Gym4TEENS
Keeping Teenage Girls in Gymnastics
In 2022, thanks to a funding investment from the Sport Ireland Women in Sport programme, Gymnastics Ireland, working in partnership with Women in Sport UK, engaged in the largest member-based piece of research to date - “Keeping Teenage Girls in Gymnastics", with the voice of our teenage gymnasts at the heart of the initiative.
This research report clearly outlines what drives teenage girls' engagement and enjoyment in gymnastics and highlights areas that can be developed to enhance progression and create more moments of pride for all gymnasts and to build an inclusive, and positive body image culture in our member clubs and the sport of gymnastics in Ireland to extend girls' gymnastics journey beyond the teenage years. Our gymnasts have shared their voice, and we are listening.
One key highlight of the research included the benefits and effectiveness of display gymnastics to retain teenage girls in our sport. Attributed to various aspects such as the focus on team work, the social aspect, the fun, a reduced time-commitment with less pressure and competition and the opportunity to explore the more theatrical side of gymnastics.
The Floor, Gymnastics Ireland's annual flagship participation based event, provides members with the opportunity to put on an entertainment spectacle to show how skilful, fun, entertaining & exciting our sport is.