National Training Centre

What is the National Training Centre?

Singapore Gymnastics operates the National Training Centre (NTC) Programme, a High-Performance training initiative covering Men's Artistic Gymnastics, Women's Artistic Gymnastics, and Rhythmic Gymnastics. Entry into this program is strictly through selection. In addition to the annual Recruitment Selection Trials advertised on our website and social media, periodic additional selection trials are conducted. These trials are designed to identify individuals with natural gymnastic talent and aspirations to represent Singapore at major international competitions. Open exclusively to Singapore Citizens, these trials offer all interested individuals the chance to register and potentially join the program.

Upon selection, participants are required to commit to training between 16 to 30 hours per week, usually arranged into 4-hour sessions, depending on their age. The scheduling of training hours for new athletes entering the NTC is gradual to prioritise their well-being. Attendance at a minimum of 85% of training sessions is expected from NTC athletes, with any missed sessions requiring approval and valid reasons. Alongside physical presence, gymnasts must demonstrate discipline and a steadfast psychological dedication to continuous improvement throughout training sessions.

Singapore Gymnastics extends its evaluation beyond the annual selection process, welcoming athletes already engaged in gymnastics who show remarkable talent and express interest in joining the National Training Centre (NTC) Programme directly. These individuals undergo an assessment to ascertain their suitability for inclusion. This personalised approach not only evaluates the athletes' skills but also assesses their dedication and commitment to the program's objectives. It offers talented gymnasts an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potentially contribute to Singapore's representation at major international competitions.

Periodically, National Coaches may identify and assess talent at SG events. Upon identification, SG will notify the relevant clubs and invite these athletes to a dedicated testing session.

The Selection Process

Unless otherwise specified, the NTC Recruitment Selection Trial typically occurs in two phases:

• PHASE 1: An annual selection trial is open to both current gymnasts and interested children. This event is scheduled with specific time slots on designated dates and is promoted through SG's website and social media channels. Results are usually announced within two weeks, and successful participants will receive details about Phase 2 via email.
• PHASE 2: Selected gymnasts participate in a one-month trial training period with the NTC, which requires payment of a monthly training fee. Upon successful completion of this phase, gymnasts may receive an official offer to join the NTC, subject to acceptance.

It's important to note that receiving an official position at the NTC does not guarantee permanence. NTC coaches regularly evaluate gymnasts' progress and attendance. If a gymnast’s development does not meet expectations, they may be transitioned out to make room for other qualified athletes. However, being transitioned out does not mark the end of their journey; gymnasts who show improvement can still be re-selected during future trials.

RG NTC athletes are expected to re-trial either annually or bi-annually.

Athletes are also required to be transparent with their current club if they are selected to join the NTC after expressing interest or attending the selection trial. It is important to clarify that SG will never approach athletes directly.

Our selection process for the National Training Centre (NTC) begins by assessing the number of available spots, as every gym and training group has its capacity limits, and the NTC is no exception. We prioritise a structured selection process, usually conducting a significant intake of young gymnasts once a year through our annual open selection, typically held mid-year and following the National Championships.

Regarding interim entries, our approach varies based on the age of the gymnasts applying for a trial. We generally do not favour accepting younger gymnasts (aged 8 or 9) on an interim basis. The rationale is that these beginners benefit more from training in larger groups within their club, where they can develop alongside peers without the disadvantage of joining midstream, which could affect the quality of their foundational training. A structured, deliberate build-up following a major selection is preferred over a quick, interim join.

For gymnasts aged 10 and older, we adopt a slightly different approach, organising trial sessions upon request, with each NTC managing this separately. However, it is crucial to note that interim entry is only considered if these gymnasts clearly demonstrate greater potential than those already included in the NTC selection.

For any queries regarding the NTC and its selection process, kindly contact hpm@singaporegymnastics.org.sg

SG's National Training Centres