International Selections

Following their stunning performances at the National Championships last weekend Scott Gregory and Stephen Page got more good news when National Squad Technical Director for Development, John Beer, visited the club this week. He was pleased to be able to inform them that they had both been selected to represent Great Britain in junior internationals later this year. Scott will compete against Germany in the annual youth match in Sheffield (late August) whilst both will travel to Canada in November for the World Age Games.

Well done both!

National Finals - Birmingham NIA

We had three members travel to Birmingham for the annual National Finals competition in the NIA together with their coach Paul Kitchen. Just qualifying for this competition puts you firmly in the top of the sport, reaching the second day puts you near the pinnacle. Natasha Holme, Stephen Page (both under-15) and Scott Gregory (under-17) all reached the finals and were hoping to make the second day of the competition. (Scott pictured above and Stephen on right - both in action during the final round).

Unfortunately for 'Tash, she came down with a bug before travelling and was unable to attend the practice session on Friday. Despite this she competed as well as she could on the Saturday but, unfortunately, her dream finish had to be put on hold for a year. Stephen and Scott both fared better, though, and went through to the final day in 7th and 4th places in their age groups respectively. Following a stunning voluntary routine Scott pulled up an amazing 4 places to take third and was duly followed later in the day by Stephen also pulling up to take third place. You can see the boy's final routines on the club website here.

Well done to them all!

Jack Petchey - June Winner

Following an extended period during which she was struggling with injury & fitness our June winner showed absolute determination and commitment to get back into shape. This commitment paid off when she achieved an excellent result at the recent Harlow grading competition. Elizabeth Nicholls was a deserving winner of the Jack Petchey award for June and is seen here being presented with her award by Club Chairman (also known to her as dad), Steven Nicholls and below surrounded by clubmates:

New Competition Structure

BG has recently announced a new Competition Structure to take effect from October 2008. This will affect competitors at all levels and it has been devised to allow a more stable and progressive path from beginner to International competitor. Highlights of the new scheme are that:

• all national and regional competitions will take place between 'late winter' and 'early summer';
• competitions will run approximately 3 weeks apart with national and regional events alternating;
• all grades other than Fig A (which has a minimum age of 15) will apply to all ages;
• there will be 3 'grades' competing together nationally at gala events;
• there will be 4 regional grades

More details are available on our website here.