Entry
Recreational Classes
Where most gymnasts begin. Identified by coaches as showing potential for the competitive pathway.
Entry to Competitive
Development Gymnastics
The entry level for competitive gymnastics and squads. Welcome to Development at BGC, where gymnasts build the fundamentals, training habits, and competitive mindset that lead to Advanced and the squad pathway.
New to BGC? Start with the general pack
This pack covers everything Development-specific. For how the club works as a whole (communication, car park, events, codes & policies, fees admin) read the BGC General Welcome Pack.
Discipline Head Coach
Welcome to Development
Development is the starting point for competitive gymnastics at BGC. Gymnasts join when coaches identify the potential and commitment for the competitive pathway.
Here they build the fundamentals (structured routines, consistent training habits, and a competitive mindset) that are the foundation for progression to Advanced groups and squad pathways.
XE
Head of Development · view in staff directory →
Xanthe Esslemont
Xanthe leads the Development programme across disciplines; your primary point of contact for training, class placement, progression to Advanced, and all programme matters. xanthe.esslemont@basingstokegym.co.uk
Groups & progression
Class Pathway
Development is the starting point. Gymnasts build competition skills and experience, progressing to Advanced when coaches judge them ready, not on a fixed timetable.
Development
Development Groups
Structured training. Building competition routines, Development Grading, first in-house events.
Progression
Advanced
By coach invitation. External regional competitions, higher-difficulty routines.
Competition routines
Gymnasts develop their first structured competition routines within the British Gymnastics award scheme for their discipline. Coaches set the content and difficulty at the appropriate level. The focus is clean execution, presentation, and consistency, not maximum difficulty.
Training habits & mindset
Development is where gymnasts learn how to train; structured sessions, focused repetition, listening to coaching, working through difficulty rather than avoiding it. These habits, built now, are the foundation for everything that follows.
How placement works
Placement is at coach discretion, based on ability, attitude, and readiness, not age or years in the group. Progression to Advanced or a squad pathway is always confirmed with families in advance and comes with a minimum two weeks' notice. There is no fixed timeframe; it happens when the gymnast is ready.
The year ahead
Events & Competitions
Development gymnasts begin their competitive experience at in-house events, a supportive, familiar environment to try competing for the first time before moving to external events.
First weekend in July
Club Festival
Our flagship in-house competition. All Development gymnasts. Medals, certificates, professional photos, and Cartwheel Café. Entry ~£6.
Every term
Development Grading
Termly skills assessment by coaches. Gymnasts tested on the elements expected for their level; results inform progression decisions and help gymnasts understand where they are on the pathway.
April each year
End of Year Show
Development gymnasts may be invited to perform in our annual themed production alongside advanced and squad gymnasts.
What to expect at Club Festival
Gymnasts arrive in competition attire and warm up backstage before performing their routine. Scores announced after all gymnasts in the age group have competed. A friendly, well-organised event and an ideal first competition environment. Family and friends are welcome to attend and watch.
Helping your gymnast prepare
Nerves are completely normal; even experienced gymnasts feel them. The best preparation is consistent training and a positive attitude on the day. Encourage your gymnast to treat competition as an opportunity to show what they have been working on, not as a high-pressure test.
Competition etiquette
Parents must not enter the warm-up or competition area. Do not attempt to communicate with gymnasts during warm-up or their performance. Photography of other gymnasts may not be taken or shared without permission.
Gymnasts must arrive in their competition leotard, club tracksuit, hair correctly styled, with water and a healthy snack.
What to bring, what to wear
Attire & Equipment
As a competitive gymnast, attire matters both in training and at events. Please read both sections carefully before your first session.
Training sessions
The BGC leotard is the club uniform for all training sessions. Fitted shorts or leggings may be worn over the leotard. A back is required at all times for safe spotting.
Competitions & club events
The BGC club competition leotard or catsuit is required for all competitions and the End of Year Show, to match teammates. Your coach will advise on the specific kit required for your group and discipline before your first event.
Always apply
• Hair tied securely – ponytail, plait or bun (must not touch the floor in a handstand)
• Nails kept short, safe spotting and apparatus work
• Leotard must have a back; coaches may decline to spot without
• No jewellery; earrings, rings, bracelets, friendship bands
• No backless or halterneck styles
• No loose or baggy clothing
• No phones in the gym, even during breaks
Bring to every session
• Water bottle (no glass)
• Socks for trampoline and warm-up work
• Spare hair grips and bands, always extras in the bag
• Optional: skipping rope, Dynobands, ankle weights
Attire rules are partly mandated by British Gymnastics to keep your insurance cover valid. If unsure whether something is appropriate, ask Xanthe before training.
How we train together
Rules & Expectations
Development gymnastics asks more of your gymnast than recreational classes. These habits, built consistently from day one, are the foundation for everything that follows.
Training structure
Every session follows a defined structure: warm-up → conditioning → apparatus → cool-down → tidy. Gymnasts are expected to know the structure, commit to every phase, and contribute to tidying at the end.
Attendance & arrival
Arrive on time with all required equipment. Consistent attendance is essential; gaps in training directly affect skill retention and competition readiness. If your gymnast will be absent, notify Xanthe or the club as early as possible.
Pre-competition commitment
No missed sessions in the four weeks before a competition except for unavoidable circumstances. Pre-planned absences in this period must be discussed with Xanthe in advance. Gymnasts who miss sessions before an event may not be entered.
Mindset in the gym
Listen to coaching points and apply them immediately. Stay focused between turns; mental rehearsal is as important as the attempt itself. Resilience on a difficult day is as valued as brilliance on a good one.
Behaviour & media
Respect teammates, coaches, and equipment. Phones are not permitted during sessions. Do not post training videos or photos containing other gymnasts without their consent.
Holidays & closures
Closure weeks are published on the website calendar. Check before booking travel; holidays close to competitions are strongly discouraged.
Welfare first
If anything is troubling your gymnast physically, emotionally, or socially, please raise it early with Xanthe or the welfare team. A conversation is always better than waiting.
Who to contact & how
Communication Channels
Use the right channel for each type of query. Coaches check messages between sessions; please don't expect instant replies during training hours, evenings, or weekends.
Head of Development – Xanthe Esslemont
Training questions, class placement, competition queries, progression discussions, and all Development programme matters.
xanthe.esslemont@basingstokegym.co.ukWelfare & concerns
Safeguarding or any concern to raise confidentially. The welfare team is independent from coaching and all communications are handled with full discretion.
welfare@basingstokegym.co.ukUrgent – same day
Late arrivals, early collections, or time-sensitive matters during opening hours only. For concerns or issues, always use email, not social media or late-night messages.
01256 352858 (front desk)General club enquiries
Membership, admissions, facilities; anything not discipline-specific. Front desk and member services can direct you to the right person.
info@basingstokegym.co.uk01256 352858
WhatsApp groups – draft
Some Development groups use WhatsApp for time-sensitive logistics around competitions and training changes. Xanthe will add you to the relevant group if applicable to your gymnast's class.
If WhatsApp invite links become available for Development groups, they will be added here. For concerns or issues, always use email, never WhatsApp.
Costs & how to pay
Fees & Invoicing
Development gymnastics involves costs beyond the monthly training fee. Here is a clear summary of what to expect across the year.
Training fees
Training fees are collected monthly by Direct Debit. The first payment is a top-up covering the remaining sessions in the month you join.
If you need to change or leave a class, one month's written notice is required. Our Refund & Cancellation Policy applies.
Fee queries
For invoicing questions or to discuss a payment plan, contact our Finance Manager: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk
Financial assistance is available; please get in touch before the payment due date.
Competition & kit costs
Club Festival entry~£6
BGC club leotard~£45
British Gymnastics annual membershipPaid direct to BG
Competition entries and kit are invoiced separately via Xero. Only gymnasts selected for a competition are charged entry fees. Changes after an organiser's deadline may not be refundable; see our Refund & Cancellation Policy.
You've already agreed; this pack is just here to help
By booking your child into Development through our online portal, you've agreed to the Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.
The expectations in this pack (pre-competition commitment, attire requirements, training structure) are the standards you've signed up to by joining Development. There's nothing to sign or return.
One month's written notice is required to leave the programme; fees continue during the notice period.