Rhythmic | Performance Programme Coaching Team Appointed
Scottish Gymnastics has announced the team of rhythmic coaches who will deliver the new Scottish Gymnastics national performance programme (NPP), as well as camps for the continuing group, junior and espoir performance pathway programmes (PPP).
Ruth Wilson, the chair of the rhythmic technical committee, and brevet judge takes on the role of lead coach for the programmes – heading up the team of coaches who will develop the gymnasts selected for the programmes through a calendar of performance activities throughout the year.
The introduction of the new national performance programme for senior level gymnasts for 2022 is an exciting evolution of the pathway for rhythmic gymnastics in Scotland following a period of growth and success over the last couple of years.
Laura Donaldson (Pathway Coordinator) will deliver the sessions for junior and espoir programmes in partnership with Laura Ytre-Eide (Beacon) – developing the next generation of rhythmic talent through the programme.
Violeta Staeva (ViSta) will coach the group programme, with both senior and junior groups from Beacon having recently won medals at the British Championships. Sarah Uysal (Pentland) will also be joining the coaching team as a development coach – with flexible and regional responsibilities.
The NPP lead coach and PPP coaches will work together with the rhythmic technical committee, Scottish Gymnastics performance team and other technical experts to deliver NPP and PPP camps that help to support selected gymnasts and coaches with their development and gymnastics journey.
The aim of the performance programmes for rhythmic gymnastics are to support coaches and gymnasts in developing the skills and mindset that will allow them to succeed onto the British Gymnastics pathway, and hopefully secure a place on GB squads.
The group, senior, junior and espoir programmes will be delivered alongside each other, with some elements delivered jointly and others separately. Camps will be led by a variety of technical experts along with the support of the newly appointed coaching team.
The programme is based on a culture of providing a supportive environment for gymnasts to thrive, to embrace challenges and setbacks as well as taking ownership of their training and their development. Our approach is an athlete centred, coach led, and performance driven with athlete wellbeing and coach development at the centre.
The programmes focus on developing fundamental skills in gymnasts at all levels, with the development coaches working to improve both technical and non-technical skills.
Laura Ytre-Eide said: “I'm delighted that we now have a full programme including the NPP. It just shows the development that has happened over the last couple of years with the sport. And it bodes fantastically well for the gymnasts that are coming up through the PPP, that they now have a full career progression in the sport. I think it is fantastic.”
I think each of the coaches has got their own skills, and each of us bring different talents to this group and I think working as a cohesive team, we will provide a really strong coaching team to help these girls maximise on their potential.
Ruth Wilson added: “I am so excited to be entering the next phase of our programmes and around the launch of our new NPP programme for seniors. I think working with the team and continuing to develop the programme will be a great opportunity for the coaches and gymnasts”
Twenty gymnasts were selected for the programmes earlier this month following a profiling day in May where ballet, flexibility and physical preparation elements were assessed. You can read more about their selection and our performance programmes below: