‘I would recommend it to anyone’ – Gymnastics Activity Instructor course gets big thumbs up from current British Senior Squad gymnasts

British Aerobic Senior Squad members Emily James and Connor Keane were among the cohort on Welsh Gymnastics’ latest Gymnastics Activity Instructor course at the end of last month.

This four-day course is aimed at people who want to independently deliver low-level gymnastics skills to recreational participants. It is a great choice for those who are new to delivering gymnastics or parent helpers who wish to become accredited.

It is also an option if you currently hold a UKCC Level 1 (or equivalent) and wish to independently deliver.

“I’ve found it really enjoyable,” said Emily. “Seeing the types of activities that other clubs and coaches have been using, I think it will be really good to take some of them back to add into our sessions.”

Connor said: “It was a really nice way to introduce myself to coaching and start learning how to run and deliver a session.”

Both would also highly recommend the course.

“Definitely, I would recommend it to anyone,” said Emily. “Even if you haven’t done gymnastics or don’t really have a background in gymnastics, you can come on to this course and learn anything you need to.

“It’s good to go back to the basics and learn, even though personally I’ve already done my Level 1 previously, coming on this course has brought things back and reminded me of the things I need to be doing in a recreational class with our younger ones for them to enjoy it – and to keep it fun as well.”

Connor said: “I’ve met some people here who are starting from scratch and it’s almost the same for me, in terms of coaching.

“It’s such a great way to lead you into this as a career; it’s a nice way to build in and get your confidence to move up rather than being thrown in the deep end.”

Learners must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the course. The course is classroom based for day 1 and practical for days 2-4.

For more information about our Gymnastics Activity Instructor courses, please email rachel.horwood@welshgymnastics.org.

Bookings are now being taken for our GAI course running in March 2023 at Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff.