Always on
This project successfully funded on 6th May 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Pit Mat
Chelmsford, Essex, United Kingdom
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Aim
We aim to keep safe access to asymmetric bars. A new pit mat ensures modern, British Gymnastics-standard training for all levels.
Who we are
Swallows Gymnastics Club has been part of the South Woodham Ferrers community for over 40 years. Based near Chelmsford, we have grown to become one of the largest gymnastics clubs in South Essex, supporting over 500 members, the majority of whom are local girls, with many families travelling from further afield to train with us.
We provide a safe, structured and supportive environment where gymnasts can start at entry level and progress confidently through the British Gymnastics pathway. For generations of families, Swallows has been a place where confidence, discipline and lifelong friendships are built.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Last year, the club faced a 300 per cent increase in rent. While this placed significant strain on our finances, we worked hard to stabilise the club and are now operating on a self-sufficient basis.
However, this has come at a cost. All reserves that would normally be set aside for replacing and upgrading essential equipment have been exhausted. As a registered charity, we cannot absorb major equipment costs without external support.
This project meets funding criteria by safeguarding access to sport, supporting female participation, and ensuring equipment meets current safety standards. Without intervention, a vital training area will remain limited, affecting gymnasts at all levels.
Crowdfunding allows us to protect what we have built and ensure our members continue to train safely and confidently.
How we’ll spend the money raised
All funds will be used to purchase one large, bespoke pit mat topper, custom-manufactured to fit safely around the asymmetric bars and meet current training standards.
Community impact
Swallows Gymnastics Club is one of the largest clubs in Essex, supporting over 500 members and the largest female participation base locally. We provide a full pathway from recreational gymnastics through to competitive squad training.
Our gymnasts regularly progress to county, regional and national competitions, including British and England-level events, training to a consistently high standard under qualified coaches. To maintain this level, access to core artistic gymnastics equipment is essential.
The asymmetric bars are a fundamental apparatus within women’s artistic gymnastics and must be available to all levels, from beginners learning basic skills to competitive gymnasts refining advanced routines. Without safe access to this equipment, training opportunities become limited, progression is restricted, and the club risks becoming less attractive to both current and future members.
By securing the correct safety equipment, we can continue to deliver high-quality artistic gymnastics, remain competitive as a British Gymnastics-affiliated club, and ensure our members feel supported, challenged and proud to train at Swallows.
How can you 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!
Thank you for supporting our gymnasts and helping secure the future of our club.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made