WGO Pathway · Elite
International (GBR)
GBR squad – invitation only from the National Tumbling Panel via the British Championships. Selected through World Age Championships (Senior) and British Championships (Youth & Junior).
Squad Discipline
Tumbling
Power, precision, and the pursuit of excellence on the track. One of BGC's most decorated disciplines, producing British Champions, European medallists, and World medallists.
New to BGC? Start with the general pack
This pack covers everything Tumbling-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 Tumbling
Tumbling at BGC is one of the club's most decorated disciplines. Tumblers sprint down a 25-metre track performing two runs of eight acrobatic skills, each requiring explosive power, perfect technique, and total commitment.
Our squad accommodates every level, from first competitions through to the FIG pathway.
AB
Head of Tumbling · view in staff directory →
Anne Bidmead
Anne leads the Tumbling programme, overseeing every pathway from Development through to FIG. Your first point of contact for training, competition planning, and squad matters. anne.bidmead@basingstokegym.co.uk
Wider coaching team
Squad coaches: Sarah, Katie, Tanya, and Pat. Placement and progression decisions are made by the full coaching team (Anne, Sarah, Katie, Tanya, and Pat) together, based on what is best for each individual gymnast. To see the full team, visit our Staff Directory.
BGC Tumbling – selected honours
2008 – European Team Gold (A. Penny)
2014 – World Age Group Gold (M. Kealy)
2015 – World Age Group Gold (M. Kealy)
2015 – World Age Group Silver (K. Lafferty)
2015 – World Age Group Silver (I. Foster)
2016 – Euro Junior Team Silver (J. Lucas)
2016 – Euro Junior Team Gold (M. Kealy, K. Lafferty)
2017 – World Age Group Silver (K. Lafferty)
2018 – Euro Junior Bronze (K. Lafferty)
2018 – Euro Junior Team Gold (K. Lafferty)
2019 – Senior Women's Team Gold (K. Lafferty)
Routes & progression
Performance Pathway
BGC Tumbling accommodates every level. Every gymnast is given the opportunity to work towards their highest potential, and progression follows readiness, not age.
WGO Pathway · National
British Championships
Top 14 from Spring Series 1 & 2 qualify. Two runs of eight skills, last skill on the landing area.
Regional Pathway
Regional & English Championships
Set runs at each level. Gymnasts choose their level for the full year (Jan–Dec). May move up mid-year but not down. Top 2 per region → English Championships.
Development
Development Squad
Up to 6 hrs/week. Foundation skill work, conditioning, and first competition preparation.
How placement works
Movement across pathways is decided by the coaching team together, based on what is best for each individual gymnast. Families receive a minimum of two weeks' notice of any change. An Advanced Recreational Tumble exit route is available for gymnasts not continuing on the competitive pathway.
The competitive year
Events & Competitions
The Tumbling season follows the British Gymnastics calendar. Your gymnast's schedule depends on their pathway; clubs, regionals, nationals, or WGO events. Exact dates confirmed by BG each season.
Spring Series
Spring Regional Events
Regional Pathway gymnasts.
Summer
English Championships
Top 2 per region. English Silver team event.
Autumn
British Championships
FIG pathway gymnasts.
End of season
Home Nations
Qualifying gymnasts only.
By invitation
European & World
GBR squad – National Coach invitation.
Competition format – what to know
Tier 01 · Elite
World Age Groups
Top 14 from each age band; 13/14, 15/16, 17+, Senior Men's & Senior Women's.
Tier 02 · National
British Championships
Top 8 from Age Groups in each category go through. Developmental, Junior, and Senior levels.
Tier 03 · Regional
Regional route
Set runs at each level. Gymnasts choose level for full year (Jan–Dec); may move up mid-year, not down. Top 2 per region → English Championships.
Competition etiquette
Gymnasts must arrive 30 minutes before their designated time. Coaches do not transport gymnasts under 18 to or from events; please arrange lift-shares with other squad families.
At the venue, respect all competitors, coaches, and officials. Do not share footage of other gymnasts on social media.
What to bring, what to wear
Attire & Equipment
Tumbling has specific attire rules in training and at competitions. Non-compliance may affect insurance cover; please read carefully.
Training sessions
Gymnasts may train in a leotard and shorts. Crop tops are not permitted at any time. No names on kit unless on labels for identification. Long hair must be tied in a bun.
Competitions & events
The club competition leotard is required at all competitions and podium training. A club tracksuit must be worn when medals are collected. Speak to Anne Bidmead to order (minimum 6 orders for group orders; boys may order individually online).
Always apply
• Hair tied in a bun; arrive ready, before the session begins
• No jewellery; earrings, rings, bracelets, friendship bands
• Leotard or close-fitting kit; coaches must support safely
• No crop tops at any session or event
• No mobile phones in the gym; phones will be collected and returned at the end
• No chewing gum, prohibited at all times
Bring to every session
• Water bottle (no glass)
• Spare hair bands and grips, always extras
• Training notebook; note coaching points and personal goals
• Socks, for warm-up activities outside the track
• Optional: skipping rope, resistance bands for conditioning
If unsure whether something is appropriate, ask Anne Bidmead before training.
How we train together
Rules & Expectations
Tumbling asks for real commitment from gymnasts and families alike. These habits, built consistently from the start, make the difference between potential and performance.
Session structure
Every session: warm-up → conditioning → track work → cool-down → tidy. The warm-up raises body temperature and prepares the mind; arriving late and missing it risks injury. The cool-down prevents lactic acid build-up. Both phases are compulsory.
Attendance & punctuality
Regional and FIG pathways both require at least 90% attendance. Absences must be for valid reasons; notify Anne Bidmead as early as possible. Consistent attendance directly affects skill retention, competition readiness, and pathway placement.
Pre-competition commitment
No missed sessions in the four weeks before a competition without prior discussion. One week absent means one week to recover. Gymnasts with unplanned absences before an event may not be entered. Please do not book holidays within one month of a competition.
Codes of Conduct
All squad gymnasts adhere to the Codes of Conduct set out by BGC and British Gymnastics. This covers behaviour in training, at competitions, and on the journey to and from events.
Competition mindset
Squad gymnasts prepare mentally for competitions in a positive way and, especially at FIG level, are resilient when a routine doesn't go to plan. Coaches have the final say on which runs are competed: this protects gymnast safety and gives every athlete the best chance of a strong result.
Growth spurt years
Growth spurts typically affect girls aged 11–12 and boys aged 13–14. Skills that felt easy may temporarily feel different or out of control; this is normal. Gymnasts need reassurance, not pressure. Coaches and parents should be patient.
Nutrition & wellbeing
Training sessions run two and a half to three hours; gymnasts need a diet that provides sufficient energy. If anything is troubling your gymnast physically, emotionally, or socially, please raise it early with Anne Bidmead or the welfare team.
Who to contact & how
Communication Channels
Use the right channel for the right matter. Coaches are not expected to respond instantly outside working hours; all messages will be checked and answered promptly.
Head of Tumbling – Anne Bidmead
Training and pathway questions, competition queries, squad matters. Anne is your primary point of contact.
anne.bidmead@basingstokegym.co.ukAdmin: sarah.white@basingstokegym.co.uk
Welfare & concerns
Safeguarding, welfare, or any concern you wish to raise confidentially.
welfare@basingstokegym.co.ukUrgent – same day
Late arrivals, early collections, or time-sensitive matters during opening hours.
01256 352858 (front desk)General club enquiries
Admissions, membership, invoices, and anything not Tumbling-specific.
info@basingstokegym.co.ukFacebook group – Basingstoke Tumblers
The squad has a one-way Facebook group, Basingstoke Tumblers, for updates, event photos, and squad news. Available to parents and gymnasts aged 18+. Search "Basingstoke Tumblers" on Facebook and request to join. A coach will approve your request.
WhatsApp community groups – draft
Squad WhatsApp groups are used for time-sensitive logistics; late arrivals, competition reminders, and quick updates. Anne Bidmead will add you to the relevant group when your place is confirmed. Please don't contact coaches on their personal WhatsApp; use the squad group or email. Joining is not compulsory.
FIG Group 1 (link TBC)→
FIG Group 2 (link TBC)→
Y-FIG (link TBC)→
G5 Group 1 (link TBC)→
G5 Group 2 (link TBC)→
Regional (link TBC)→
Direct invite links coming soon; email Anne to request access to the group for your gymnast's squad.
Parents' meetings & lectures
Anne holds periodic parents' meetings to discuss the season, pathway expectations, and any concerns. These are usually announced 2–3 weeks in advance. Lectures covering nutrition, training systems, and lifestyle are also arranged across the year. Dates posted in the Facebook group and by email.
Costs & how to pay
Fees & Invoicing
Tumbling involves costs beyond training fees. Here is a clear breakdown of what to expect across the year so there are no surprises.
Training fees
Based on your gymnast's weekly sessions and invoiced through Xero at the start of each term. Create a free Xero Me account to view, track, and pay online.
Financial assistance is available; contact Karen Holmes in confidence.
Fee queries
For invoicing questions or to discuss payment plans, contact our Finance Manager: karen.holmes@basingstokegym.co.uk
Kit & additional costs
Club competition leotard (girls – group order, min 6)See Anne
Club competition leotard (boys – order online)See Anne
British Gymnastics annual membershipPaid direct to BG
Regional competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry£20–40 (2026)
National / FIG competition entry + £10 admin fee per entry£40–80 (2026)
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. If you need financial assistance, contact Karen Holmes in confidence to discuss support options.
You've already agreed; this pack is just here to help
By booking your child into the Tumbling squad through our online portal, you've agreed to the Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.
The squad commitments described in this pack (90% attendance, pre-competition windows, attire requirements, session structure) are the standards you've signed up to by joining Tumbling. There's nothing to sign or return.
One month's written notice is required to leave the squad.