GymFun Young Leaders Academy
Inspiring the Next Generation of Coaches and Role Models
What Is the Young Leaders Academy?
The GymFun Young Leaders Academy is our leadership development programme for post-primary gymnasts. It introduces older members to the volunteering and workforce roles available in gymnastics and gives them a supportive, empowering space to explore new responsibilities.
Currently, 30 young leaders are actively involved — planning events, assisting classes, gaining coaching experience, and supporting the club in meaningful ways.
The programme helps participants:
✔ Discover their individual strengths
✔ Take ownership of their personal learning journey
✔ Stay involved in sport through leadership
✔ Build coaching and mentoring skills
✔ Gain valuable life experience
"It’s more than volunteering — it’s about growth, confidence, and community."
What Do Young Leaders Do?
Young Leaders take part in a range of practical and developmental activities:
🗓 Termly Planning Meetings
Leaders meet with our Young Leaders Academy Director, Chelsea Robinson — a Level 3 gymnastics coach, mentor. These meetings include planning, skills reflection, and personal development tracking.
🤸♀️ Weekly Class Assistant Roles
Leaders assist in one class each week, working closely with a qualified coach. Their responsibilities include:
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Helping with class organisation and set-up
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Supporting younger gymnasts and acting as positive role models
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Developing basic coaching, communication, and management skills
Some of our senior leaders have already progressed to become fully qualified coaches through this pathway.
Our Development Framework
Young Leaders work toward five themed areas of development, supported by our coaching team:
📘 MY Learning
Complete coaching and leadership courses (both generic and gymnastics-specific)
🧠 MY Development
Identify and work alongside a mentor for practical learning and feedback
💬 MY Volunteering
Log volunteer hours at club events, meetings, and community activities
🎯 MY Future
Create a personalised leadership development plan with clear goals
🌟 MY Projects
Plan and lead a small-scale project that benefits the club or wider community
Recognition & Awards
GymFun believes in celebrating our Young Leaders’ contributions. Participants receive:
🏆 Recognition at our Annual Club Awards
🪪 Valuable experience for CVs, school, or university applications
💼 A foundation for potential employment in coaching or sport through attendance at part-funded education and leadership courses run by British Gymnastics.
How to Join
All post-primary GymFun members are welcome and encouraged to join the Young Leaders Academy.
Interested in getting involved?
Please speak to Ellen Robinson or your Head Coach to find out more and get started!
