Eight local gymnasts selected to represent Northern Ireland at national finals

Well done girls: L-R: Jenna McErlain, Dayah Doherty. Willow Currie, Isabel McErlean, Rebekah Rice, Cassie Evans, Maisie Hamill, and Anna Rose Caskey.

Eight young gymnasts from Toome are preparing to take centre stage on the national level after qualifying to represent Northern Ireland at the National Finals in London later this year.

The athletes from Elite Gymnastics Academy secured their places following a series of strong performances throughout the British Gymnastics-backed National Gymnastics League season, with confirmation of their selection arriving during training last week.

The achievement marks a major milestone for the growing Mid Ulster club, which has rapidly established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading gymnastics academies since opening in 2020.

Pride as gymnasts earn national selection

The successful gymnasts will now travel to London in November to compete against some of the best young athletes from across the UK at the prestigious National Finals.

Head Coach Christine Shannon said the moment was a proud one for both the athletes and the wider coaching team.

“We are incredibly proud of the girls. This is a fantastic achievement and a true reflection of their hard work and determination, as well as the dedication and commitment of our coaching team in preparing them for the season. We are really looking forward to cheering the team on in November!”

Their qualification caps off another standout year for the academy, which has continued to build a strong reputation not only for competitive success but also for inclusivity and athlete development.

Award-winning academy continues to grow

Last autumn, Elite Gymnastics Academy received the British Gymnastics Northern Ireland Inclusion Impact Award in recognition of its GymAbility programme.

The initiative supports children and young people with additional needs and reflects the club’s ethos that gymnastics should be accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or background.

The award highlighted the academy’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the local community while widening participation in the sport.

Head Coach Christine Shannon, Elite Gymnastics Academy, pictured with another one of the local club’s many stars Lillie Rose Scullion

Earlier this year, Head Coach Christine Shannon also received national recognition after being named British Gymnastics Development Coach of the Year.

The award celebrates coaches who consistently go above and beyond to support and inspire gymnasts at every stage of their development.

From local club to one of Northern Ireland’s largest facilities

Since launching six years ago, the academy has expanded significantly and is now regarded as one of the largest dedicated gymnastics facilities in Northern Ireland.

The club is supported by a team of highly qualified and experienced coaches, all of whom are former gymnasts themselves.

Over recent years, the academy has also produced numerous regional and national champions and medallists, helping place Toome firmly on the map within Northern Ireland gymnastics.

Alongside its competitive programme, Elite Gymnastics Academy continues to offer classes for all ages and abilities, with a packed schedule of summer activities planned in the coming months.

For more information, contact the club by email at elitegymnasticsni@outlook.com or via Facebook and Instagram at @elitegymnasticsni.

The latest success story now sees eight local gymnasts preparing for the biggest competition of their young sporting careers — and giving their community another reason to celebrate ahead of November’s national finals.