Hutt Valley Gymnastics introduced Springboard at the beginning of 2026, looking for a structured foundation programme that could work across its recreational Gym for All classes. Since then, around 200 children across 13 level 1–3 classes have taken part.

As the club has introduced Springboard across a large recreational programme, one of the things it has valued is the flexibility to find an approach that works for its gymnasts, coaches, and class environment.

For the coaching team, Springboard provides a clear framework while still allowing the club to adapt how it delivers the programme. Before introducing each new level, coaches come together at a staff meeting and work through the activities themselves. This gives them an opportunity to experience the activities first-hand and discuss their delivery before taking them into classes.

“We particularly loved level 3. The coaches all went away saying it was fun.”

Springboard is delivered by both newer and more experienced XTND coaches at Hutt Valley, with the club finding the provided lesson plans easy for coaches to follow.

The club also uses Springboard certificates to recognise gymnasts as they progress. Parents have responded positively to the programme, with feedback also helping the club consider where individual gymnasts should begin. For some older gymnasts, this has meant starting at a higher level to ensure they are appropriately challenged and engaged.

One challenge Hutt Valley has encountered is managing the assessment process when gymnasts within a class are working towards different Springboard levels and stages. While this doesn’t affect the day-to-day delivery of classes, it can mean several different sets of assessment requirements need to be worked through and tracked.

To make this more manageable, staff have taken a focused approach, rotating through apparatus over several weeks to assess gymnasts’ progress, with senior staff providing additional guidance where needed.

Hutt Valley’s experience demonstrates that introducing Springboard doesn’t require every club to take exactly the same approach. For Hutt Valley, that has meant bringing coaches together to prepare for new levels, adjusting starting points to suit individual gymnasts, and continuing to refine how assessments are managed.

Their advice to other clubs is to embrace that flexibility, support coaches through the assessment process, and take the time to find an approach that works within your own club environment.