Our Springboard in Action series continues with Waitakere Gymnastics, a club of more than 650 members based in West Auckland. The club has embedded Springboard across its recreational programme, creating a clear pathway for tamariki from preschool through to primary school.

Springboard is delivered through both Springboard Mini and Springboard Kids classes, providing a consistent approach as children progress through the recreational pathway. The programme’s flexible structure allows children to develop at their own pace, while giving coaches a clear framework to track progress, recognise achievements, and celebrate milestones.

The club has also aligned Springboard with its existing coaching approach, using circuit-based classes that encourage children to explore a variety of apparatus while building confidence, coordination, and fundamental movement skills in a fun and supportive environment.

The benefits are already being reflected in feedback from families. Parents regularly comment on the welcoming atmosphere and positive coaching environment, with one sharing that their child “looks forward to attending every week and has a great time”, while another noticed a “huge increase in confidence” after just one term.

Waitakere Gymnastics’ experience demonstrates how Springboard can add value to an established recreational programme while maintaining the flexibility to deliver classes in a way that reflects the club’s own coaching philosophy and culture.

We thank Waitakere Gymnastics for sharing their Springboard journey and the ways they have brought Springboard to life within their recreational programme.