Tier 4 – High Performance
FIG: 22hrs+ per week · Group 1: 18hrs+ per week. Regional, National, and FIG competition. Squad 1 & 2 gymnasts.
Elite Squad
Men's Artistic (MAG)
Six apparatus. One gymnast. Total commitment. Welcome to Men's Artistic Gymnastics at BGC; your guide to the pathway, the training, the competitions, and what life in a MAG squad looks like.
New to BGC? Start with the general pack
This pack covers everything that's MAG-specific. For how the club works as a whole (communication, car park, events, codes & policies, fees admin) read the BGC General Welcome Pack. Both packs are designed to be read together.
Discipline Head Coach
Welcome to Men's Artistic
Men's Artistic Gymnastics is one of the most technically demanding sports in the world. BGC gymnasts compete across six apparatus (Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and High Bar), developing extraordinary strength, artistry, discipline, and mental resilience.
Our squads welcome gymnasts from first steps through to FIG international competition, with a coaching team dedicated to bringing out the best in every individual.
AA
Head of MAG · view in staff directory →
Anton Angelski
Anton leads the entire MAG programme; squad placement, competition planning, training questions, and all programme matters. Email anton.angelski@basingstokegym.co.uk.
Levels & progression
Performance Pathway
MAG at BGC caters for boys from age 4 to senior level. Progression through the pathway is a coaching decision based on readiness, not age alone.
Tier 3 – Intermediate
Group 2: 15hrs+ per week. Squad 3 gymnasts competing at Regional and National level. South Regional Challenge & Invitational.
Tier 2 – Beginner
Challenge 2 (Beginner): 10hrs+ · Challenge 1 (Foundation): 6hrs+. Development gymnasts building competition-ready skills. Invitational events.
Tier 1 – Foundation (4yrs+)
Development 1: new starters, 4yrs+, 2hrs+. · Development 2: foundation, 5yrs+, 6hrs+. Entry to the MAG pathway.
How placement works
Pathway placement is a coaching decision. Gymnasts are reviewed each term. Families receive a minimum of two weeks' notice of any pathway change. Progression is based on skill readiness, attitude, and commitment, not age alone.
An exit route to other squad disciplines, Advanced Boys, or General Gymnastics is available at every tier; speak to Anton if you'd like to explore alternatives.
What each level requires
Squads & Training Commitment
Every squad level has specific training expectations. Understanding these from the start ensures gymnasts and families are prepared for the commitment involved.
Development · 6yrs+
4–10 hrs / week
Foundational level. Spatial awareness, basic shapes, rhythm, flexibility, and core MAG skills. Continuous trial-basis evaluation. Developmental testing and Range & Conditioning activities.
Squad 3 · 8yrs+
15+ hrs / week
Invitational, Regional, and National level. Challenge rules and National Setwork Championships. More challenging training approach, small effective goal setting.
Squad 1 & 2 · 8yrs+
20–25 hrs / week
Regional, National, and International objectives. 2–3 major competitions annually. Regular physiotherapy. Academic balance essential; Squad 1 gymnasts: 23–25hrs/week, 6–8 weeks intensive pre-competition.
Every training session – the format
This six-phase structure applies to every session. The warm-up and cool-down are not optional; they are compulsory phases that prevent injury and aid recovery.
1.
Warm-up
Warm-up
2.
Conditioning
Conditioning
3.
Flexibility
Flexibility
4.
Apparatus
Apparatus
5.
Cool-down
Cool-down
6.
Tidy up
Tidy up
What coaches assess for placement
Current ability; skill level, work rate, and resilience. Competitive level (Regional, National, FIG, or South Regional). Potential to learn higher-value skills. Commitment and attendance record.
A note on squad placement
Placement is at the coaches' discretion. This is not a criticism of any gymnast; it reflects the current level of commitment you and your gymnast are able to give. Please understand what level of commitment you are agreeing to before the season begins.
The competitive year
Events & Competitions
The MAG season follows the British Gymnastics calendar. Your gymnast's schedule depends on their squad level, from first Invitational events through to Regional, National, and FIG championships.
Throughout the year
Challenge & Invitational
Development & Squad 3 gymnasts – first competitions.
Spring / Autumn
South Regional
Squad 3, 2 & 1 – regional pathway gymnasts.
National Setwork
National Championships
Squad 3 qualifier – Challenge rules.
End of season
British Championships
Squad 1 & 2 – FIG pathway gymnasts.
By invitation
European & World Championships
GBR squad members – National Coach invitation only.
Compulsory summer break
A two-week compulsory holiday at the start of the school summer break every year. This lets coaches and families plan around a fixed window, prevents training disruption, supports recovery from the demands of the sport, and reduces repetitive injury risk.
Pre-competition rule
No missed sessions in the four weeks before a competition, unless for unavoidable family events (weddings, funerals). Holidays during this window are not an exception. Missing sessions in this period means the gymnast will not be entered. If in doubt, speak to Anton before booking.
Competition etiquette
Parents are strictly forbidden from entering the competition arena; gymnasts and clubs can be severely penalised for infringement. Do not attempt to communicate with gymnasts during competitions. Photography and video are banned unless competition organisers specifically state otherwise.
Gymnasts must arrive in competition attire and club tracksuit with all required equipment: leotard, shorts, longs, socks, rings, high bar handguards, water, chalk, and bar equipment.
What to bring, what to wear
Attire & Equipment
MAG has specific attire and equipment requirements. Everything on this page is required, not optional; please read carefully before your first session.
Training sessions
Leotard or tight-fitting vest top, no baggy t-shirts. Longs must be worn on the Pommel Horse to facilitate easy swings and prevent skin irritation. Leotards must have a back so coaches can support gymnasts safely. Spare leotards and shorts should always be in the kit bag.
Weekends & competitions
The BGC MAG training leotard is required for all weekend sessions. The club competition leotard is worn at all competitions. A club tracksuit must be worn when collecting medals. Attire rules are set by British Gymnastics; non-compliance may invalidate insurance cover.
Always apply
• Longs on Pommel – mandatory every session
• Leotard must have a back – coaches must spot safely
• No earrings or jewellery – even during stretches
• Nails kept short – safety requirement on all apparatus
• Long hair tied back – additional grips in kit bag
• No baggy t-shirts – tight-fitting only
• No phones in the gym – even during breaks
Equipment – every session
• Handguards (once agreed with coaches; check weekly for rips)
• Loops & gloves (replace gloves as soon as ripped)
• Chalk in a small box (gymnasts buy & bring their own)
• Water bottle (no glass)
• Socks (for floor warm-up & conditioning)
• Foam roller (for conditioning & recovery)
• Optional: skipping rope, dynobands, ankle weights
Worn-out handguards are a serious injury risk. Replace promptly.
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 Coach – Anton Angelski
Training and pathway questions, competition queries, squad placement, absences, and all programme matters.
anton.angelski@basingstokegym.co.ukWelfare & concerns
Safeguarding or any concern to raise confidentially. The welfare team is independent from coaching and all communications are treated 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)WhatsApp community groups
We have a WhatsApp community for all MAG groups. Use these for time-sensitive logistics; late arrivals, absences, short-notice changes. Not for concerns or complaints; those go to Anton by email. Joining is not compulsory. If you're unsure which group your gymnast belongs to, email Anton.
Parents' meetings
Anton holds periodic meetings to discuss the season, pathway expectations, and any concerns. Nutrition, training methodology, and wellbeing seminars are also held during the year. Dates are communicated by email and posted to the WhatsApp community.
Costs & how to pay
Fees & Invoicing
MAG involves costs beyond training fees. Here's a clear breakdown of what to expect across the year so there are no surprises.
Training fees
Based on your gymnast's weekly sessions, invoiced through Xero at the start of each term. Create a free Xero Me account to view, track, and pay online, the preferred method.
Financial assistance is available for families who need it; contact Karen Holmes in confidence at karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk.
Fee queries
For invoicing questions or to discuss a payment plan, please contact our Finance Manager: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk
Please get in touch before the payment due date; we would much rather resolve it early than deal with an overdue balance.
Kit & additional costs
BGC MAG competition leotardTBC
Club tracksuitTBC
British Gymnastics annual membershipPaid direct to BG
Handguards, chalk & session equipment (gymnast's own responsibility)Varies
Regional competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry£20–40
National / FIG competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry£40–80
Travel & accommodation (if applicable)At cost
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 the MAG squad through our online portal, you've agreed to the Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.
The pathway commitments described in this pack (pre-competition rule, compulsory summer break, training session minimums, attire requirements) are the squad expectations you've signed up to by joining MAG. There's nothing to sign or return. If anything changes, we'll let you know.
One month's written notice is required to leave the squad; fees continue during the notice period.