Core focus of VGA, the club also places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and inclusion. They believe in providing valuable opportunities for children and young people to develop physical literacy, fundamental movement skills, confidence, and social skills.
Valleys Gymnastics Academy is a not-for-profit community gymnastics club that operates across four local authorities in Wales – Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, and Merthyr Tydfil. The club is recognised as a social enterprise, dedicated to creating a positive impact in the community. Currently, VGA operates from various local authority leisure facilities, as well as their fully equipped 10,000 square foot gymnastics facility in Crumlin and the 'GO GYM' facility at Cwmbran Stadium.
The club offers a wide range of gymnastics disciplines, including Artistic Gymnastics for both men and women, Freestyle Gymnastics (free running), Team Gym, General Gymnastics for all ages, and Pre-School Gymnastics. All classes are delivered by fully qualified coaches with extensive experience in coaching children and young people.
The aim of VGA's classes is to develop physical literacy in children and young people, ensuring that they are confident and competent in fundamental movement skills. Each class focuses on various fitness components, such as coordination, strength, balance, flexibility, and aerobic fitness. These skills are essential for individuals' health and wellbeing, as well as their future participation in sporting activities.
To become a part of Valleys Gymnastics Academy, interested individuals can sign up for one of their gymnastics classes through their website or by contacting them directly. The club's website provides all the necessary information on how to get involved and the various options available.
Valleys Gymnastics Academy has a rich history. It was formed in 2011 through the merger of Abertillery Gymnastics Club and Valleys Gymnastics Academy based in Ebbw Vale. The club started with a membership of just over 100 and has grown significantly, now boasting a membership of over 2500, making it one of the largest gymnastics clubs in the UK.
VGA is a Limited Company with social and community aims at the forefront of its operations. The club has become a vibrant and visible community hub across South East and Central Wales. In recognition of their contribution to the community, VGA won the 'Consumer Facing' category at the 2017 Social Business Wales awards. They were also runners-up for Club of the Year in the 2016 and 2017 British Gymnastics Annual Awards before winning the top award in 2020.
In addition, VGA has been recognised for their commitment to equality and inclusion, receiving the British Gymnastics Award for Equality and Inclusion in both 2020 and 2021.
As a member of British Gymnastics and Welsh Gymnastics, VGA works closely with its governing bodies and partners to deliver high-quality opportunities for its members. The club holds GymMark accreditation from British Gymnastics and has also received Disability Sport Wales Bronze accreditation, highlighting their commitment to providing specialist, fully inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities.
Valleys Gymnastics Academy prides itself on being a safe, effective, and child-friendly organisation. They operate from multiple venues to ensure accessibility and offer a variety of gymnastics and physical activity opportunities for people of all ages and abilities across South East and Central Wales. Their dedication to inclusivity and wellbeing sets them apart and makes them a leading gymnastics academy in the region.
