The Highland Gymnastics Partnership Association (HGPA), has received a £6,000 grant from Awards for All this month to support the training and development of Level 3 and 4 coaching across the three key Highland Clubs: Inverness GC, Fyrish GC and Caithness GC. This grant will be used to fund mentoring opportunities for the clubs' coaches, allowing a greater opportunity to travel and engage support nationally. Additionally, the money will help HGPA provide collaborative training opportunities, bringing coaches together to share learning and utilise national facilities such as the National Training Centre in Inverclyde.
This year, the Highland Teams have again shown their drive and desire to develop performance level gymnastics in their clubs, with a record number of gymnasts competing in grades events, and a notable increase on scores across the board.
Additionally, , Louise Humphries (IGC WA Head Coach) has been attending the first of her Scottish Gymnastics Performance Pathway in South Essex this week, learning from Scott Hann (Coach to Max Whitlock among others). This direct link to the National Performance Pathway will further support the development of coaching and gymnastics performance throughout the Highland Region.
HGPA was established last year with representation of all three clubs, working to secure funding and resources for the development of coaches working towards performance level in Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnastics, it is hoped that in the first 12 months, the partnership will support four coaches in achieving their Level 3 coaching qualification, with a view to planning their journey towards Level 4.
The ability to invest in our coaches is fundamental to the success of both our gymnasts, and our clubs, especially across the Highlands where access to mentors, facilities and shared learning opportunities are considerably more challenging.