AGM 2026
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Festival discipline report May 2026
Dysons club update:
Are attending GymFusion this month in Aylesbury, Ministrada at Alton towers in July and the London GymFestival in October. We are looking to potentially attend a new international event in Barcelona next year (details for this event below).
We believe Chichester & Westgate are still actively involved in festival events and are pleased to that SkyHigh will be GymFusion this month in Aylesbury.
A group called Ultimate gymnastics are hosting a new event in Barcelona next year that will included an inclusive floor & vault competition and festival show
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
The Annual General Meeting of Sussex Gymnastics was held on Wednesday, 6th May 20:30 at the The Jack & Jill Inn, Clayton, BN6 9PD
Present
Emily Knight
Beth Burchett
Sarah Dyson-Bottle
Josie O’Connor
Julie Belchamber
Emma Webber
Jeanette Sherlock
Jess Wileman
Nikki Huggins
Heather Sampford
Mike Gevaux
Stella Jackson
Sally-Anne Warner
Apologies for absence
Kim Mirceta-Nash
Dawn Hyland
Lisa Jestico
Richard Keasley
Charlotte Wynne-Pennels
Mark Poore
1. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes from the last meeting were agreed to be correct. There were no questions or matters arising.
2. Chair’s Report
Appreciative of all Keith’s efforts as treasurer.
3. Treasurer’s Report
Stella on hol from 12-23rd May
Potentially move savings to within the Sussex account?
Still stick with budget sheets - 2 weeks before event
Subsidise national entry fees? - not all able to access HPF
4. Discipline Reports
General
New venue for 4 piece needed - over a couple of weekends as no venue big enough
Festival
4 clubs involved now, more are finding out about it and getting involved
Acrobatics
No report for this discipline
Trampoline / DMT
Lots of profit to Sussex through comps
Judges workshop happened in Jan
Tumble
New club joined this discipline
Judge from Sussex judged at major event
Lots more coaches of higher levels - can take out higher level skills in competition
Combining Sussex champs with Acro
Tumble track carpet - for sale - contact Hollington
Team-gym
Lower level qualifier comp - Mezzo - Dyson to take part
Sussex Judge at British Champs
English Championships - first Sussex representation this year
Funding proposal from this years squad - biannual
Good rate of retention - squad members at Hawth over 30! - not having to give up as many hours of the week but still high level
Men's Artistic
Rules becoming harder and harder
Not enough boys involved to water down rules etc
Not enough coaches involved in men’s
Women's Artistic
5. Welfare Report
Trying to get to as many clubs/comps
Active Sussex network - meet other sports coaches etc
Young leaders welfare course - Active Sussex (online) - All local and in contact with BG
6. Election of Officers
.
| Position | Candidate |
Proposed |
Seconded |
| Chair | Emma Webber | Sally-Anne Warner | Beth Burchett |
| Vice-chair | Heather Sampford | Emma Webber | Jeanette Sherlock |
| Treasurer | Stella Jackson | Emily Knight | Heather Sampford |
| Secretary | Emily Knight | Sally-Anne Warner | Mike Gevaux |
7. Discipline representatives
Most discipline representatives were willing to stand again. They were agreed on block. Those that were not in attendance were agreed by the committee before the secretary emailed them to confirm they were willing to stand for another year.
| Position | Candidate |
| General |
Kim Mirceta-Nash |
| Festival | Sarah Dyson-Bottle |
| Acrobatic | Charlotte Wynne-Pennels |
| Rhythmic | N/A |
| Trampoline / DMT | Julie Belchamber |
| Tumble | Nikki Huggins Mark Poore |
| Team-gym | Sally-Anne Warner |
| Men's Artistic | Richard Keasley |
| Women's Artistic | Lisa Jestico |
8. Other roles
The welfare officers were agreed by the committee, for those not in attendance, the secretary emailed to check they were willing to stand again for 2026/2027.
| Position | Candidate |
| Welfare officer | Mike Gevaux Dawn Hyland |
9. Any other business
9.1 High Performance Funding Increase
High Performance Funding Increase Proposal
Increase in high performance funding agreed
Potentially take something to SE regarding - can only have either SE or Sussex funding but could maybe help those counties without a committee
9.2 External Visitors
Can we bring in external coaches/gymnasts for training days for tumblers etc?
YES - do budget sheet like a competition etc then approach treasurer etc - goes for all disciplines
9.3 Expenses
Claim expenses/mileage - officials on committee can claim expenses for meetings
Increase in entry fees in all disciplines - pricing out a huge amount of children and talent
Stella speak to Mike/mark about Sussex expenses form
Ideas forward for what Sussex funds should be for - e.g, excellence into the county training sessions etc - both mental and physical
Mental health awareness courses etc
Sussex - run course with active Sussex etc - course on BG not necessarily helpful
Free courses regarding Autism awareness etc.
Useful links to courses etc to be added to the website - active Sussex, etc.
Local BG courses - to be pushed round Sussex
9.4 Meetings
Alternate daytime and evening meetings to give everyone a chance to attend
Venues and times TBC
Meeting dates for 2026/2027:
Wednesday 15th July 2026
Wednesday 14th October 2026
Wednesday 3rd February 2027
Wednesday 5th May 2027 - AGM
Meeting finished at 9:53pm
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex Trampoline & DMT Discipline Report
6th May 2026
Sussex Gymnastics AGM
Sussex Competitions since last AGM
11th May 2025 – TRA Sussex County Clubs – Uckfield
64 entries, from 6 Sussex Clubs
12th October 2025 – TRA Sussex County Clubs – Durrington (planned)
49 entries, from 4 Sussex Clubs
1st November 2025 – DMT Sussex Championships – Durrington
7 entries, from 2 Sussex Clubs
2nd November 2025 – TRA & TRS Sussex Championships – Seaford
53 Individual entries, from 4 Sussex Clubs and 19 Synchro pairs, from 4 Sussex Clubs
There have been no other competitions run by Sussex Gymnastics within Sussex as Club Levels have since been included into the Regional events at Gillingham on the following three occasions: - Sunday 14th March 2025, Sunday 1st February 2026 and Sunday 8th March 2026. The profit from the clubs levels created from Sussex participants at those three events has been credited to Sussex Gymnastics
Sussex Championships 2026 for Individual Trampoline, Synchro Trampoline and Double Mini Trampoline are taking place on Sunday 11th October 2026 in Durrington
Julie Belchamber
Sussex Trampoline & DMT Discipline Representative, May 2026
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Dear Members, Coaches, and Volunteers,
It is my pleasure to present the Chairman’s Report for Sussex Gymnastics for 2026. Over the past year, we have continued to build on the strong foundations laid previously, with a focus on growth, opportunity, and strengthening our gymnastics community across the county.
Achievements and Milestones
This year has seen continued success across multiple disciplines, with Sussex gymnasts representing the county at regional, national, and international events. Notably, Sussex teams were represented at prestigious competitions such as the Rushmoor Rosebowl, demonstrating both the depth of talent and commitment within our clubs.
We have also seen sustained engagement in county competitions and events, alongside the introduction and embedding of updated competition pathways and general criteria introduced in 2025. These have enabled greater accessibility for General gymnasts of all levels Novice - Gold to participate and progress within the sport.
Across disciplines, participation remains strong, with clubs continuing to develop athletes competing at both grassroots and elite levels. Encouragingly, we are also seeing continued representation of Sussex gymnasts within home nation squads and beyond.
Financial Overview
The county remains in a stable and positive financial position, building on the strong surplus generated in previous years through competitions and events. Investment has continued in key areas, including:
- Coach and judge education, with ongoing funding support for qualifications
- Athlete support funding for gymnasts representing at the highest levels
- Reinvestment into county activities and development initiatives
These investments ensure that Sussex Gymnastics continues to support both performance pathways and grassroots development across all disciplines.
Development and Community
A key focus this year has been the continued development of coaching standards and opportunities. Funding initiatives for coach education remain well utilised, helping to address the ongoing need for qualified coaches across the county.
We have also worked to improve communication with clubs, ensuring greater awareness of available funding, events, and opportunities. Strengthening these connections remains a priority as we aim to better support all affiliated clubs.
Inclusivity continues to be central to our vision. We are committed to ensuring gymnastics in Sussex is accessible to all, regardless of background, experience, or discipline, and we will continue to explore new ways to broaden participation.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
While progress has been made, challenges remain. The shortage of qualified coaches continues to be a key issue across the county, alongside the need to recruit and develop more judges and volunteers.
Additionally, while communication has improved, ensuring consistent engagement across all clubs remains an area for further development. We will continue to explore new platforms and approaches to ensure information is widely shared and accessible.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the next year, our priorities will include:
- Expanding coach and judge development programmes
- Increasing participation across all disciplines and levels
- Continuing to invest in gymnast pathways and support systems
- Strengthening communication and collaboration between clubs
- Exploring new competition and event opportunities within the county
We are also committed to maintaining strong financial stewardship, ensuring that income generated continues to directly benefit our members and the wider gymnastics community.
Closing Remarks
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all members of Sussex Gymnastics—our coaches, volunteers, officials, gymnasts, and families for their continued dedication and support.
A special mention to Keith Walter who is stepping down from treasurer position after many years of wonderful stewardship, he will be greatly missed but we also welcome Stella Jackson to the team.
The progress we have made this year is a reflection of everyone's hard work and commitment. Together, we will continue to grow and strengthen Sussex Gymnastics, providing opportunities for all to enjoy and succeed in our sport.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex AGM Report - 2026
Hi All, what a year it has been for the tumblers within Sussex.
Tumble numbers within clubs have increased which is nice to see. We have had 1066 join us with club level tumble, loving seeing an artistic club trying new things.
Judges within the South East region have also increased and this now means that there is a greater diversity upon the panels at competitions which allows a variety of perspectives when judging execution.
Sussex clubs again have qualified with representing the region at IRCC and English Champs, with numbers increasing from previous years. We have also this year been lucky to have a Sussex judge join the panel at high level competitiions.
We have seen Dyson saying goodbye to their tumble coach as they relocated, but this means that Sky High have now gained a coach to support their ever-growing tumble squad. Dyson is continuing to do club level tumble alongside their other disciplines.
As a County we have more coaches than ever holding higher level qualifications. This is great for gymnasts that can now compete high level skills like doubles.
Reminder that Sussex Championships this year will be held on Sunday 11th October at Hollington Gymnastics club. This year they will be joining up with the Acrobatics and we wish everyone a successful day.
Save The Date - Hollington’s Invitational competition is the weekend of 30/31st January 2027
Thanks again everyone for supporting us in what have been another fantastic year,
Your Reps
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
High Performance Funding Increase Proposal 2026 (Gymnasts and Coaches)
Over the past 2 years £5200 was used by gymnasts over 2024 and 2025.
This funding has been very well received by parents, gymnasts and clubs over the first 2 years that we have run it. The initial estimated amount (£10000) set aside for the first 2 years of running this funding was not hit. With the price of the squads, accommodation and kit all increasing I am proposing that we increase the amount of funding for gymnasts to £400 and for clubs to be able to access £800 for coaches per calendar year (squad selection year). With the estimated amount of gymnast selections and club/coach attendance at squad I would project a maximum of £10000 funding applications for this year across both areas. This is based on this year being a larger year due to team gym competition as well as all clubs and gymnasts involved applying for the maximum funding amount.
I am hoping that this can be agreed and sanctioned so that these gymnasts and clubs can start accessing this funding to aid their further development.
Lisa Jestico
Women’s Rep
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex Meeting AGM Team Gym Report May 2026
TeamGym participation in Sussex
No additional Sussex clubs have become active in TeamGym since the last AGM. The following clubs continue to enter events nationwide:
Recent club updates
Results since last meeting (Feb 2026)
British Championships
Team results
Future Dates
European Championships – Espoo, Finland - October 2026
European Selection Event (Crewe) - Sat/Sun 2nd & 3rd May
Hawth have 14 in the prep squad who will enter the selection event.
Hawth Open TeamGym (Crawley) - Sat/Sun 14th & 15th November 2026
English Championships (Crewe) - Saturday 27th June 2026
Sally-Anne Warner
Sussex TeamGym
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
The Annual General Meeting of Sussex Gymnastics will be held on Wednesday, 6th May 20:30 at the The Jack & Jill Inn, Clayton, BN6 9PD.
Apologies for absence
Lisa Jestico
Richard Keasley
Kim Mirceta
Charlotte Wynne-Pennels
Mark Poore
Chair’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Discipline Reports
- General
- Festival
- Acro - Nothing to report
- Trampoline and DMT
- Tumble
- Team Gym
- Men's Artistic
- Women’s Artistic
Welfare report
Report attachedElection of Officers
| Position |
| Chair |
| Vice-chair |
| Treasurer |
| Secretary |
Discipline representatives
| Position |
| General |
| Festival |
| Acrobatic |
| Rhythmic |
| Trampoline / DMT |
| Tumble |
| Team-gym |
| Men's Artistic |
| Women's Artistic |
Other roles
| Position |
| Welfare officer |
Any other business
Increase in High Performance Funding Proposal - High Performance Funding Increase Proposal
Getting in outside coaches to hold training days for the tumblers. Happy for this to be held at Hollington?
Meeting times and venues - 11am seemed to be a good time for meetings when a poll was done. AGM to remain at Jack and Jill on a Wed evening, but other meetings to swap between venues such as K2 and John Selden pub, so they are more distributed around the county? - are people still happy with this?
Meeting dates 2026-2027
There will be four committee meetings over the year (including the AGM).
These will be held on:
15th July 2026
14th October 2026
3rd February 2027
5th May - AGM 2027
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Women’s Artistic AGM Report 2026
172 gymnasts competed at the Sussex Championships this year showing the depth within the 8 clubs that entered.
170 gymnasts took part in the Sussex Invitational with 7 clubs from Sussex and club from Surrey taking part.
9 Sussex gymnasts were selected into the South-East Regional squad. These gymnasts are from Horsham, Uckfield, TAG and Wickers.
Sussex gymnasts competed at National Finals for the South East in November. Medals were won as a team by individuals all around as well as on apparatus.
5 gymnasts represented Sussex at the Rushmoor Rosebowl International last October.
October saw Georgia Stables (Hor) represent England at the Northern Europeans. The team placed 1st and Georgia placed 2nd individually on Bars.
National Finals took place for the FIG development and Classic Challenge levels with many Sussex gymnasts representing the South-East. There were many fantastic achievements and medals won, as well as 1 gymnasts gaining British Championship qualification.
English Championships saw 4 gymnasts from Sussex competing (Uck + Hor). 3 gymnasts gained qualification to the British Championships with Bella Fry-May (Hor) winning a Silver medal on vault.
British Championships had 2 Sussex based gymnasts in the Aspire category and 1 in the Junior category. Lucy Murray-Watson (Hor), Bella Fry-May (Hor) and Isabelle Martin (Hor) competed with Bella qualifying to the Aspire vault final, taking the silver medal on vault as well as 7th overall
Georgia has been selected as reserve into the England Senior squad and Bella has been selected into the GB Development Squad for 2026
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
Sussex Gymnastics Welfare Report AGM 2026
Since the last AGM we have visited several of the Sussex Clubs to provide advice.
In addition we have volunteered our time at Sussex competitions in the role of competition welfare officers. We are noticing an increase in gymnasts and coaches wearing jewellery as well as inappropriate competition attire. There has also been an increase in challenging behaviour by coaches, gymnasts and parents towards volunteer officials. We will continue to attend as many events as possible to remind all of their responsibilities to ensure competitions run smoothly and safely as well as volunteers are shown the respect that they deserve.
Sussex Police, in conjunction with the Active Sussex Welfare Officers, have relaunched the forum for welfare leads in sports and LADOs. The online meeting gives us an opportunity to network with welfare leads from other sports and to share good practice. The forum meets every 3 months, enabling us to pass on useful information and update our own knowledge.
Dawn Hyland
Mike Gevaux
- Details
- Written by: Emily Knight
GG Report for Sussex Gymnastics 6.5.26
Current GG Reps: Kim Mirceta Nash – Brighton GC, Beth Burchett- Wickers, Heather Sampford-Worthing
Progress report
Open to 1 hour, 2 hour and 4-hour gymnasts of ages above 7yrs we had 337 entries from over the county along with a few new clubs,
Successful fun and relaxed day, with around 25 youth leaders helping throughout the daytaking on the roles of Group leaders, shadow judging, MC and helping to run control, this year’s youth leaders were from the following clubs: Brighton Worthing, Wickers and Regis.
County champs for ABSG level will be again held at Hawth Gymnastics club K2 Leisure center on 14th June .
Online entries are now open via gymevent.
Budget sheet for this competition will be sent to the county chair/ secretary and treasurerin the coming week.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK ANYONE WHO WOULD BE AVIALBLE TO HELP ON THE DAY TO COME FORWARD AND ALSO, WE WILL NEED HELP WITH SET UP THE EVEING BEFORE IF LOCAL CLUBS CLOSE TO K2 COULD SEND 1 OR 2 CAPABLE PERSONS TO MOVE EQUIPMENT IT WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED.
Action to be taken in the next 6 months.
- Details
- Written by: Keith Walter
For the Year to 31st March 2026
Another very good year for our finances finishing with an excellent novice and intermediate competition run by Brighton gymnastics.
All Trampoline and DMT competitions are now organised and run by the region at Jumpers Gymnastic centre and we receive a share of the surplus, this change has benefited us by more than £4K for the last 3 competitions held this way.
In all, our competitions have brought in £24K of revenue to the county, thank you to everyone associated with this achievement.
We have used the money to support our training and development program where this year we have contributed in grants over £10K to clubs and individuals as well as holding our first in house training day, with more training days planned for next year.
Within our other expenditure is £500 for a number of magnetic signs to advertise Sussex Gymnastics on coaches cars, advertising in this way may be an opportunity for growth at clubs in the future.
Finally, a word of thanks to everyone, as I retire from the role of treasurer after 8 years. I am very proud of what has been achieved in my time and leave knowing the county is in good hands for the future.
Keith.
- Details
- Written by: Richard Keasley
April 2025 - March 2026
Clubs
There are now 2 clubs involved in Men's Artistic; Hawth and Be…. It's great to see another club in this discipline. We look forward to seeing them at events in the coming year.
Events
There are a wide range of MAG events during the year. All of these event s happen outside of Sussex; gymnasts have to be prepared to travel.
The Regional Championships was held in April 2025.
The Regional set-work Qualifiers were held in September 2025. There were 9 Hawth boys at this event.
Hawth had 7 gymnasts to the Set-work finals in October 2025. From that event 3 gymnasts gained a place in the set-work reward camp.
Hawth sent 4 gymnasts to the Home Nation Championshis (English, Scottish or Welsh). Following those events, the 4 Hawth boys competed at the British Championships in March 2026.