More Places, More Movement: Swindon Gymnastics

Aim

To buy additional gymnastics equipment so we can increase capacity and create more coached places.

Who are we?

Swindon School of Gymnastics (SSG) is a local gymnastics club and charity based in Swindon. We help people of all ages and abilities build healthy, confident and connected lives through regular participation in gymnastics. Our sessions support children, young people and adults to develop strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, confidence and resilience in a safe, structured and welcoming environment.

We currently have hundreds of gymnasts attending weekly sessions. Our programme includes pre-school, school-age recreational, squad sessions and adults, with inclusive pathways being enhanced. Swindon School of Gymnastics supports children and young people all the way from pre-school into adulthood via recreational gymnastics. Not only do SSG hold successful recreational pathways and display teams but we also hold an incredibly successful squad in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, Men’s Artistic Gymnastics and Tumble, with gymnasts competing at national level competitions.

Why are we Crowdfunding?

We have secured £7,483 in conditional Sport England match funding, meaning we need to raise £7,483 to reach our £14,966 target. We have to raise the full £7,483 to unlock the conditional funding.

Demand for affordable, local gymnastics at Swindon School of Gymnastics has outgrown our current equipment and space. We currently have around 200 people on our waiting list, including many children aged 5–16 and families looking for provision for children and young people. Families tell us they want safe, structured activity close to home, but many cannot access sessions because our classes are full and equipment is shared across multiple groups.

We are crowdfunding to buy additional gymnastics equipment so we can increase capacity safely, reduce bottlenecks in sessions and create more coached places. This will help us bring additional children off the waiting list across potential multiple new classes, while strengthening inclusive pathways and improving the experience for existing members.

How we’ll spend the money raised

All money raised will go towards essential gymnastics equipment that increases the number of safe working stations we can set up at once. This means less waiting time during sessions, better use of coach time and more opportunities for participants of different ages, abilities and needs to take part safely.

The equipment we are raising funds for includes a Nova Springboard, Low Beam, Beam Cover Pads, multiple safety mats, a Gymnova Mushroom, Pit Rings and a Rings Pit Platform. These items will support beginner, recreational, squad and inclusive sessions.

Community impact

This project will help more people across Swindon become active, more often. It will particularly benefit young people aged 5–16, people from diverse communities and backgrounds. By creating more affordable places, we can help reduce barriers to participation and support people who are currently inactive or at risk of becoming inactive.

Gymnastics supports physical health, confidence, discipline, teamwork and wellbeing. It also helps children, families, volunteers and coaches build friendships, routine and a sense of belonging. As our programme grows, the wider community will benefit from more volunteering opportunities, local events, showcases and the potential for additional coaching roles.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!

4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!

Funding method

All or nothing – this project will only receive pledges if it reaches its target of £14,966 by 10th October 2026 at 7:30am