Former Shirebrook gymnastics club set for Sutton move with new name
A ‘delighted’ gymnastics club which was under threat from closure after struggling to find new premises has finally found a home after a six-year search.
The former Shirebrook Gymnastics Club had been on the hunt for premises since 2015 to help cope with growing numbers since it was founded 10 years ago.
But now the club – which had more than 300 youngsters on its books competing at all levels – is to re-open in Sutton next month and will be known as Sherwood Oaks Gymnastics Academy.
The name change and new home bring to an end uncertainty over the club’s future after several failed attempts to find premises after a building in Shirebrook fell through in 2019 – which led to it losing members and haemorrhaging money.
Head coach Zoe McDonald said: “The building falling through left us in absolute despair and as a board we were struggling to see that the club was salvageable.
“One of our trustees, Kerrie found this building on Coxmoor Road in Sutton and we decided to give our dream of having our own gymnastics centre another shot.
“It was perfect, great ceiling height, at an affordable price and brand new.
"The only issue was it was in Sutton, so we had to look at a new name for our organisation – we officially became Sherwood Oaks Gymnastics Academy on November 23.
“We had just proceeded with a lease when Covid-19 hit, but we are finally delighted to be getting ready to open next month.”
The club will hold classes from baby through to adult – catering for all abilities – and will be doing drop-in 'stay & play' classes for under-fives, alongside structured parent and child pre-school classes.
“We are a friendly club and nurture all children in an enthusiastic and positive environment to reach their own individual potential,” said Zoe.
“We are aiming to have a positive impact locally and will be doing some fitness classes for children too, down the line.
"So, even if they don't want to do gymnastics, there's still something fun that they can engage with at our facility.
“Our other aim is to create high level performance gymnasts and, down the line, we are hoping for British Gymnastics squad level.”
For details, check out Sherwood Oaks Gymnastics Academy on Facebook.