Does my child have to compete in GymTeam?
Competitions and events are a key part of GymTeam and all athletes are strongly encouraged to take part. There’s one internal event at the end of each term – a Skill and Activity Challenge day or in-house competition – plus end-of-year team performances, and optional external competitions through the Recreational Gymnastics Australia Futures League. While attendance at every event isn’t compulsory, GymTeam is designed for children who are excited to perform and challenge themselves. The internal calendar is shared at the start of each year so families can plan ahead.
How does my child get into GymTeam?
By coach invitation, or by application and assessment. If your child is already at Skylark, their coach may recommend them. If you’d like them considered, contact our Customer Care Team and we’ll arrange an assessment. We do this to make sure every child is placed in the environment best suited to their age and stage.
What is Extension Gymnastics?
GymTeam is our semi-competitive gymnastics program for children aged 6 and over – the next step for gymnasts who want more opportunity, structure and skill development while keeping a healthy balance with school, family and other activities. It’s one 80-minute session per week, combining gymnastics skill progressions with routines, performances and team experiences.
How is Soft Play different from JuniorGym?
JuniorGym is a structured, coach-led class with a professionally developed curriculum and progressive skill development. Soft Play is unstructured free play that you supervise. Many families do both – and Soft Play is a relaxed way to see the gym and meet a coach before you enrol.
What does Soft Play cost?
Free for current JuniorGym members and their preschool-aged siblings, and free for children under 12 months. For non-members aged 1-5, it’s $10 per visit.
When are the Soft Play sessions, and do I need to book?
No booking needed – just turn up. Sessions run at Mount Waverley only: Monday 1:00-2:30pm, Wednesday 1:00-2:30pm and Thursday 12:00-1:30pm.
What is Soft Play?
Soft Play is free exploration and active play for children aged 0-5, in our gym at Mount Waverley. It’s not a class – there’s no structure and no coach leading it. Children climb, roll, bounce and explore at their own pace while you supervise. A qualified coach is on hand to help and answer questions.
Is it real gymnastics, or just play?
Both, deliberately. Everything in a JuniorGym class is purposeful – rolling, swinging, climbing, jumping, balancing and cartwheeling are real gymnastics movements, taught through play because that’s how young children learn best. Alongside the physical skills, children practise listening, taking turns, following instructions and participating independently.
My child is shy and won’t leave my side. What happens in an independent class?
It’s completely normal for some children to take a little longer to settle into an independent class. Our coaches are experienced in helping children build confidence at their own pace and will never force a child to join in before they’re ready. If needed, a parent can come into the gym to help their child settle before gradually stepping back as their confidence grows. Most children become more comfortable over the first few weeks as they get to know their coach, classmates and the class routine.
Do I do the class with my child?
In JuniorGym 1+ and 2+, yes – these are parent-assisted classes and you’re on the floor with your child. From 3+ onwards, children participate independently with their coach, which is a big part of what the program is building towards.
