Most people have been on a trampoline before, whether it be in the garden or at a club like me, but did you know it’s an Olympic sport?

 

I do trampolining at Beckenham Fliers which was established in 1979 and has been running for over 40 years, coaching all ages -from 3 to 74. There is an amazing team of coaches and volunteers who are all such nice people, they help with coaching, parties, events, packing up etc. The head coach Jayne runs ever session, she’s there on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at Harris girls’ school near Cator park.

 

The club is affiliated to British Gymnastics and takes part in numerous competitions from regional to international; members have even gone on to compete in world championships! Everyone has a chance to take part even the smallest members.

 

I stared going when I moved to the local area, 5 years ago, as there wasn’t a gymnastics club near me, since then I have fallen in love with the team and the sport. It’s such a great way to make friends, stay fit and find something you enjoy doing. I asked some of my friends about their experience at Beckenham Fliers; they all told me how rewarding it is, when landing new moves and seeing the progress made. They said that “the squad feels like a family, everyone gets on and we always have fun and support each other”.

 

There are an uncountable number of moves but four main positions- tuck, pike, straight/ lineout, puck (in between tuck and pike). Some of the favourite moves are:

-3/4 fronts, it’s quite easy when you get to grips with it and is very good as you can add moves onto easily.

-One and three, this is a more advanced move but very rewarding as “you feel like you’re flying”.

-Back pullover to back, this is a very easy but very fun move to do “just for fun”.

 

So why not try it out? You could find your new favourite hobby- my friends and I certainly did.