Young Volunteers Shaping the Future of Gymnastics in Exmouth
Thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), received through East Devon District Council, LED has been able to expand its gymnastics provision at Exmouth Leisure Centre, creating exciting new opportunities for young people to get involved through volunteering.
As part of this initiative, three dedicated 14-year-olds — Eloise, Ellie, and Bella have recently completed their Level 1 Assistant Gymnastics Coach Award, after spending the last 12 months volunteering within the LED Community Leisure and Devon Gymnastics programme. Over the past year, these young volunteers have gained valuable experience supporting weekly gymnastics sessions, learning how to coach, communicate and engage with younger participants. Through the volunteering pathway, they’ve built strong foundations in:
• Child engagement and safeguarding
• Planning and delivering warm-ups, stretches, and conditioning
• Introducing core gymnastics skills across floor, beam, and vault
• Understanding the values and responsibilities of coaching
This hands-on experience has been supported by formal training, resulting in completing their Level 1 coaching qualification, which equips them with the knowledge and confidence to begin their journey as assistant coaches. Eloise, Ellie, and Bella have become familiar and friendly faces within the gymnastics sessions. Their enthusiasm, patience and growing coaching ability have made a real impact in helping younger gymnasts feel welcome, supported and inspired.
Their journey is also inspiring for other volunteers, showing what can be achieved with the right support, guidance and a passion for sport. They now join the wider LED gymnastics team as qualified assistant coaches, with exciting opportunities ahead to continue developing their skills and contribute even more to the gymnastics programme. Tess another one of LEDs cohort of volunteers, is also currently progressing through the pathway and is close to completing her qualification.
“We want to say a massive thank you to our volunteers for their time. We know the children really enjoy the interactions, and we appreciate the commitment you’ve made. We look forward to watching you grow within the sport and officially welcome you to our coaching team.”
– Somer Manley, LED Gymnastics Lead
If you are interested in volunteering please email: outreach@ledleisure.co.uk
For more information about the projects that the community team are involved in, follow the link: LED in the community