Inclusivity | Mearns Gymnastics Club wins local award for ASN work
Mearns Gymnastics Club recently won the Inclusion Project of the Year award at the East Renfrewshire Sporting Heroes Awards. Their introduction of classes for children with additional support needs (ASN) has knocked down barriers and welcomed even more locals into the world of gymnastics.
The classes came about through the work of one parent. Natalie Chateau had taken her son Jack to similar classes, but none of them quite fit his specific needs. So she contacted Mearns to see if they could start running sessions for people like Jack. The club collaborated with local charity SupERKids and received funding from Scottish Gymnastics’ club development fund to get the programme up and running.
The impact of the classes
“When I first reached out to Jacqui [Wilson, head coach of Mearns] and the team, I asked if they would be willing to work with our school to provide an after-school gymnastics club. It was the easiest ‘yes’ I’ve ever received,” said Natalie.
“Jack is non-verbal, autistic, and has VACTERL syndrome. Finding places where he can learn, play and feel included can be incredibly difficult. But Jacqui and her amazing coaches didn’t see the barriers. They saw Jack.
“He came home after every session doing forward rolls and headstands along the sofa. He couldn’t tell me what he had learned, so he showed me. That was incredible to see.
“Without Mearns Gymnastics, my little boy may never have had the opportunity to learn gymnastics.”
The club has plans to roll out ASN parent/carer drop-in classes in the new year. Children aged five to 18 will be able to attend alongside a parent or carer who can stay and support them. They hope that this will allow even more families to enjoy gymnastics together.
Recognition for Mearns’ outstanding local contributions
Head coach Jacqui was thrilled with the recognition the club received. “We were delighted to win the award! We wanted to give children who might find a mainstream class difficult the chance to enjoy gymnastics, feel welcome and take things at their own pace.
“For us, it was seeing the children become more confident, try new skills and get to know their coaches and young leaders that made it so worthwhile.
“We’re also very grateful to Scottish Gymnastics, Mearns Community Sports Hub and SupERkids for their support, and to our coaches and young leaders for the care they put into every class.
“Winning the award meant a lot to us because it recognised the effort everyone had put in to make the classes work for the children. We’ve learned a lot from the children and their families and we’re so glad Natalie got in touch and started that first conversation.”
The Scottish Gymnastics Awards 2026 are just over a month away. Get your tickets below to join us for a night of celebration at The Pavilion at Ingliston.