SQUAD PROGRAMMES

Spring term prices. Tuesday 7th of January - Sunday 13th April (14 weeks)

Discovering the Gymnastics Pathways in London

Gymnastics can be an incredible outlet for children, helping them develop strength, flexibility, and confidence. But as soon as you start exploring your options in London, you’ll likely run into a few well-worn routes—chief among them is British Gymnastics (BG). BG is the longstanding “official” governing body, running from introductory sessions all the way to elite squads training 15 or even 25 hours a week. While it works brilliantly for some, there are only a handful of clubs in London that actually offer these elite pathways, and they can be incredibly hard to break into.

That’s where the Independent Gymnastics Association (IGA) comes in. IGA is an alternative pathway that still lets gymnasts compete at high levels but without the same intensity and saturation often found in BG. It’s a much more accessible route for many children and families who aren’t ready—or able—to commit to such rigorous, full-on schedules. This is particularly helpful if your child already does multiple sports or if you simply want to avoid the pressures of super-elite commitments.

Where SWL Gymnastics Fits In

Here at SWL, we’ve chosen to focus on the IGA route for competitions, while also making sure our programs neatly complement what local schools already offer. In Southwest London, a lot of children attend private schools that have their own gymnastics squads or general sports programs. Rather than competing with these, we aim to add an extra layer of support and coaching, helping kids refine their skills and grow their confidence so they can enjoy success both at school and in external competitions.

We believe in high-quality training without demanding 15 or more hours in the gym every week. Our squad program typically involves around five hours of training—a realistic sweet spot for families who juggle other sports, interests, and, of course, academics. Young gymnasts who train with us still make meaningful progress; they just don’t have to sacrifice every spare minute of their week to do it.

Balancing School Squads and Community Spirit

One of the things that sets SWL Gymnastics apart is how intentionally we work alongside school squads. If your child’s private school has an established gymnastics team, it often means they’ve already got a taste for the sport. We help them take that interest further, preparing them for IGA competitions or simply giving them a more tailored training experience. This collaborative approach helps kids develop at a pace that suits both their personal goals and academic workload.

Even if your child doesn’t currently do gymnastics at school, we welcome them into a nurturing community that blends structured training with an upbeat, supportive vibe. Our coaches focus on mastering technique in an encouraging environment, so each gymnast feels motivated and excited to improve.

A Pathway That Works for Real Life

We understand that not everyone is chasing the Olympic dream—and that’s perfectly okay. Gymnastics should be an adventure, a way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and grow in confidence. At SWL, we’ve seen firsthand how an approachable training schedule helps young gymnasts sustain their passion over the long term. Children who feel happy and balanced in their routines are more likely to keep improving rather than burning out after a few intense years.

By focusing on the IGA route, we keep the door open for higher-level competition without backing parents into a corner with unmanageable hours. Families in places like Wandsworth or Putney appreciate not having to spend ages commuting across the city for top-level clubs—only to find that strict selection policies and extensive training demands overshadow the enjoyment of the sport.

Why SWL Gymnastics?

Our approach is built around balance, quality coaching, and accessibility. We believe children can excel at gymnastics, immerse themselves in local competitions, and still find time for their other interests. We also love collaborating with schools, ensuring every gymnast has a well-rounded experience that enriches both their sporting and social life.

In an area where truly elite training opportunities are hard to come by, SWL Gymnastics provides a middle ground: robust programs, competition pathways through IGA, and a strong partnership with school squads. It’s a chance for your child to develop real skills and confidence—without having to devote their entire week to the gym.

If you’re ready to see how gymnastics can fit into your family’s lifestyle, we invite you to learn more about our classes and our overall philosophy. We’ve seen so many children thrive under this approach, and we believe it can make a difference for yours, too.

(limited spaces)