Welcome to Our FAQ Hub
We know that starting something new comes with lots of questions. To make things easier, we’ve collected answers to the things parents ask us most often about North Leeds Gymnastics Academy.
Whether you’re new to the club or already part of the NLGA family, you’ll find clear information here about classes, membership, what to wear, and much more.
Whether you’re new to the club or already part of the NLGA family, you’ll find clear information here about classes, membership, what to wear, and much more.
General Questions:
What age can children start gymnastics at NLGA?
Children can begin their gymnastics journey from Reception age (around 4–5 years old) in our Gym Stars Early Years classes. These fun, structured sessions focus on developing balance, coordination, and confidence, all through playful, age-appropriate activities. As they grow, gymnasts can move naturally through our Gym Superstars and Squad programmes, where they continue to learn new skills and take on fresh challenges at every stage.
Does my child need any experience to join?
Not at all! Most children who join NLGA are complete beginners, and our classes are carefully structured to make sure everyone feels welcome. We place gymnasts in the right class for their age, experience, and confidence, so they can settle in easily and progress at their own pace. Whether your child is brand new to gymnastics or already has a few skills, we’ll make sure they’re supported and encouraged from day one.
How are classes structured?
Each class follows a consistent structure designed to help children develop safely and confidently. We start with a warm-up and stretch to prepare their bodies, followed by rotations on different pieces of apparatus such as floor, vault, beam, and bars. Coaches guide gymnasts through fun, progressive activities that build strength, flexibility, coordination, and focus, all in a supportive, positive environment where learning feels like fun.
How big are the classes?
Class sizes vary depending on age and programme, but we always maintain low coach-to-gymnast ratios to ensure quality teaching and personal attention. This approach means our coaches can provide hands-on support, give individual feedback, and make sure every child feels seen and encouraged. Smaller groups also help maintain a calm, focused, and safe environment for everyone.
What’s the difference between Gym Superstars and Gym Squad?
Yes, subject to availability, we can often arrange a trial session for new gymnasts. This gives your child the chance to experience the club, meet the coaches, and see how the session runs before you commit to regular classes. It’s a great way to ease any first-time nerves and make sure NLGA feels like the right fit for your family.
Kit & Clothing Questions:
What should my child wear for gymnastics?
A leotard or unitard with shorts is ideal, but leggings or shorts with a fitted t-shirt are absolutely fine when starting out. Comfort and freedom of movement are the most important things. We ask that gymnasts arrive wearing clothing over their kit, such as joggers, leggings, or a sweatshirt, to keep warm before and after sessions. As they progress, many gymnasts choose to wear official NLGA club kit, but there’s no pressure to have it right away.
What should they not wear?
Please avoid jewellery, jeans, cargo trousers, baggy clothing, or hoodies during gymnastics sessions. These can be unsafe on the equipment and restrict movement. Long hair should be tied back neatly, and fringes clipped away from the face to help gymnasts stay focused and safe during training.
Do you sell club kit?
Yes, our official NLGA kit includes t-shirts, leotards, tracksuits, and shorts, all available to order through our club store. Each item has been chosen for comfort, durability, and safety in gymnastics training. Many families start with regular sportswear and then choose to buy club kit once their child is settled and confident in their class. Wearing the club kit helps children feel part of the team and it looks great at displays and events too!
What should my child bring with them?
Please make sure your child brings:
Squad gymnasts may also need handguards, chalk, and wristbands, but only once their coach recommends them. We’ll always let you know in advance if any additional equipment is needed.
- A refillable water bottle (labelled if possible) to stay hydrated.
- A small bag for their belongings.
- Socks (these are required for trampolining activities).
Squad gymnasts may also need handguards, chalk, and wristbands, but only once their coach recommends them. We’ll always let you know in advance if any additional equipment is needed.
Can my child wear earrings or jewellery if taped?
No, for safety reasons, all jewellery must be removed before training, including earrings, necklaces, watches, and rings. Even small studs or taped piercings are not permitted, as they can still catch on clothing or equipment. If your child has recently had their ears pierced, please wait until the healing period has passed before returning to gymnastics. Safety always comes first in the gym.
Membership & Fees Questions:
How do I pay for classes?
Class fees are paid in monthly instalments through our club’s admin system, Love Admin. This secure, easy-to-use platform helps families manage payments automatically, so you don’t have to worry about missed deadlines. You’ll receive reminders and updates directly by email, and any changes to your child’s class or schedule will be handled smoothly through the same system.
Is there an annual membership fee?
Yes. Every member pays an annual NLGA club membership fee, due each August (pro rata if you join mid-year). This small contribution helps cover essential club running costs such as equipment maintenance, venue hire, insurance, and coaching resources. As a not-for-profit community club, every penny goes straight back into supporting our gymnasts and improving the training environment.
Do I need British Gymnastics membership?
Yes, all gymnasts must hold a valid British Gymnastics (BG) membership, renewed annually through the BG website. This membership provides your child’s insurance, national recognition, and safeguarding coverage, and ensures they are part of the sport’s official governing body. Once registered, your child will also have access to the BG Awards scheme, events, and a network of recognised clubs across the UK.
Are there extra costs for badges or awards?
Yes, but only if you choose to purchase them. Our Development Awards Scheme celebrates progress through rosettes and certificates, which are optional keepsakes that can be bought once your child has completed each level. Many families enjoy collecting them as a record of achievement, they’re a lovely way to mark effort, progress, and confidence-building over time.
Do you offer financial support?
We understand that family budgets can vary, and we want gymnastics to remain affordable and accessible for everyone. As a community-focused, not-for-profit club, we keep our prices fair and sometimes offer support for families who may need it. If you’d like to discuss fees or payment options, please contact us in confidence, we’ll always do our best to help where we can.
Illness & Injury Questions:
Can my child still train if they’re unwell?
If your child’s under the weather, even with something mild, it’s best to keep them home. Training while unwell isn’t safe, and it’s not much fun for them either. A rest day now avoids a longer recovery later.
What if my child has an injury?
Let their coach know as soon as possible. We’ll work together to decide what’s safe and sensible. In some cases, they might be able to take part in a modified way, but we’ll always prioritise their wellbeing.
What happens if my child gets injured at the club?
Minor knocks or sprains? We’ll let you know when you collect. Anything more serious, we’ll call you straight away. Our coaches are first aid trained and we’ll always keep your child safe, calm and looked after.
Do you need a doctor’s note before they return?
Not usually. We trust you to follow medical advice and update us if there are any restrictions. Sometimes our coaches may recommend easing back in, it’s not about being cautious for the sake of it, it’s about making sure your child enjoys training safely.
What if my child has a long-term condition or ongoing issue?
Please let us know before they start. That way, we can put the right support in place from day one. We’ll always try to adapt things so your child can train safely and confidently, and we’ll check in regularly with you if anything changes.
Progression Questions:
How does the reward scheme work?
We use our Development Awards to celebrate progress, not just perfection. Each level covers around 30 skills across floor, vault, beam and bars. When a child masters a skill, it gets signed off by their coach.
They can collect certificates and rosettes along the way, totally optional, but a lovely way to mark their hard work.
They can collect certificates and rosettes along the way, totally optional, but a lovely way to mark their hard work.
How does my child move up a class?
Our coaches are always watching for signs of readiness. When a gymnast shows the skills, confidence and focus needed for the next stage, we’ll chat to you about moving them up.
No tests or pressure, just the right challenge at the right time.
No tests or pressure, just the right challenge at the right time.
Do all children progress at the same rate?
Not at all, and that’s okay. Every child learns differently. Some pick up certain moves quickly; others take time to build strength, confidence or coordination.
We celebrate effort, consistency and small wins just as much as big milestones.
We celebrate effort, consistency and small wins just as much as big milestones.
Is there a competition pathway?
Yes, for gymnasts who show both ability and commitment, we offer a route into our Squad programmes. These classes involve more focused training and prepare children for local and regional competitions.
Entry is by coach invitation, and we’ll always make sure it’s the right fit for your child.
Entry is by coach invitation, and we’ll always make sure it’s the right fit for your child.
What if my child just wants to do gymnastics for fun?
That’s exactly what our recreational programme is for. Not every child wants to compete, and that’s completely fine. Many just enjoy the movement, friendships and confidence-building that comes from regular classes.
Communication Questions:
How will I hear about dates, closures or class changes?
We’ll keep you updated through a few simple channels:
• Email, check your inbox (and junk folder just in case)
• Notice boards at the gym
• Announcements on our website
If anything urgent comes up, like bad weather or last-minute changes, we’ll contact you directly.
• Email, check your inbox (and junk folder just in case)
• Notice boards at the gym
• Announcements on our website
If anything urgent comes up, like bad weather or last-minute changes, we’ll contact you directly.
Who should I contact if I’ve got a question?
Email’s the best way to reach us for non-urgent queries. That way, our coaches can stay focused on the children during sessions.
If something needs a quick response, just ask at reception or call the club directly.
If something needs a quick response, just ask at reception or call the club directly.
Do you send reminders about payments?
Yes. Our Love Admin system sends automatic reminders for fees, renewals, and any extras. You’ll get a prompt when something’s due, no chasing needed.
Will I get updates on how my child’s doing?
Absolutely. Progress is shared through our Development Awards scheme, class feedback, and occasional check-ins from coaches.
If you’d ever like to know more or have concerns, just drop us an email, we’re happy to chat.
If you’d ever like to know more or have concerns, just drop us an email, we’re happy to chat.
Do you post photos or videos of gymnasts?
Only with your permission. We follow strict safeguarding policies and never share photos without consent.
If your child is featured, it’ll be in a positive, respectful way, often to celebrate effort, progress or group achievements.
If your child is featured, it’ll be in a positive, respectful way, often to celebrate effort, progress or group achievements.
Event Questions:
Do you run displays?
We do, and they’re a real highlight of the year.
We hold a big Christmas Display each winter, plus a Summer Picnic & Display when the weather plays along. These are fun, relaxed events where gymnasts can show off what they’ve learned in front of family and friends.
We hold a big Christmas Display each winter, plus a Summer Picnic & Display when the weather plays along. These are fun, relaxed events where gymnasts can show off what they’ve learned in front of family and friends.
Do you run competitions too?
Yes. We organise in-house friendly competitions for our Gym Stars, Superstars and Foundation groups, all about confidence and experience, not pressure or podiums.
For gymnasts in Squad programmes, we also take part in regional competitions, where they can test their skills in a more formal setting.
For gymnasts in Squad programmes, we also take part in regional competitions, where they can test their skills in a more formal setting.
Can all children take part?
Most displays are open to all members, regardless of age or ability. It’s about participation and celebration.
In-house competitions are designed for specific class groups, and squad gymnasts may be invited to external competitions when they’re ready.
In-house competitions are designed for specific class groups, and squad gymnasts may be invited to external competitions when they’re ready.
Are events compulsory?
No, completely optional. But many families find them a brilliant way to see their child’s progress in action and give them a confidence boost.
If your child’s not keen, no pressure. We’ll support them either way.
If your child’s not keen, no pressure. We’ll support them either way.
Do events cost extra?
Usually, yes, just a small ticket or entry fee to help cover venue and setup costs. Some fundraising events might also include things like raffles, stalls or tuck shops.
We always try to keep things affordable and family-friendly.
We always try to keep things affordable and family-friendly.
Leaving the Club Questions:
What’s the notice period if my child wants to stop?
We ask for at least 4 weeks’ notice. This gives us time to say goodbye properly and offer the space to another child who’s waiting to join.
A quick email is all it takes, just include your child’s name and class details so we can sort everything on our end.
A quick email is all it takes, just include your child’s name and class details so we can sort everything on our end.
Can my child come back later if they leave?
Yes, as long as we have space. You might need to re-register and pay membership fees again, depending on how long they’ve been away.
Do I still pay British Gymnastics membership if my child leaves mid-year?
Yes. BG membership is a yearly fee paid directly to British Gymnastics. It’s non-refundable, even if your child stops partway through the year.
What if my child just wants to take a break instead of fully leaving?
Totally fair and it might be possible. Get in touch and we’ll chat through options. If there’s space, we can sometimes hold a place or pause training for a short while.
How do I give notice officially?
Just send us an email with your child’s full name and the class they attend. That way, we can process it smoothly and confirm everything with you.
