3-Nations Youth Match

Scott Gregory (library photo on right) lead the way for the GB-boys competing against Germany and Canada on 25th August at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport Arena. The annual match is normally between Germany and GB but took advantage of Canada's presence in Europe for World Cup matches to extend the competition. The format varies year-on-year and this year Germany had opted for an under-18 only competition. Fielding a somewhat older team than GB's 4 under-17 National Finalists, they narrowly pipped the GB team with Canada languishing some way behind. The final scores for the Men's Youth competition were Germany 289.3, GB 278.3 and Canada 249.3. Scott, accounting for 94.8 of the GB points in joint-3rd place (4th on tie-break) and highest GB performer, was particularly pleased to post 3 x personal best scores and to finish up placed higher than his GB team-mates who had taken 1st and 2nd place in the national finals earlier this year.

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.

Harlow Grading - 17th June

By and large an excellent day for us. Being Father's Day there were predictably reduced numbers but with 13 competing on the day we achieved 4 winners, 4 runners-up and a 3rd place as well as a couple of near misses. Also no less than 14 personal best scores were beaten on the day. More details on our website here.

Brentwood Academy Club

Brentwood Trampoline Club were delighted to hear recently that they have been accepted onto the Brentwood Borough Council Academy Scheme. The scheme is about creating excellence in sporting activities and "has been set up by Brentwood Borough Council to offer financial support to local sport and leisure clubs to assist in the development of young sporting talent".

The requirements we had to satisfy were to:

• Be based in Brentwood
• Be solely for young people or have an official junior section
• Have an established coaching and instruction programme in place
• Comply with government legislation in relation to coaching young people and relevant provision under the Children's Act (2004)
• Aspire to excellence
• Have members who can demonstrate Olympic potential
• Acknowledge the support given by Brentwood Borough Council

We look forward to working with Brentwood Borough Council in future to realise the objectives of the scheme in trampolining.

Jack Petchey - May Winner

Last night saw Mark Hardiman awarded with the club's second Jack Petchey award. Mark has demonstrated over a long period his determination to achieve and has always been a willing and keen helper. Pictured is Mark with coach (Jan Semon) and, below, training partners.

Bournemouth Grade 1 - 3rd June

Mixed results once again with Steven Page continuing to do well with another medal position and personal best score. Gemma just missed on her target of qualifying for nationals despite also scoring a personal best whilst Natasha was below her normal par but still reached another qualifying score. More details on our website here.