Academy offers children springboard to success

Children across South Yorkshire are set to leap into the New Year with the opening of a gymnastics facility dedicated to youngsters aged 16 and under.

The Gymnastics Academy in Sheffield will officially open its doors on January 4, offering free taster sessions and classes throughout its first weekend. 

Based at Archer Road Retail Park and led by gym instructor Courtney Dinning and chief operating officer Jordan Buchan, the academy has transformed a former tanning salon into a cutting-edge facility equipped with apparatus, safety flooring and family-friendly facilities.

Founded by entrepreneur Josh May, the academy aims to support childhood physical and emotional development through gymnastics. 

Programmes cater to all ages and abilities, from toddlers to teens, and are delivered by fully qualified instructors in small, supportive classes. Youngsters will develop skills such as balance, flexibility and coordination while building confidence, teamwork and social interaction.

The academy will also offer parent-and-toddler sessions, themed activity days, birthday party packages and holiday clubs. 

Josh said: “We have made it our mission to give more children and families across the UK the chance to enjoy gymnastics as a pastime. 

“The opening of our new site in Sheffield marks the beginning of a significant period of growth and expansion for the business in 2025 and by offering free taster sessions during our opening weekend, I hope it will encourage more children across Sheffield to experience our unique gym for themselves.

“When we launched the Gymnastics Academy, we wanted to create an environment where children of all ages and abilities can unlock their full potential. 

“Sheffield is a city synonymous with sporting success, and I hope our new facility will play a key role in helping youngsters from across South Yorkshire to develop skills they will use throughout their lives.”

Sheffield’s new academy is part of the company’s ambitious expansion plans, with sites in Solihull, Manchester and Milton Keynes set to open in 2025. This growth follows a successful 2024, which saw more than 7,000 children participate in its programmes across Huddersfield, Leeds, and Castleford.

The Sheffield launch also marks the creation of 10 new jobs and reinforces the academy’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of gymnasts.

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