Our Staff

RUSSELL SMITH

Level 4 PPinHPC
Performance Director

I grew up in Devon and pursued Business Management at Exeter University. While representing the County in Badminton and Tennis, my true passion was free running and rock climbing on Dartmoor. In 2010, I began volunteering as a gymnastics coach and in 2012, I took a leap of faith by leaving my full-time job as a financial advisor to establish ‘Gymnastics in Schools’. This initiative involved working with about 20 schools, where I conducted PE classes, lunchtime clubs, and after-school programs. Following a coaching stint in Los Angeles in 2014, I was appointed Head Coach at Wantage Gymnasts.

MARGARET CLEMENT

Club President

Margaret Clement began coaching gymnastics in Wantage back in 1975 at a nearby Primary School, dedicating her time to instructing 12 children every week. Prior to that she had been teaching PE at Primary schools in the local area.

You can read more about Margaret and her amazing vision that was the start of Wantage Gymnastics Centre (as we now know it). Click here to read more.
Thank You Maragaret for what you created.

JANINE TONKIN

Welfare Officer

I’ve been part of the WGC family for over 10 years now, starting out as a squad parent and later becoming Club Secretary – a role I’ve proudly held for the past few years. I’m now really pleased to be taking on the role of Welfare Officer, supporting the wellbeing of our gymnasts, parents, and coaches.

My daughter was part of the WGC squad for 10 years and is now one of our senior coaches, so I’ve seen first-hand how special this club is. You’ll often find me around the gym, always happy to chat and help where I can.

Wantage Gymnastics Centre is a brilliant, caring community – and I’m here to make sure everyone feels safe, supported, and heard.

MEGAN ROLLS

Level 3
Head of Recreational and Pre School Gymnastics

I joined the club in 2017 as a gymnast, then started coaching in 2018 upon moving to Stanford. After graduating, I finished my gymnastics apprentice course with a distinction. I hold Level 2 Women’s Artistic certification and currently manage Recreational Classes, Preschool Classes, and Infant Squad.

Grace

Level 3

Lead Squad Coach and First Aid Officer

I became a part of WGC when it was in the leisure center and have witnessed its incredible transformation into the exceptional club it is today. As a former squad gymnast, I have competed at the national level. While I am pursuing training as a paramedic, I continue to derive joy from coaching here a few times a week.

TILLY

Level 3

Lead Elite Squad Coach

I started gymnastics at 6 and switched to competitive soon after, training at KD Gymnastics, then Kennylands, and finally Wantage at 12. I coached and helped with routines while also training. Now studying Dance Performance at Chichester University.

Amy

Level 2

I started gymnastics at the age of 5 at Hillingdon school of gymnastics in West London where I grew up. I competed at a national level for my club and country up to the age of 18. From then I qualified as a coach and started coaching for a few years to share my passion for gymnastics resulting in having my own young squad group to run. After some time away from the sport and having a family I have now had the pleasure to become apart of the WGC team and share my love for gymnastics again coaching the recreational and squad gymnasts. Gymnastics has always been a big part of my life.

MILLIE

Level 1

At age 10, I joined WGC as a gymnast. By 13, I supported coaches and earned Level 1 Women's Artistic Qualification. Before Manchester University for Educational Studies, I led Senior Squad. Coaching during breaks brings me joy.

APRIL

Level 2

Started gymnastics in the US at 3, moved to England at 9, coaching since 13, now Level 2 Coach and BG Judge, studying Nutrition and Sports Development.

Lucy E

Level 1

Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship at Taunton and Bridgewater College

I am currently doing my apprenticeship at WGC where I've been coaching since April 2022, passionate about teaching children gymnastics. As a gymnast, I enjoy sharing tricks I learned and focus on making the learning process safe, effective, and enjoyable. I love coaching kids and hope they have fun learning gymnastics with me.

Charlotte K

Level 1

Lead Choreographer

I’ve been dancing since I was two and went on to train in contemporary dance in Liverpool, graduating with first class honours. Since then, I’ve worked with a variety of professional dance companies and choreographers across the UK.

Now I enjoy teaching and love helping gymnasts improve their technique, build confidence and performance skills through dance.

Nic

Level 1

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LUCY G

Level 1

I started gymnastics when I was 6 years old and later was asked to join squad in 2019. Since then I have been a competitive gymnast and have competed in many competitions. I started coaching in September of 2022. 

ELEANOR

Level 1

I started competing at the county level when I was only 7 years old and continue to find joy in training and competing with the senior squad. Coaching is a passion of mine, and I aspire to obtain my level 1 certification next year, alongside completing the judging course.

ISABEL

Level 1

I became part of this club as a gymnast in 2019, following my experience in primary school gymnastics and previous training at another club during my early years at ages 4 and 5. In 2021, I transitioned to a junior coaching role, with my sights set on pursuing my Level 1 qualification in the near future.

ELLA

Level 1

I became part of WGC at the age of 6 and joined the squad at 7. Competing in the Elite squad for 6 years, I successfully clinched the Quatro Cup, outshining other top gymnasts in my category. Passionate about coaching, I aspire to undertake my level 1 course next year.

CHLOE

Junior Coach

I began gymnastics at 1½ and joined Carterton Gymnastics Club at 6, making the squad. By 7, I competed in my first county competition. I stayed until summer 2022. Started coaching at 11, then shifted focus to climbing. Discovered love for coaching at camp. Joined Russell’s team as a junior coach in two weeks. Excited to join Wantage coaching team.

POPPY

Junior Coach

In 2013, I started gymnastics. By 2018, I joined Wantage Gymnastics Club and began in rec classes. In 2020, I moved up to the squad team, now a senior member. I've coached in two club championships and still coach Recreational sessions.

LUCY E

Junior Coach

I am a junior coach at WGC since April 2022, passionate about teaching children gymnastics. As a gymnast, I enjoy sharing tricks I learned and focus on making the learning process safe, effective, and enjoyable. I love coaching kids and hope they have fun learning gymnastics with me.

Olivia

Level 1

I started gymnastics at 7, joined the squad at 8, and coached at 13 while managing injuries. Now, I coach both recreational and squad gymnasts, aiming for a gymnastics career with a Club Judge certification.

Amelie

Level 1

I've been part of WGC for 7 years, honing my skills, and serving as a Coach for the past 2 years. The bars routine is undoubtedly my favourite apparatus to work with.