Gymnastics Near Romford
OUR story
Founded in 2007, the club emerged as a direct outcome of the great success achieved through our school gymnastics programme at Grafton Junior School & Robert Clack Secondary School. From 2002 to 2012, our participation in the British Schools National Finals resulted in securing at least one medal every year.
Over the past decade, we’ve evolved from a modest after-school provision to a thriving two-venue club.
Consequently, we now have the 8th largest membership across all of London. Our primary gymnastics class venue is located near Romford, in Dagenham, solidifying our position as the largest membership gymnastics club in London with a non-permanent facility.
At Catleaps Gymnastics, we are dedicated to inspiring gymnasts to reach their potential. Our comprehensive program not only encourages success but also instils confidence while contributing to the development of coordination, flexibility, and strength. Through these initiatives, we actively encourage our gymnasts to excel and thrive.
Our Aims
To enable gymnasts to reach their potential, we create an environment that supports both enjoyment and the formation of friendships.
Additionally, our focus is on ensuring that gymnasts learn in a safe and secure setting. We actively encourage gymnasts to challenge themselves, creating a mindset geared towards success.
Moreover, we are committed to treating each gymnast as an individual. This involves customising our approach to planning their training and development and recognising and addressing their unique needs and strengths.
In essence, our approach is centred on providing a holistic and personalised experience for every gymnast under our guidance.
Gymnastics classes near Romford
Our Team
Members, including coaches and officials, are individual participants with Gym Club Solutions.
Through our Coach Education Programme, we actively train our coaches, equipping them with the necessary tools to deliver quality coaching at all levels, thereby facilitating the realisation of each gymnast’s full potential.
In addition to initial training, we regularly provide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for our coaches, enhancing their knowledge and ensuring ongoing growth.
Coaches, judges, and officials undergo Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) enhanced disclosures to uphold safety standards.
Furthermore, to fulfil our Duty of Care, we adhere to the Gym Club Solutions Safeguarding Policy, ensuring the well-being of all involved.
National Recognition
Club & coach Awards
Our Director, Catherine Bates was presented with the British Gymnastics Services to Education Award in 2012, and the Award of Merit in 2013.
In recognition of her hard work, in 2018 she was inducted into the Men’s London Open Hall of Fame. This was a testament to her dedication to developing the competition into one of the best Internationally recognised Men’s Artistic Gymnastics competitions in the country.
Catherine was awarded the Nik Stuart Honorary Life Member in 2019. This award is dedicated to the late Nik Stuart MBE, former European silver medallist and nine-time British men’s champion. The award recognises outstanding service to British Gymnastics and gymnastics at a national level for a minimum of 10 years.
Many of our Volunteers have been recognised by London Gymnastics and gained their Award of Merit or entered into the Men’s London Open Hall of Fame.
As a club, we were awarded London Gymnastics Club of the Year in 2011 and London General Gymnastics Club of the Year in 2010 – we are extremely proud of these achievements.
Coach Charlotte Smitheram won the Pro-Active London Young Volunteer of the Year in 2008. Subsequently, Penny Deane was awarded the London Gymnastics General Gymnastics Coach of the Year in 2011.
These accolades reflect the dedication and excellence within our coaching team at the club.
Engagement & Opportunities
Development through gymnastics
Despite our growth, Catleaps Gymnastics has maintained a close-knit family atmosphere.
We take immense pride in the unwavering commitment demonstrated by the children within our club. Our ethos is one of inclusivity, welcoming all children, including those who have faced hardships such as foster children, and refugees, and those dealing with extreme family difficulties.
At Catleaps Gymnastics, we provide a secure space where every child is not only welcomed but also valued, allowing them to thrive. Beyond coaching gymnastics skills, our focus extends to the holistic development of each child.
Traditionally perceived as a sport for girls, gymnastics at our club has consistently attracted a healthy number of boys, surpassing the national average. Remarkably, our members tend to remain involved in the sport well into their teens, defying the national trend.
We offer a diverse range of opportunities, including engaging lessons, a progressive competition program, festivals, displays, workshops, and masterclasses. This is in addition to leadership and volunteering opportunities. Our main venue, located just outside Romford, serves as the hub for these activities.
Catleaps offers support, encouragement, my children have learnt new skills, new friends outside of school. Children enjoy it, will learn new skills, will be taught by talented and dedicated coaches in a safe environment, boosting confidence.
Mother of Catleaps Gymnast & Young Leader
Apply Today and Become Part of Our Family
Gymnastics Classes near Romford - Our Venues
Gymnastics Classes
Are you looking for gymnastics classes near Romford? Look no further!
We hold our gymnastics classes at two separate venues and run classes every day. As a result of this we’re able to offer a range of sessions for all ages.
At our larger venue, Robert Clack Leisure Centre, we are based in the Sports Hall. Here, we have ample space and a dedicated cupboard for equipment storage. Additionally, parents can enjoy the viewing area to watch the gymnasts. We have more space, therefore our more advanced gymnasts are based at this location.
The Robert Clack Leisure Centre venue is centrally located. Therefore our gymnasts travel from various locations, including Dagenham, Romford, Collier Row, Chadwell Heath, Hornchurch, Barking, Ilford, and Rainham. Conveniently, free on-site parking is available.
In addition to this primary venue, we are proud to also run our gymnastics classes at The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School.This is another school with a great sporting history, and forms our smaller venue.
Using the Gymnasium at Coopers, albeit a more confined space with limited equipment storage, proves ideal for beginner gymnastics and pupils in preschool, infant, and younger junior school levels.
As gymnasts progress and acquire skills that demand more space or specific equipment, they are invited to join the Dagenham classes.
Our Coopers gymnasts typically travel to us from Upminster, Cranham, Hornchurch, Rainham, Elm Park, Brentwood, Ockendon, Aveley and Thurrock.