Club Background
Spirit Gymsports was founded in 2002 by Debbs van Hagen & Caroline Wright, two coaches from Subiaco PCYC. The club started with 27 members and has now expanded to 600 over the past 5 years.
Spirit is a Gymnastics Australia registered club and has a Star 4 (out of 5) rating. All of our coaches are accredited or are in the registered training schemes and have extensive experience at State, National and International level.
We are one of the only clubs in WA that offer programs in all disciplines of Gymnastics including:
- Women’s competitive gymnastics
- Men’s Competitive Gymnastics
- Aerobic Gymnastics (sport aerobics)
- Sports acrobatics
- Cheerleading
- Recreational Gymnastics
- Rhythmic Gymnastics
- Trampolining
- Kindy Gym
- General Gymnastics (recreational)
- Special Needs gym skills
- School gymnastics
What makes us special?
We are privileged to have Trudi Nurse, the National Aerobic Gymnastics coach at our club with athletes such as World Champion Kieran Gorman and World Silver medallists Chris Behan and Sarah Saleno also training at our club. In fact, 75% of the National Aerobics squad are member of Spirit Gymsports which makes us the most successful club in Australia in this discipline.
Our women’s artistic program has many successes over the years with numerous gymnasts winning the title of State Champion in their age group and level. Our men’s program currently has the Level 4 State Champions and our Sports acrobatics squad has 6 State champions and two National Champions.
We are one of the only clubs in Perth offering classes to Children with Special Needs both as a school based program and a club program.
We make every effort to find the right class for you or your child.
Key Personnel
Debbs van Hagen (owner) is Head Coach of Women’s and Sports acrobatics. Debbs is accredited gymnastics coach in Men’s (Level 2) Women’s (Level 2), Aerobic Gymnastics (Level 1), Sports acrobatics (Level 1) and Cheerleading (Level 1). Debbs is also a National accredited Judge in all of the above disciplines and is on the Board for Gymnastics WA.
Caroline Wright (owner) – Senior women’s coach with extensive experience in school based gymnastics programs. Caroline also coaches Elite Women’s gymnastics at WA Institute of Sport.
Trudi Nurse – National Aerobic Gymnastics coach, National Coach of the Year 2002, 2003, 2004 & 2005. Trudi is also an experienced artistic gymnastics coach.
Sarah Millar – Head Men’s Coach. Sarah has a background in artistic and aerobic gymnastics and has very successfully turned the boy’s competitive program into one of the best in the State.
To date our club has 408 members registered with Gymnastics Australia and 24 coaches over the range of disciplines. The club currently runs school gym programs in 3 local schools and is looking to expand this area in the future.
Our club is both successful and friendly with a strong emphasis on individual enjoyment and achievement.
Mission Statement
- To create happy childhood memories of sport participation.
Club Philosophy
- To promote and develop gymnastics classes for all ages and abilities through the provision of programmes of the highest quality in a safe and fun environment.
- To teach children and adults the benefits of personal development, health and physical education through the use of the gymnastics disciplines. To help develop self confidence and self esteem.
Club Motto
“A Talent for Life”
Club Objectives
- To provide a safe environment for athletes to participate in gymnastic activities.
- To offer experienced and qualified staff and coaches in the sport of gymnastics.
- Allow children and adults to enjoy their gymnastics as best they can.
- Gymnastics for all.
- To ensure that Spirit Gymsports is a highly respected and reputable club throughout Australia.
- To provide up to date and exciting programs across all disciplines.
- To create happy childhood memories of participation in the sport of gymnastics.
- To help develop self confidence and self esteem.
- To aid in the development of fine & gross motor skills, physical fitness, balance through gymnastics activities in all participants.
- Helping in the development of children everywhere.