Squad Gymnastics Competitions
Why are Charisma Competitions mandatory for Squad & Development Groups?
1. They provide measurable progress checkpoints
Competitions give coaches objective evidence of how each gymnast is progressing under pressure. This helps us to identify if gymnasts are progressing and ready to move to the next level of Competition / Skills.
2. They build confidence and resilience
Learning to perform in front of judges, teammates, and an audience teaches our gymnasts how to manage nerves, stay calm, and trust their training — critical skills for future competitive or advanced pathways.
3. They teach routine structure and performance quality
Our gymnasts must learn not just skills, but how to perform them in a routine with precision, artistry, and consistency. Competitions reinforce these habits far more effectively than normal training alone.
4. They encourage commitment and goal-setting
Working toward a competition helps our gymnasts set short-term and long-term goals. This improves motivation, focus, and accountability throughout the training cycle.
5. They help identify strengths and areas for improvement
Judges’ scores and coach observations highlight what each gymnast is excelling at and what needs attention — supporting personalised coaching and faster development.
6. They foster team spirit and belonging
Even in individual sports like gymnastics, competitions create camaraderie. Our gymnasts support and celebrate each other, which strengthens the group culture and keeps training enjoyable.
7. They prepare gymnasts for future opportunities
For our gymnasts that want to progress to higher-level squads or external competitions, early experience is essential. Charisma competitions are a safe environment to build the foundation skills required for more advanced pathways.
The below table shows what each of our squad groups should be competing / training towards and also they must have the Charisma Gymnastics Leotard in order to compete (more information on how to order club leotards can be found here). Note this does not apply to gymnasts who train at Dulwich Prep or any Dulwich College gymnasts that train on Thursday's or Saturday 12:15-14:15. For those classes you should view this page.
Please note if your gymnast is in one of the below groups Charisma Competitions are mandatory. Failure to participate in competitions will result in gymnast being moved to alternative squad groups which do not do competitions.
| Group Name | Coach | Class Hours | IGA Level | Competition Day | Leotard Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | Megan | Fri & All day Saturday | Level 6 (4 piece) | Saturday | Long Sleeve CGC |
| Panthers | Leah | Fri & All day Saturday | Level 7 (4 piece) | Saturday | Long Sleeve CGC |
| Falcons | Asia | Fri & All day Saturday | Level 7 (4 piece) | Saturday | Long Sleeve CGC |
| Bobcats | Michela | Friday & Saturday morning or All day Saturday | Level 8 (4 piece) | Saturday | Long Sleeve CGC |
| Meerkats | Asia | Saturday morning (& Friday evening) | Level 8 (4 or 2 piece) | Saturday | Short Sleeve CGC |
| Lemurs | Charlotte | Saturday morning (& Friday evening) | Level 8 (4 piece) | Saturday | Short Sleeve CGC |
| Cheetahs | Lyla | Saturday 9-12:30 | Level 8 (4 piece) | Saturday | Short Sleeve CGC |
| Jaguars | Cachelle | Saturday 13:00-16:00 | Level 8 (2 piece) | Saturday | Short Sleeve CGC |
| Leopards | Beth | Saturday 9-12:30 | Level 9 (2 piece) | Sunday | No Requirement |
| Cubs | Yasemin | Saturday 9-11:00 | Level 10 (2 piece) | Sunday | No Requirement |