The coaching team are DBS certificated, 1st aid trained, have attended child protection courses and hold British Gymnastics (BG) qualifications, or are working towards them under the supervision of a fully qualified coach. All members of the coaching team remain committed to the important principles of child protection, welfare and equity in their coaching.
| Heather Sampford – Head Coach |
| Heather is the founder of Worthing Gymnastics Club and has been Head Coach since its inception in 2011. With over 30 years experience in gymnastics she brings a wealth of knowledge. Heather oversees the club and its sessions, organises the yearly plan together with the team, and gives guidance to coaches in all areas of their roles. She also oversees gymnastics program and training with a keen eye as this is where her expertise lies. |
| Gemma Hornsby – Assistant Head Coach |
| Gemma is one of the club’s core coaches, Gemma is a well experienced coach within the team who has helped the club to become what it is today and is a fantastic, fun, and focused coach. Gemma heads up many of our club’s events. The years calendar includes -The Elderflower Festival and our in house Annual club competition. She also helps to plan and choreograph spectacular Christmas show! |
| Lucy Russell |
| Volunteered her time to get a feeling for what a coaching career would be like, and she loved it. Lucy is taking her first level in coaching with British gymnastics and wishes to develop a keen insight to what produces a happy gymnast using core skills to ensure they reach their full potential whilst having lots of fun. |
| Kierri Marret |
| Kierri has been a valued member of the club for many years and brings a wealth of experience from her own journey as a gymnast. She is passionate about supporting and caring for the gymnasts she works with and has a strong understanding of how to create a positive, encouraging environment. |
| Laylah Garner |
| Laylah brings a positive and enthusiastic approach to the club, having previously participated in gymnastics when she was younger. Her own experience in the sport gives her a good understanding of the skills and dedication involved, and she enjoys encouraging gymnasts to build confidence and develop in a supportive environment. Laylah is passionate about helping gymnasts enjoy their sessions, learn new skills, and feel proud of their progress. |
Alex Walter – Welfare Officer
Alex Walter has three children, all of which have attended WGC. He is a specialist paramedic in urgent and primary care, working in general practice in the Worthing area. He has also been the Resuscitation Officer for the local community NHS Trust and has worked in A&E’s, urgent treatment centres and minor injury units across London and the south east and has taught first aid to local school staff, parents and pupils.
He has been involved with young people, ever since he was one himself! Previously he has been the chairman of a local Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Committee, a senior youth worker within the British Red Cross and a local school governor.
Alex is available to all gymnasts, parents/carers, and coaches for support on any welfare and health-related matters, including injuries. You can contact Alex initially via telephone or email, or arrange a face-to-face meeting—either in person or virtually.
Alex is dedicated to providing guidance and assistance, ensuring that any concerns are addressed and that gymnasts receive the support they need to stay healthy and safe.
Alex is passionate about encouraging children to engage in more physical activity and believes in fostering a sense of discipline that will help them tackle life’s challenges with confidence, care, and a focus on overall well-being.
Contact Alex
| Leadership Academy Coaches Finlay Griffiths, Toby Vincent, Louie LeGac, Charlie & Nico Kriel, Tia Dewy, Halle & Belle Webster, Barnaby Wilson, Freya Weston, Molly Wilkes. |
| Our Leadership coaches, Bronze – Gold are working with our coaching team to develop and hone their coaching skills. Supporting girls and boys, helping to produce new and exciting programmes. They are enthusiastic creative and hardworking coaches and strive to provide a safe and fun environment for all gymnasts to engage in the sport that they love whilst learning life skills! |
| Worthing Aviators Nancy Jerrold, Talia Hornsby, Chloe Balchin, Summer Saint, Malachi Sam, Robin Olvar, Delilah Bambrick-Giles, Millie Bolton, Marla Sacco |
| For our younger helpers that are rolemodelling and inspiring the next generation, this is thier entry level to graduate to the leadership academy. |
| Worthing Flyers |
| Our in house trained wonderful voluntary coaches have been gymnasts or had experience in other sports. They are all parents of our amazing boys and girls in our club. We couldn’t operate without their support! Josy Stoker Sarah Price-Francis Lousie Humprey With children already keen gymnasts, our flyers are all too aware of the commitment needed both by the gymnasts and their parents. They are on hand to support parents with any questions they may have and assist new and/or existing gymnasts that may need additional support. |