The 2023 National Clubs Carnival, Australia's largest multi-gymsport gymnastics event, gathered young athletes from all corners of the nation to shine on the national stage. Skylark Sports Acrobats, true ambassadors of Skylark's core values, made their presence felt and left their mark at this prestigious kids gymnastics competition. 

Acrobats take centre stage at this National Gymnastics event

The National Clubs Carnival stands as one of Australia's top gymnastics competitions, creating a splendid platform for young gymnasts to perform their routines on a national stage. Skylark Sports proudly sent its largest-ever team, 39 athletes forming 16 partnerships, to compete on the sunny Gold Coast from September 19th to 22nd. For these dedicated young athletes, the golden beaches and Queensland skies took a backseat to their unwavering commitment to Skylark's values and their relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Dedication and Preparation: Striving for Progress, Not Perfection 

In the spirit of Skylark's core value, "Strive for progress, not perfection," Skylark Sports Acrobats honed their routines with meticulous attention to detail. Their journey was about improvement and progress, not perfection. Every aspect of their performance, from mental readiness to physical fitness, showed incredible growth since their last competition. These young athletes displayed unwavering dedication to their sport, staying true to Skylark's values, and working closely as a team to get their routines competition ready. They trained tirelessly, often up to 5 times a week, at the Mount Waverley Skylark Sports facility, ensuring they were in peak condition for the competition. 

Teamwork and Unity: Embodying Skylark's Values

Skylark Sports Acrobats personified Skylark's core value, "Be a good human," through their extraordinary teamwork and unity. In acrobatics, trust and communication among teammates are vital, and Skylark Sports Acrobats excelled in this department. They were like a big family, lifting each other up, both literally and figuratively. Their unwavering support for one another, as well as the cheers and encouragement from their parents and friends in the crowd, beautifully demonstrated the strength that arises from collaboration and working towards a shared goal. 

Achievements and Future Aspirations: Creating Fun and Wonder 

The National Clubs Carnival brought a mix of emotions for the Skylark Sports Acrobats. Some athletes left the competition as National Club Champions, creating fun and wonder with their personal best routines. Others faced disappointment when things didn't quite come together on the day. To these resilient athletes, we salute your sportsmanship and determination. Your commitment to getting back into the gym and working tirelessly day in and day out creates wonder and sets an inspiring example. It's these efforts that will pave the way for a new chapter in your gymnastics journey. 

Celebrating Success 

Skylark Sports has a special reason to celebrate as they proudly announce their second-place trophy in the senior levels division. This achievement underscores their commitment to nurturing young talent while promoting safety and wellbeing in the world of kids' gymnastics and acrobatics. 

Skylark Sports Acrobats not only showcased the epitome of kids' gymnastics and acrobatics excellence at the 2023 National Clubs Carnival but also embodied Skylark's core values throughout their journey. Their dedication, teamwork, and unwavering spirit serve as a shining example of what young athletes can achieve through passion and hard work. As we celebrate their achievements, we eagerly await the next chapter in their journey of success. Congratulations to Skylark Sports Acrobats, a true embodiment of Skylark's values and excellence in the world of gymnastics and acrobatics! 

International Levels Partnership Results

Athletes & Level	Balance	Dynamic	Combined	Overall
Camryn & Phoenix Junior International 12-18 Women's Pair	24.23  3rd Place	23.19  3rd Place	21.92  3rd Place	69.34  3rd Place
Ben & Natalie Junior International 12-18 Mixed Pair	22.3  1st Place	21.87  1st Place	23.07  1st Place	67.24  1st Place
Dylan & Ava Senior International Mixed Pair	n/a	n/a	23.34  3rd Place	n/a

Senior National Levels Partnership Results

Athletes & Level	Balance	Dynamic	Combined	Overall
Chiara, Meeka & Jemima Level 8 Women's Trio	25.00  2nd Place	23.65  1st Place	21.50  4th Place	70.15  2nd Place
Alex & Milki Level 7 Mixed Pair	25.2  1st Place	25.95  1st Place	n/a	51.15  1st Place
Chloe & Eva Level 6 Women's Pair	25.3  1st Place	22.00  6th Place	n/a	47.3  4th Place
Cat, Nicola & Steph Level 6 Women's Trio	23.35  6th Place	22.4  10th Place	n/a	45.75  9th Place
Bianca, Allegra & Matti Level 6 Women's Trio	22.10  11th Place	17.35  14th Place	n/a	39.45  14th Place
Jack & Josie Level 6 Mixed Pair	23.6  2nd Place	21.15  4th Place	n/a	44.75  3rd Place

Junior National Levels Partnership Results

Athletes & Level	Balance	Dynamic	Combined	Overall
Kate & Sophie Level 5 Women's Pair	23.65  3rd Place	22.75  6th Place	n/a	46.40  5th Place
Saiorse, Caitlin & Lara Level 5 Women's Trio	23.70  10th Place	20.900  17th Place	n/a	44.60  14th Place
Alicia, Amandi & Melina Level 5 Women's Trio	19.95  19th Place	20.10  19th Place	n/a	40.05  19th Place
Pavitra & Chloe Level 4 Women's Pair	21.10  19th Place	18.35  22nd Place	n/a	39.45  22nd Place
Daniel & Today Level 4 Men's Pair	23.15  1st Place	23.10  1st Place	n/a	46.25  1st Place
Erica, Yui & Aaliyah Level 4 Women's Trio	22.65  18th Place	22.70  9th Place	n/a	45.35  14th Place
Tina, Lucia & Jennie Level 4 Women's Trio	21.50  24th Place	21.75  19th Place	n/a	43.25  24th Place

The 2023 Australian Gymnastics Championships served as the grand finale, concluding the senior competition season and marking a significant milestone in the journey of Skylark Sports acrobats.

(more…)

As a parent of a child athlete, it's important to recognize that high level sport and competitions can be a source of stress for children. While competition can be exciting and motivating, it can also be anxiety-provoking and overwhelming. Here, we'll explore some effective techniques for managing stress in children who regularly compete.

Recognizing the Signs of Stress in Child Athletes

Children who regularly compete can experience stress in many different ways. Some common signs of stress in child athletes include:

• Decreased performance or difficulty focusing
• Changes in eating habits
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches
• Increased anxiety or irritability

If you notice any of these signs in your child, it's important to take action to help them manage their stress.

Effective Techniques for Managing Stress in Child Athletes

There are many strategies that can be effective in helping children manage stress. Here are a few techniques to consider:

1. Encourage balanced training: Encourage your child athlete to focus on a balanced training approach that includes physical training, mental training, and rest and recovery. This can help reduce the pressure to constantly perform at a high level and promote overall well-being.
2. Use positive self-talk: Encourage your child athlete to use positive self-talk to build confidence and reduce anxiety. Teach them to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, such as "I am prepared and ready to compete" or "I am strong and capable."
3. Practice visualization: Visualization is a technique that can help child athletes mentally prepare for competition and reduce anxiety. Encourage your child athlete to visualize themselves performing at their best and achieving their goals.
4. Use the box breathing technique: Box breathing is a powerful technique that can help child athletes manage stress and anxiety.
   Here's how to practice box breathing:
   1. Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
   2. Breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of four.
   3. Hold your breath for a count of four.
   4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four.
   5. Hold your breath for a count of four.
   6. Repeat for several minutes, focusing on the sound and sensation of your breath.

Box breathing can be a great technique for child athletes to use when they are feeling stressed or anxious before or during competition.

It's important to remember that a single competition or success does not define someone as an athlete or as a person. Winning or losing a competition can be a source of stress and anxiety for child athletes, but it's important to maintain perspective and keep the bigger picture in mind.

While competition can be a valuable experience to test their skills and measure progress, it's important to remember that it's just one part of the journey. Whether they win or lose, it's important to celebrate the effort and hard work they put into training and competing.

Encourage your child to focus on their long-term goals and personal growth and development. Remind them that success is not just about winning a competition, but also about improving their skills, building confidence, and developing important life skills like resilience, determination, and sportsmanship.

By keeping a balanced perspective and focusing on the bigger picture, your child can manage the stress and pressure of competition and continue to grow and develop as an athlete and individual.

On Saturday 29th of October Skylark Sports held our annual Awards Night to celebrate the tremendous achievements and hard work of the 2022 AcroSquad.

(more…)

Introducing the 2022 Junior & Intermediate Champion Club!

A massive congratulations to the 77 Skylark Acrobats who competed at the Junior Victorian Gymnastics Championships in Geelong on the 16th of October. This was the first big competition for many of our rising stars, and it was fantastic to see their smiles as they stepped out on the floor. It was also the very first time we have had athletes from our Lynbrook centre compete at a major event - a big congratulations to Coach Liv for getting a brand new program off the ground.

Our acrobats were supported by 6 Skylark coaches, 10 Skylark judges and a cheering crowd made up of parents, siblings and friends. The support and encouragement shown by the athletes and their families is commendable - we are lucky to have such a wonderful group of Skylarkians coming through our squad acrobatics program. The future of the sport is bright!

The fantastic performance of the entire team has seen Skylark crowned as both the Junior Champion Club and the Intermediate Champion Club. Trophies and banners are on display at both Lynbrook and Mount Waverley.

Competition Results

Level 1-3 athletes compete one combined routine and are awarded a place based on the score they receive. A big congratulations to the following athletes!

Level 1 Trios	Place
Charlie, Lily & Jasmin	Silver
Lexie, Maddison & Evie	Silver
Alannah, Aamena & Anika	Silver
Anya, Hannah & Jasmin	Silver
Mina, Sofia & Adrielle	Bronze

Level 1 Pairs	Place
Reese & Abby	Gold
Caitlin & Aaliya	Gold
Leila & Ella	Gold
Risha & Clara	Silver
Nayli & Ines	Silver
Mackenzie & Romy	Silver
Teya & Matilda	Silver
Maithrie & Adele	Silver
Yasmin & Lahra	Bronze
Isabel & Truly	Bronze
Mia & Isla	Bronze
Anthea & Amber	Bronze
Elsa & Amber	Bronze

Level 2 Pairs	Place
Tina & Kaitlin	Gold
Kara & Zoe	Gold
Erica & Malaika	Gold
Bridget & Hannah	Gold
Lucia & Lara	Gold
Toby & Daniel	Gold
Mark & Chiara	Silver
Bethany & Monika	Silver
Isabelle & Madison	Silver

Level 4 and 5 athletes compete two routines - balance and dynamic. They are competing against other athletes from around the state. First to sixth place are awarded for each routine and overall. Congratulations to the following athletes!

Level 4 Women's Pairs	Balance Place	Dynamic Place	Overall Place
Eva & Isabella	Gold	Gold	Gold

Level 4 Trios	Balance Place	Dynamic Place	Overall Place
Melina, Amandi & Alicia	Gold	Gold	Gold
Jennie, Saoirse & Allegra	Silver	Bronze	Silver
Josie, Nicola & Pavitra	5th place	Silver	5th place

Level 5 Mixed Pairs	Balance Place	Dynamic Place	Overall Place
Yui & Ben	Gold	Gold	Gold

Level 5 Women's Pairs	Balance Place	Dynamic Place	Overall Place
Phoenix & Camryn	Gold	Gold	Gold

Level 5 Trios	Balance Place	Dynamic Place	Overall Place
Jemima, Angelina & Chloe	Gold	Silver	Gold

If your child is interested in learning more about our Competitive Acrobatics Program at either Lynbrook or Mount Waverley please get in touch.

Congratulations to all of our athletes who competed at the 2022 National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast.  

(more…)

Congratulations to all of our athletes who competed at State Pennant and Vic Championships in Geelong last weekend. Thanks to your amazing efforts, Skylark Sports has been named Champion Club for State Pennant for the 4th year in a row

(more…)

Competition season has arrived and with any performance sport, it can be hard to know what the judges are looking for. To help you navigate the scoring system we’ve created this list of 5 things you need to know about how acro routines are judged.

(more…)

We're really proud of all the AcroSquad members who have made the Victorian State Team for 2019 - here's your chance to get to know a little bit more about them.

(more…)

Congratulations to the Skylark Acrobats who have returned from a successful trip to the Vegas Acro Cup.

Mixed pair Dylan and Jaz placed 2^nd overall and women’s group Madlen, Tegan and Ava placed 7^th.

(more…)