For Every Member

Welcome to BGC

Everything you need to settle in; how the club works, how we communicate, the events you can take part in, and the policies that keep our gym safe and welcoming. Start here.

A note from Carl

Welcome

We're delighted you've joined us.

Whether you're walking into our gym for the first time as a preschool family, joining one of our recreational classes, or stepping onto the competitive pathway, you've become part of a community that has been at the heart of gymnastics in Basingstoke for many years.

This pack covers the things that apply to every member of our club; how we communicate, the events you can take part in, and the policies that keep our gym safe and welcoming. If your gymnast is on a specific programme, there's a discipline-specific pack with the people and practicalities you'll need.

Please take a few minutes to read it through. If anything isn't clear, our team are always happy to help; every contact you need is in these pages.

We can't wait to see what you achieve with us.

Carl Dunne
General Manager — Basingstoke Gymnastics Club

Can I watch training?

Parents and carers are welcome to wait in the club's designated viewing and waiting areas. For most sessions, coaches ask that families stay off the gym floor; children focus and settle far better when they have their space.

For preschool and very young children, a member of staff will help with the handover and keep you updated.

Your first session

Arrive a few minutes early; your child's coach will introduce themselves and make sure they're settled before training starts. It's completely normal for children to be nervous; our coaches are experienced at putting new gymnasts at ease.

Questions before you arrive? Email info@basingstokegym.co.uk.

Getting set up

Your First Steps

A few things to do before (or shortly after) your first session.

01

Register with British Gymnastics

BG membership provides your insurance cover and is required for almost all of our classes. Visit mybg.british-gymnastics.org and follow the prompts to set up an account or reset your password.

Not all preschool classes require BG insurance; if you're unsure, please ask at the front desk.

Register with BG
02

Set up your Parent Portal

Our parent portal (CoursePro) lets you view classes, manage bookings, and update your contact details. Look out for your sign-up email shortly after enrolment.

Open the Portal
03

Save our communication channels

We send updates by email, post to discipline-specific Facebook groups, and use a monthly newsletter for the bigger picture. Make sure the email address on file is one you check regularly.

See channels
04

Read the codes & policies

Our Parent and Gymnast Codes of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, and other guidelines keep our gym safe for everyone. They're short, clear, and worth five minutes of your time.

Read policies
05

Complete your medical & health profile

When you set up your Parent Portal account, please complete your child's medical profile; any allergies, medical conditions, regular medication, or additional needs. Our coaches review this before every session.

If your child needs to carry or be given medication during training, speak to us before their first session.

Staying connected

How We Communicate

A small number of trusted channels so you always know where to look for the right information at the right time.

Email

Important updates and personal correspondence. Please check the inbox we have on file regularly. Invoices arrive separately via Xero.

info@basingstokegym.co.uk

Website & Calendar

Our home page features a live Google Calendar of every event, closure, and key date. Check here first.

basingstokegym.co.uk

Monthly Newsletter

Sent on the last week of every month; events, achievements, policy updates, and what's coming next.

Last Friday of each month

Facebook Groups

Each discipline has a private Facebook group for day-to-day chat, photos, and quick reminders. Search and request to join.

facebook.com/basingstokegym

Instagram

Highlights, achievements, and behind-the-scenes from across the disciplines. Use #basingstokegym to share yours.

@basingstokegym

Discipline WhatsApp

Used by competitive squads for time-sensitive logistics around training and competitions. Your coach will add you.

By coach invitation

Emergency contact – 01256 352858

For same-day urgent matters during opening hours, please call the club. Outside hours, email us and we'll come back to you as soon as we can.

Session cancellations

If a session needs to be cancelled (for a coach absence, facility issue, or unexpected closure) we will notify you by email as early as possible. It will also appear on the club website calendar.

If you are ever unsure whether a session is going ahead, check the website first, then call or email us before travelling.

Which channel for what

Urgent / same-day – phone or discipline WhatsApp (squads only)
Invoices & admin – email from the club office
Day-to-day & photos – discipline Facebook group
Events & closures – website calendar & newsletter
Class bookings – Parent Portal (CoursePro)

Get involved & safeguarding

Community Hub & Welfare Team

Two teams of dedicated volunteers who help bring the club to life and keep it safe.

Get involved

Community Hub

Volunteers who help run the Cartwheel Café, source raffle prizes, staff stalls at events, and support the hundreds of small things that make a club feel like home.

  • • Volunteer at club events & competitions
  • • Help run the Cartwheel Café
  • • Support fundraising for new equipment
  • • Bring your skills, time or ideas
Contact the Community Hub

Safeguarding & support

Welfare Team

Trained volunteers who safeguard everyone at the club; gymnasts, families, coaches, and volunteers. If something doesn't feel right, or you simply want to talk, we are here.

  • • Confidential support for any concern
  • • Welfare cover at events & camps
  • • Liaison with BG and external agencies
  • • Welfare letterboxes in the gym
Report a concern

Wear it proudly

Club Kit & Uniform

Our club kit is for every member, whether you're a recreational gymnast or competing internationally.

Before your kit arrives

For your first session, your child just needs comfortable, close-fitting sports clothing. Leggings and a fitted t-shirt or crop top work well. Avoid loose or baggy clothing.

Hair tied back   Bare feet in the gym   Socks for the trampoline   Water bottle   No jewellery   No zips or hard fastenings

Club jacket & top – mandatory for squad gymnasts at competitions and events; required for advanced gymnasts at events.

Bags & accessories – optional items to complete the look.

Personalisation – selected items can carry a name or initials, up to 4 characters.

Designed to last – the kit will remain consistent for around four years, aligning with the Olympic cycle.

Note – leotards are not part of the club kit. Speak to your Head of Discipline for those.

Visit the Members' Shop

Drop-off & pick-up

Car Park & Arrival

Our car park is small; we know it. We've built clear systems to keep children safe and traffic moving.

Aged 11 & over

May be dropped in the car park and walk in unaccompanied. May also walk out to a waiting car at the end of the session.

Under 11 – always

Must be handed directly to a coach or staff member inside the gym at drop-off. Must be collected from inside the gym at pick-up. No exceptions.

Drive-through for large intake classes

These are our highest-attendance sessions: Mon · Wed · Thu – 4:10–5:10 pm and Saturday – 9:10–10:10 am. We operate a drive-through drop-off and pick-up system to keep traffic flowing. Optional, you can always park and come inside.

→ Drop-off

Pull up at the car park entrance. A coach will greet your child at the car and walk them in; you don't need to park or get out.

→ Pick-up

Join the queue of cars at the entrance. A coach will bring your child directly to your car when you reach the front.

A few asks

  • Arrive a couple of minutes before your session, not too early.
  • Follow the one-way loop and any staff direction at change-over.
  • Don't park or stop in the drop-off lane (11+ only, large intake classes).
  • Switch your engine off if waiting more than a moment.
  • Be patient; other families are working through the same system.

Please don't park on the road before 7pm

Traffic wardens patrol Stephenson Road and issue tickets. It also blocks neighbours and emergency access.

The important documents

Codes & Policies

All of our policies and codes of conduct live on the club website. Tap any tile below for the latest version.

You've already agreed; this pack is just here to help

By booking with BGC through our online portal, you've already agreed to our Parent Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy.

There's nothing to sign or return; this welcome pack is here to give you context, not to capture consent. If anything in our policies changes, we'll let you know through the channels listed above.

How it works

Fees & Payment

Fees are charged per term and managed through your Parent Portal account.

01

Termly billing via Xero

Invoices are issued through Xero at the start of each term. Create a free Xero Me account to view, track, and pay your invoices online. Each invoice shows the amount due and the payment deadline.

02

Paying your invoice

Payment is made online through CoursePro. Log in and book your sessions. Alternatively, members services can support you.

Open CoursePro
03

British Gymnastics fee

BG membership is an annual fee paid directly to British Gymnastics, separate from your club fees. It covers your child's insurance for the year. Renew at mybg.british-gymnastics.org before it lapses.

What your fees cover

• All coaching and instruction for your booked sessions
• Use of gym equipment during your class
• In-class award schemes and badge progression
• Members' pricing for club events and holiday camps

Charged separately

• British Gymnastics annual membership (paid direct to BG)
• Club kit and uniform (ordered through NXT Sports)
• Competition entry fees where applicable
• Holiday camps, open sessions, and ticketed events

Questions about an invoice?

Please get in touch before the payment due date; we'd much rather sort it out early than have an overdue balance. View invoices in your Xero Me account or email info@basingstokegym.co.uk.

Welcome to BGC

Phone 01256 352858  ·  info@basingstokegym.co.uk  ·  Stephenson Road, Houndmills, Basingstoke RG21 6XR

BGC Welcome Pack — Generic (All Members)