Elevate Acro Gymnastics Club | Welcome to Scottish Gymnastics
Scottish Gymnastics newest member club Elevate Acro Gymnastics Club opened its doors at the weekend. Over 300 people attended the launch event at One Mind Martial Arts in Polbeth on Sunday 2 March.
The acrobatic club was set up by coaches and volunteer parents from Astro Gymnastics Club which was forced to shut down following a fire in December. Around 750 gymnasts were left without a place to train and 21 members of staff lost their jobs.
The coaches and parents responded quickly and worked with Scottish Gymnastics, Business Gateway, SCVO and local like-minded businesses including Ninth Concept, West Lothian Gymnastics and One Mind Martial Arts.
Sunday’s event was an opportunity for parents and carers to hear about the club’s ambitions, meet committee members and see some of the equipment the club has bought with donations.
Coach Nicole Higginson explained what it has been like setting up a new club which complies with minimum operating requirements in such a short timeframe. She said:
“It’s been a lot. It has been a big learning experience and made me realise my love for the sport again after suddenly losing my job. I really love it again.
“It’s so nice to be back in the gym and working with the kids again, from the wee ones right up to the older ones.”
She continued: “The club’s competitive gymnasts, who have been training with West Lothian Gymnastics Club since the start of December, have continued to excel.
“They had their first competition last weekend and all of them got personal bests. The gymnasts are enjoying themselves and now have a lot more drive and determination than before.”
Elevate will hold classes in various locations across West Lothian including One Mind Martial Arts Academy, West Calder Community Hub and Gymtastic in Broxburn. The club aims to have its own dedicated gymnastics facility by the end of 2025.
Credit: Richard Chalmers Photography