New trampoline centre aims for fresh heights
BBCA trampoline club is preparing to open its own dedicated facility after years of running sessions in a local high school sports hall.
Stoke Trampoline Gymnastics Club is making the move to its new permanent set-up at Festival Park in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, having previously run sessions in Trentham.
Its new centre contains nine full-size trampolines as well as a foam pit, and has been built to offer a range of classes for both children and adults as well as training top level athletes in the sport.
"I think there's going to be many champions come from this gym," said Jay Scouler, one of the coaches involved in setting up the new gym.
He said there was "a depth of experience" among the coaching team, with husband and wife team Daniel and Kate Greaves overseeing the site and having themselves both competed at national and international level.
Daniel, who was introduced to trampolining by Scouler while he waited for his sister who was attending a gymnastics class in Liverpool, worked his way up to competing at an elite level and training five times per week before moving into coaching in 2013.
He and his wife now live in Alsager, Cheshire, and the partnership with his former club has meant the pair could further develop a high performance squad in Stoke-on-Trent.
"We've got all of the latest equipment, we've got all of the latest technology embedded within the programme, we've got areas for strength and conditioning," Scouler said.
"We've got everything that the athletes need to be able to come in, have fun, be safe and then develop through to the highest level within the sport."
Olympic gold medallist Bryony Page, who began her sporting career nearby in Nantwich, will cut the ribbon on the new centre.
She will be joined by 2024 European synchronised trampolining champions in Zak Perzamanos and Corey Walkes along with five-time senior British champion Luke Strong.
Perzamanos, who came fourth at the Paris Olympics in 2024, is another athlete who was trained by Scouler.
The coach said that having top level gymnasts attending the opening would be inspirational for aspiring future champions.
He added that Page's success had provided a "really proud moment" for everyone involved in British trampolining.
"For me, the medals that she won at the Olympic Games have helped our sport no end," he said.
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