This months club focus shines a spotlight on Saints Gym Club. Founded in 1978, SGC is the only club in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide and trains 400 members!
1. How did you club start?
Saints Gym Club began in 1978 where we have been lucky enough to use Saint Peters Girls gym. Our club has grown consistently over our 45-year history due to the efforts of committed parents who run our club by committee. We are a not-for-profit community minded club.
2. How many kids do you train and what skills?
At Saints Gym Club, we have approximately 400 members with roughly 250 recreational gymnasts and 150 gymnasts in our competition program catering to both WAG and MAG athletes. We also have pre-gym classes and competitive and recreational tumbling. As of 2024, we plan to add an adult gymnastics/retired gymnastics program for those wishing to return to the sport. Across both WAG/MAG and our recreational classes we coach children aged 4-20.
3. Do you have any special needs programs?
Saints Gym Club does not have a specific needs program; however, we work individually with each child. For our members with special needs, we work with advice from parents and carers to ensure each child gets the most out of their classes. Every gymnast at our club is treated as an individual. We pride ourselves in ensuring each gymnasts’ training is catered to their needs, skills, and abilities.
4. What’s your club’s vision statement?
Our club is community minded, and we aim to provide safe and fun gymnastics and tumbling classes for a broad range of ages and all abilities. We pride ourselves on creating an environment for children to develop into talented and confident athletes and young adults. We also encourage many of our older gymnasts to involve themselves in coaching and judging which allows them to not only further their understanding of the sport and their own skills, but also fosters work ethic, responsibility, and allows the athletes to become role models for the younger gymnasts.
5. What are some of the objectives of your program?
At SGC, we are committed to ensuring a safe and positive environment for our athletes. We continuously strive to ensure all gymnast feel included and important within our club and that they always have a place in their sport. Although we work to ensure our gymnasts are always having fun, we still implement challenges into trainings to ensure the athletes are always improving.
6. What are you most proud of with your club?
We are a set up and pack down gym. Our competitive athletes train 30-50% less than other clubs in our state, however our athletes continue to impress with upgrades and placings at competitions, which is a credit to the dedication of both our coaches and our gymnasts. We are incredibly proud of the fact that most of our coaches are former gymnasts of the club, and many go on to help run the club. Our club fosters a family friendly environment, and we are an incredibly tight knit group of athletes, coaches, and committee members alike. We always welcome participation from parents and carers.
7. Why do you think your club is important to families and your community?
Our club is the only club located in the eastern suburbs of Adelaide. SGC is the only eastern suburbs club that offers GFA and competitive programs. We provide a safe and fun environment for our members providing a great place for members to establish lasting friendships, we encourage parental involvement at all levels of our Saints community.
8. What’s a piece of advice you would give to a gymnast/student?
A worthy piece of advice to give to a gymnast/student, and no matter their age, is to set their own goals and not to compare themselves to others. Each child will learn and grow at different rates. Progress cannot be forced and will come through dedication and practice. With all of that said, the most important thing is to always have fun!
Stay up to date with Saints Gym Club by following them on Instagram!
