent fitness suite in UUJ or go for a walk/jog while waiting for GymFun classes to finish.  Of course, we are more than happy to facilitate any parent who wishes to observe their child for a one off/special arrangement; please arrange this in advance with the Head Coach.

GymFun classes tend to be oversubscribed and in high demand. We do not however maintain a waiting list.  Instead if you would like to become a member of GymFun please join our mailing list to be notified of any available spaces please fill in this form.
We hold an annual open registration night in June every year when new members can sign up for the year ahead. Please see our important dates for more information.

It is our strong preference that members pay fees via electronic methods if at all possible. The following payment methods are available:

The gymnastics year runs from September to June each year. We collect fees twice a year, once in September and once in January. All members/prospective members must pay a club registration fee (June or September). It is also compulsory for all members to join British Gymnastics (this memebership includes insurance) and must be paid every September.

Yes, all our classes are lead by a Level 2 or Level 3 British Gymnastics Coach with at least 3 other qualified coaches to assist in every class. GymFun prides itself in its excellent track record supporting and developing our coaching staff.  Our staff includes 3 British Gymnastics accredited Coach Educators and 5 accredited British Gymnastics Coach Assessors meaning our coach development programme is at the cutting edge of coach education and training in the UK. All GymFun coaches have completed Access NI checks and Safeguarding Children in Sport training.  The majority of our coaches are either graduates of/or current students at, the Ulster Univeristy School of Sport.

GymFun are fortunate to have a wide pool of qualified and trainee coaches and volunteers who are committed to the club and its ethos. We enjoy amongst the best coaching ratios for a recreational club in NI. We have a minimum of 4 qualified coaches in every session but can have as many as 6 qualified staff in many classes.  Our Young leaders and trainee coaches are an additional help and combined, this enables us to consisently have gymnast:coach ratios of circa 5:1 - much better than the British Gymnastics recommendation.

Yes, the club is insured under the British Gymnastics Insurance scheme . In addition tall members are required to take out Bronze membership of British Gymnastics.

Each gymnastics year begins on the 2nd Monday of  September and ends with the Club Competition in mid-June.  Check out our Important Dates timeline for up to date information on key dates, event, and holidays.

Please drop off and collect your child at the gymnasium door. Please don’t arrive more than 5 minutes before class and children must wait outside the gym until a coach opens the doors and invites them in. This year our 3pm, 4:30pm and 5pm classes will be left off and picked up at the door at the bottom end of the gym (the door closest to reception). The 4pm and 6pm classes will be left off and picked up at the top door (the door furthest away from reception). If your child is of secondary school age they can make their own way to and from the car park for collection.

GymFun is a dedicated gymnastics facility that includes competition standard sprung floor, vaulting tables, beams, asymmetric bars, high bars, fixed climbing frames, ropes and rings as well as an impressive range of training aids, soft play, small apparatus and equipment. Visit our Gallery to see images taken in our Gym.

Ideally children should come to gymnastics wearing the club uniform. The club leotard, shorts, t-shirts and hoodies are all available for purchase from the Club Shop. In the first few weeks of membership children should wear tight clothing, preferably shorts or leggings. Long hair must be tied up and all jewellery removed, gymnasts train in their bare feet. Order placed online and collected at the gym. GymFun branded merchandise (water bottles, trainer bags, notebooks etc) are also available for purchase. Please visit our Shop to find out more.

Please take your child to the toilet before their class as toilet trips during a session takes up valuable gymnastics time. Please also provide your child with water in a sports cap bottle.

The GymFun ethos and approach focuses on children's development, happiness, confidence and mastery more than competitive success. We run an annual club competition and occasionally groups take part in 'gymnastics for all' competitive experiences/events eg. GymFusion or TeamGym. Talent identification is a key element of what we do,  particularly talented children, are referred on to performance clubs. Some gymnasts whom we have referred are currently part of the Irish Gymnastics Olympic 2020 Select Squad and the BGNI Performance Pathway squad. If you are keen to pursue competitive gymnastics training and competition systems, do not hestitate to seek advice from any of the Head Coaches - we are happy to help.

Working in partnership with the Ulster University Sports Services Department, GymFun delivers the Gymanstics camps as part of the Ulster Elks Camp programme. Camps are open to children from P1 to Age 16 and .