ABOUT US – Paul and Linda Barden started coaching in 1986 when their daughters, LeAnn and Donna, joined the Southampton satellite centre at Abbotswood School. By 1991, when the girls had moved into the Elite Squads, Paul and Linda then started their own Club - Calmore-Testwood Gymnastics Club, where over 100 gymnasts came on the very first session!  Four years later, the Calmore side of the club was moved to Testwood School.

The Club is open to girls and boys from the age of 6 and upwards. It caters for and develops gymnasts with a wide range of abilities, from absolute beginners to those competing at Regional level.

We also have links to move on gymnasts who show greater potential.

Currently there are about 40 gymnasts in the Club, three-quarters in the 'senior' Competition Squad and a quarter in the 'junior' Development Group. Training times are determined by the level that the gymnast is working at, taking into account their potential and their work ethic.

We take part in Inter-Club and Regional competitions as well as operating the BGA award schemes.

All our Coaches are qualified to coach at various levels of gymnastics and have been checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. All Coaches and Officials give their time voluntarily.

Before moving to the Acrobatic side of the Club, our Development Group learn Artistic gymnastics using floor, vault and trampette.

Acrobatic gymnastics floor routines combine individual gymnastic floor skills, such as cartwheels, flics and somersaults, with partner balances and flighted moves. The competitors work as women's pairs, mixed pairs, men's pairs, women's trios or men's fours. The nature of Acrobatic Gymnastics means that it can cater for a wide range of ages and ability levels. 

Working with partners means that the gymnasts have to develop confidence and trust in each other and develop their abilities to work together. Taking part in Acrobatic gymnastics has many advantages including  developing strength, fitness, agility, flexibility and responsibility for others.

Most of all, it is fun!

ABOUT YOU  - As a new entrant we invite you to attend training sessions at the times advised to you by the Senior Coaches.  The first two sessions are FREE. The annual British Gymnastics Insurance must be paid on third attendance plus a training fee of £5 per week for the next two weeks.

In the fourth week we will evaluate your co-ordination and ability, and subject to a satisfactory appraisal you will be offered membership of our Club.  The remainder of the term fees will then become payable.

We look forward to seeing you.

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Some guidelines to follow -

• The aim of our Club is to provide a safe, effective and child-friendly environment in which gymnasts can participate in activities under the guidance of qualified coaches.  We operate an open philosophy and encourage and value parental involvement in the club.

• We provide a child-centred, coach-led programme which will endeavour to help your child develop to their optimum level of performance.  All our coaches are unpaid.  Their reward comes in seeing your child achieve that.  Our Coaches hold British Gymnastics qualifications and have been screened for their suitability to work with children.  A Welfare Officer has been appointed by the club to deal with any concerns and safety issues.

• The Club has adopted the BG policies for Child Protection, Equity and Codes of Conduct and all officials, coaches, members and parents must adhere to these policies.

• Please arrange to escort your child to and from training sessions and events.  Gymnasts should arrive at training sessions 10 minutes before the published starting time to assist with equipment preparation.  If, on arrival, a Coach is not present, children should not be left unaccompanied.

• The members of the Club are organised into groups according to their age, ability, experience and individual needs and the Coaches work with groups based on their level of coaching experience and qualification.

• Participants are required to be appropriately dressed in gymnastic attire (leotard or shorts & tee-shirt).  Close-fitting crop-tops and cycle shorts may also be worn.  The Club’s official blue leotard and tracksuit are required for competitions. Sensitive discretion within the bounds of reasonable safety will be shown in particular circumstances.

• Please tell a Coach of any medical condition suffered by a gymnast, whether temporary or permanent and any prescribed medication or treatment.

• Only a light meal or snack should be eaten before any training session.  Gymnasts should always bring a (non-fizzy) drink to every training session (1 litre screw-top squash bottles are perfect).

• Hair must be clean and kept short or tied back.  Finger and toenails must be clean and short.

• Rings, watches, necklaces, ear-rings and body piercings must NOT be worn. In exceptional circumstances, taping over may be allowed. This is at the sole discretion of the Senior Coach.

• The Club has associations with two other local clubs and has, on occasion, opportunities to use their facilities available.  An extra charge may be made for these sessions.

• We actively encourage parents / guardians to become involved with Club activities.  We often need helpers at competitions and during training sessions e.g. coaching, help with the getting the kit in and out and general maintenance.  If you have a spare hour or so, weekly or monthly and would like to be involved with our Club, please speak to Paul or Linda.  It is possible that you have a skill that we can find a use for even though you may not have considered it of any value to us.