News just released by British Gymnastics - woohoo!

British Gymnastics release funds for key facilities

British Gymnastics have announced they are contributing £800,000 into facilities this year through the ‘Whole Sport Funding Plan’ from Sport England.

Esprit Gymnastics Club are the first facility to benefit from the fund, and will receive £100,000 to transform an old school sports centre into a multi-discipline gymnastics centre, which looks set to transform the provision of gymnastics throughout the Swindon area.

Jane Allen, British Gymnastics Chief Executive Officer said: "British Gymnastics is delighted to be able to support our clubs through the BG Facility Fund. All projects receiving funding will make a significant impact in the sport at a local, regional and national level.

There is high demand at this current time for funds to develop club facilities and BG is pleased that we have been able to contribute some funding towards these worthwhile projects.

There were many applications to consider, with the successful clubs being the ones whose projects we felt best met the criteria set, offered value for money and would help promote the sport of gymnastics and support British Gymnastics to achieve their long term objectives."

Esprit's funding is to support the development of their new facility that they have recently moved into at Headlines Grove, Swindon and which has also received support from Swindon Borough Council.

Club Director Mark Hows explains how the funded facility improvements will reap many benefits:

“The funding from British Gymnastics, ensures the club is taken seriously as one that not only has had a proven and demonstrative effect on the local community, but on the sport of gymnastics as well.

Within the community Esprit will now be able to grow its membership, encourage participation within minority groups and demonstrate the levels of attainment available.

As a club it will now be in a position to host events from schools competitions, to high-level training camps, competitions and displays, which will raise the profile of the club and help show Swindon as a town that encourages participation in sport at all levels.

Having developed a multi-disciplined club where we cater for all levels in pre-school, artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, display and acrobatic gymnastics, as well as disabled, special needs and schools.

The club is now in a position to make gymnastics an important part of the development of every child in the town and that is what we will be working towards achieving.”