Club Structure & Pathways

Our Gymnastics Pathway

All gymnasts begin their journey in our Recreational Programme, following the highly respected Perfect 10 Programme. Children progress at their own pace, developing strong gymnastics foundations while building confidence and enjoying the sport.

Perfect 10 Programme

Our Perfect 10 pathway is divided into progressive stages:

Preschool – Levels 1–4
Stage 1 – Levels 5–6 | Beginner
Stage 2 – Levels 7–8 | Intermediate
Stage 3 – Levels 9–10 | Advanced Recreational
Stage 4 – Bronze, Silver & Gold | Pre-Competition

Each stage is supported by a Skill Progress Card, giving gymnasts clear goals to work towards and allowing them to celebrate their achievements. Gymnasts need to achieve 57 stars within each stage before progressing to the next stage.

Progression is based on skill mastery rather than speed. Children typically progress through Levels 5–10 at around one level per year, although every gymnast develops at their own pace.

Recreational gymnasts can also take part in three competition events each year and our annual Christmas display, giving them opportunities to showcase their skills and build confidence in a fun environment.

As gymnasts develop, there are opportunities to take their gymnastics further. The right pathway will depend on each gymnast’s age, ability, development and potential.

TOPs | Ages 4–7

Our Talent Opportunity Programme (TOPs) is an invitation-only programme for selected gymnasts aged 4–7. It focuses on developing the fundamental strength and flexibility needed to build a strong foundation for future competitive gymnastics.

Stage 4 | Pre-Competition

Stage 4 provides a bridge between recreational and competitive gymnastics, with gymnasts training twice per week.

At Stage 4, gymnasts can:

1. Continue without competing
   Progress through Bronze, Silver and Gold, continuing to develop their skills, fitness and confidence without moving into competitive gymnastics.
2. Work towards competition
   Gymnasts who demonstrate the appropriate skills, commitment and potential may be invited to begin competition preparation, with the opportunity to progress into our Competitive Squad Pathway.

Moving into Stage 4 does not mean a gymnast has to compete. Our aim is to provide a pathway that allows every child to continue progressing while giving those who are ready and interested the opportunity to take their gymnastics further.

For gymnasts who want to take their gymnastics further, we offer several competitive pathways. Our coaches help identify the pathway that best matches each gymnast's skills, development and potential.

Where does competitive gymnastics start?

Gymnasts generally enter our competitive programme through either the Preparation Pathway or the County Pathway.

Preparation Pathway
The Preparation Pathway is designed to build the foundations needed for competitive gymnastics. Gymnasts develop their strength, flexibility, skills and confidence before progressing towards either Regional or National competition.

There are two routes:

• Regional Preparation – Preparation 1 & 2 
• National Preparation – Preparation 1+ & 3 

County Pathway
The County Pathway is a two-event competition route. Gymnasts train on all four pieces — Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor — but compete in Floor and Vault competitions.

There are four levels: Pre-Novice, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced.

What happens as gymnasts progress?

As gymnasts develop their skills, they may progress into either the Regional or National Pathway. Progression is based on the gymnast's readiness, skill level, development and potential, and is guided by our coaching team.

Regional Pathway

The Regional Pathway is for gymnasts competing at a regional level. Gymnasts progress through four Development Grades, followed by the Classic Challenge levels.

National Pathway

The National Pathway is for gymnasts who demonstrate a higher level of skill and performance. Gymnasts progress through four Performance Grades, followed by the Classic Challenge levels.

For gymnasts who reach the highest levels, there are opportunities to progress to FIG-level competition, including Home Nations events and, where qualifying scores are achieved, the British Championships.

Two Competition Seasons

Our competitive year is split into two seasons:

January–April | Season 1
Gymnasts compete in either British Gymnastics Grades or North West Floor & Vault competitions, depending on their pathway.

September–December | Season 2
Classic Challenge Programme, competing at the level appropriate to their development.

This gives gymnasts the opportunity to compete regularly while working towards their next stage of development.

Which squad would my child join?

Our squad groups are organised around the different pathways:

• Foundation 1: Regional preparation - Ages 7–9
• Foundation 2: National preparation - Ages 7–9
• County Juniors: County pathway - Ages 8–11
• County Seniors: County pathway  - Ages 12+
• Regional 1: Regional pathway; Development Grades 1–2 / Tin and Zinc 
• Regional 2: Regional pathway; Development Grades 3–4 / Copper and Bronze
• National 1: National pathway; Performance Grades 1–2 / Tin and Zinc
• National 2: National pathway; Performance Grades 3–4 / Copper and Bronze
• FIG: Silver, Gold & FIG Level

How do gymnasts move between pathways?

 Our coaching team regularly meets to discuss each gymnast’s progress and training needs. We continually review training plans and squad pathways to ensure each gymnast is in the right environment for their development. This may include moving between groups or pathways, or recommending a different pathway where we feel it would better support the gymnast’s needs and long-term development. 

Competitive Tumbling at Tumbles Gymnastics 

Our tumbling programme offers the opportunity to compete from an early stage. As tumblers complete each level, those who are competition-ready may be entered into the National Development Plan (NDP) Club Grades.

Tumblers follow the Perfect 10 Levels, divided into the following stages:

Preschool – Levels 1–4

Stage 1 – Levels 5–6 (Beginner)
Training: 1 hour per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 1 - optional

Stage 2 – Levels 7–8 (Intermediate)
Training: 1.5 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 2 - optional

Stage 3 – Levels 9–10 (Advanced)
Training: 2 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Level 3 - optional

Stage 4 – For tumblers progressing into higher-level competition. This group is ideal for gymnasts who also compete in artistic gymnastics and want to combine both disciplines.
Training: 2 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Levels 4–6 - compulsory 

NDP Squad – A performance group for dedicated tumblers competing at higher levels within the NDP pathway.
Training: 6.5 hours per week
Competitive level: NDP Club Levels 4–6 - compulsory