Reflections from a Gymnastics assistant coaching course

A guest post from Kath Maguire.

Kath is the parent of one of our club’s gymnasts. She asked about doing some volunteering a couple of months ago and whether there was a course she could do. Here are her reflections from the day.

“I’ve been thinking about volunteering for a while now but as it’s been a long time (30 years!) since I formally coached children and young people, I was curious to know how things have changed in that time and also a little apprehensive about being so out of touch to be neither of use nor ornament!

So, it was with some trepidation that I signed up for the Gymnastics Helper course, run by British Gymnastics, and as recommended by James. I needn’t have worried though, as of course the basic requirements for someone to be a good helper are the same as ever, such as being friendly, approachable, enthusiastic and patient, alongside a desire to support people to do their best and, most importantly, safely enjoy their chosen sport or activity.

The course consists of two parts: online pre-work and a full-day face-to-face group session.  The e-learning modules were interesting and very accessible. They can be done piecemeal so very easy to fit in around work/life commitments and content is available to review at any time afterwards.

The day itself was very enjoyable with a good balance of physical activity, theory (covering technical knowledge and other topics) and group discussions. As a mixed ability and age range group, all participants were encouraged to listen to our own bodies and be aware of our limitations.

Nothing was compulsory and progressions and alternatives were always suggested – just as happens in the sessions James runs – so for me, whilst I could’ve cartwheeled all day long, hanging around on the bar was simply not going to happen! And that was fine.

The course leader, Chris, was a very engaging tutor and she is clearly passionate about both the sport itself and enabling young (and young at heart!) people to contribute appropriately to support it. Chris incorporated the important safeguarding messages regularly, with careful sensitivity to the mixed group of people participating.

As someone who is committed to inclusion and broadening participation, it was also great to learn about how sessions and activities can be adapted to be more accessible to all and heartening to hear about the ways that British Gymnastics champions this.

All in all, this was a very enjoyable course and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it! Having a better understanding of what is, and isn’t, the role of a helper and clarity about how I might appropriately contribute to the fantastic general gymnastics and freestyle/parkour sessions our children enjoy so much has given me greater confidence to take forward the possibility of helping out at our club.

Another main highlight of the day? Mr Stephens’ headstand. But don’t tell him I told you so.”

Anyone wishing to join our club, or volunteer to help, is welcome. Details are here.