Singapore Gymnastics' innovative National Squad Training programme has been making waves in the gymnastics community since its launch. Spanning three disciplines—Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (MAG), Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG), and Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG)—the initiative aims to elevate athletes' performances while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration between national and club-level coaches.

Building Momentum and Strong Bonds

The first round of training sessions for all three disciplines has been successfully conducted. MAG completed all three of its sessions on July 6th, August 3rd, and September 14th, while WAG and RG have each conducted two of their three scheduled sessions. WAG's sessions took place on March 24th and September 15th, and RG's on April 6th and September 8th. These gatherings have been met with enthusiasm from both athletes and coaches, setting a positive tone for the programme’s future. The sessions focused on creating a cohesive team atmosphere and allowed athletes to bond with one another and with the national squad coaches. This sense of camaraderie has been identified as a crucial element in driving athletes to reach their full potential.

Berfin Serdil Ors, RG Head Coach, reflected on the progress made thus far: "The response from our athletes and coaches has been incredibly encouraging. We've seen the beginnings of a supportive community where everyone is dedicated to excellence, not just individually but as a unified team."

Enhancing Coaching Impact and Collaboration

Despite the limited number of sessions—just three per year per discipline—the National Squad Training programme has already demonstrated its ability to maximise coaching impact. Coaches have employed strategic planning to make the most of each session, emphasising skill development and technique refinement. A key component of these sessions has been the interaction between national and club coaches, fostering a unified approach to training methodologies.

"National squad training was all about developing new skills. The atmosphere in the gym was great, and all the gymnasts and coaches worked hard. The next National Squad training will focus more on preparing for the Singapore Classic at the end of November 2024," commented Gerrit Beltman WAG Head Coach.

Upcoming Training Sessions and Future Outlook

As the programme moves forward, the final training sessions for the year are lined up for WAG and RG. With MAG having completed its three sessions, WAG and RG are gearing up for their concluding sessions on November 10th and October 6th, respectively:

•       WAG National Squad Training:          November 10th
•        RG National Squad Training:              October 6th

Each session is designed to build upon the previous one, focusing on continuous improvement and alignment in training philosophies. This structured approach is expected to significantly enhance athletes' performance, providing them with the skills and confidence needed to compete at the highest levels.

A Community Dedicated to Excellence

Singapore Gymnastics' National Squad Training programme is not just about refining technical skills; it's about building a community where athletes and coaches support each other's journey toward excellence. By fostering relationships, aligning coaching strategies, and providing individualised feedback, the initiative is setting the stage for a new era in gymnastics in Singapore.

Karen Norden further emphasised the collective effort driving this programme's success: "Our progress so far is a testament to the dedication of our national coaches, club coaches, and athletes. Together, we are creating an environment where excellence is not just a goal but a shared commitment."

As the National Squad Training programme continues to unfold, Singapore Gymnastics looks forward to offering ongoing updates on its progress. The organisation extends its gratitude to the National Coaches and the gymnastics clubs for their unwavering support, which remains vital to advancing Singapore's High Performance pathway in gymnastics.