Dundonald Gymnastics Club was founded in 1994 as part of South Ayrshire Councils sport development scheme. The Activity Centre, in Dundonald, provided the venue for recreational gymnastics to the local community and with newly qualified coaches Linda Kelly and Sylvia McLeish a class of around twenty members was formed.

In 1995 Andy McKenna, a senior club coach was employed by SAC and the club developed to include gymnasts from Muirhead Activity Centre to form an advanced class.

These classes were continued after Mr McKenna’s retirement and an Intermediate class was formed due to demand. In 2005 coaches Laura Ellis and Scott Telford were welcomed to the Club along with helpers Pauline McLellan and more recently Tracey Martin, both of who are now qualified coaches. Along with choreographer and Ballet teacher Shirley Jamieson they have been a vital part in allowing the Club to develop and become independent, bringing new skills and expertise.

In February 2006 the club coaches made the decision to make Dundonald an independent club and registered with the Scottish Gymnastics Association. Since then the club has increased its membership to around 120 gymnasts. The club has invested in equipment to provide an effective training environment for participation in competitive Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

It has further invested in training for both existing and new coaches including two senior gymnasts, Katherine Kilpatrick and Sarah Brown, in order to provide a sustainable long term future for the club. In June 2007 the club appointed its first parent based committee to support the administration and development of the club and in addition to committee work, Dawn Telford (Treasurer) and Sara Politakis (Secretary) have now both qualified as WA Judges. Clive Watkins (Chairman) developed and maintains our club website.

The club’s objective is to provide children within the local community the opportunity for participation in recreational and competitive gymnastics in a safe and rewarding environment.

Coaches

Scott Telford - Head Coach   'Scott is a former Mens Artistic Gymnast, competing at regional and national level with South West and Surrey and Sussex Regions. He is a qualified Women’s Artistic Senior Club Coach and takes responsibility for the competition development groups.'
Linda Kelly   Linda became involved with gymnastics through her employment with South Ayrshire Council as a member of staff within Dundonald Activity Centre. She is currently one of the Centre Officers at the Activity Centre. She is a qualified Women’s Artistic Level 3 Club Coach.
Tracy Martin
Sylvia McLeish   I first became involved with gymnastics when my daughter attended classes  twice a week for several years. It was only when I joined South Ayrshire Council in 1992 that I was given the opportunity to become more involved in gymnastics. I qualified as a Floor and Vault Club Coach in 1993 and in 1994 started Dundonald Gymnastics Club with Linda. I am an Activity Centre Officer and also for the past 6 years have been coaching gymnastics in Marr College on behalf of Troon and District Further Education. I currently have 3 recreational classes on a Thursday.
Laura Ellis   Came to Dundonald Gymnastics as an assistant coach to be mentored for my hours and since then stayed with the club.  Now qualified Club Coach in General Gymnastics and awaiting news on sitting Womans Artistic modules.  Currently coaches another club which is in close links with DGC.  Takes responsibility for the Intermediate Classes.
Pauline McLennan
Choreographer/Ballet Teacher : Shirley-Ann Jamieson
Helper : Shirley-Anne Rose

Committee

Chairperson: Sylvia McLeish
Treasurer: Dawn Telford   Qualified Club Judge (Sept' 10) and started UKCC Level 2 September 2011
Secretary & Club Judge: Sara Politakis   Qualified Club Judge (Sept' 10)
Child Protection Officers: Nicola Ekersley
Vanessa Birtles - Committee Member
Ian Hollins - Committee Member
Brian Connell - Committee Member
Rod Kruse - Committee Member