Avondale is a registered children’s  Charity. (charity No: 801173) founded in 1947. We are registered member of British Gymnastics with Gym mark accreditation as well as a member of London Gymnastics and Surrey Youth Clubs.

Now with almost 400 members from the age of 2 to 18 years, Avondale Gymnastics Club provides a programme which encourage each child to enjoy gymnastics and to reach their own full potential within the sport.

A first class team of coaches and assistants, as well as dedicated volunteers and parents, make this a warm and friendly environment for children of all abilities to learn and train. The Club has a wide variety of activities to cater for everyone including Pre-School, Recreational, Prep Groups and Advanced Recreational Groups.

The Club is affiliated to the following:

• British Gymnastics
• London Gymnastics Federation
• SABC Clubs for Young People

Avondale is committed to providing affordable gymnastics in a safe and friendly environment to as many children as the club can accommodate within the local Surbiton area.

From grass root level in our pre-school programme, we teach elementary gymnastics skills as well as social skills such as taking turns and sharing. Fundamental numeracy shapes and colours are also included in our programme. We promote confidence through gymnastics in each child’s ability that enhances their aptitude to integrate when starting school for the first time. Our badge scheme indicates to parents the development their child has made whilst attending our classes. Classes are limited in size to give as much attention as possible to individual children.

Through our recreational classes we develop gymnastic abilities during the term and challenge our gymnasts with complementary badge work set at a level appropriate to the ability of the individual. We do not discriminate against any child regardless of their level or ability.

From our recreational classes children with a particular aptitude for gymnastics are selected and offered the opportunity to enhance their ability in our advanced gymnastics groups.

Avondale Gymnastics Club has been proud to be part of the Royal Borough of Kingston since it’s formation in 1947. The Club started from it’s humble beginnings in Grand Avenue, Berrylands to it’s home for over 25 years in Fleetwood School. As the number of members grew, so did Avondale and it operated five nights a week from the school hall. During this time there were many successes including the boys team being the National Association of Boys Clubs Champions for 5 successive years.

In 1978, Avondale moved to the newly built Centre for a short (caretaker) stay until the Borough moved the Club into (sadly) smaller premises at the King Charles Centre. With the cramped conditions numbers fell, but not giving up, Avondale kept trying for a new purpose built building for its gymnasts.

In 1986 with the help of the Borough, Faircloughs and a large amount of money raised by the Club over many years, Avondale finally got its new home, a new purpose built gymnasium in Hollyfield Road, Surbiton (our present facility).

Mary Marshall

Club Head Coach,  Preschool Coach,  Recreational Coach

Mary has always been interested in sport and became seriously involved in gymnastics in 1985. For several years Mary worked at Leatherhead and Dorking Gymnastics Club working with both Recreational and Pre-School children.  Mary moved to Avondale when she was asked to take over the Pre-School Programme. With a young family, although sorry to leave Leatherhead it seemed like a sensible move to make. Mary introduced Tumble Gym, the Pre-School Programme, the Badge Schemes for Recreational and Pre-School Children as well as the Parties that are in place today.

The club was then in a state of disrepair and losing money. In a surprise telephone call the Head Coach asked Mary if she would take over running Avondale.

Following over three decades of hard work and dedication Mary has ploughed the proceeds back into the club improving the facilities, equipment and coaching to give the local community a safe and affordable club to send their children.

Michaela Khoo

WAG Club Coach (equivalent of Level 3)
Level 1 & 2 Preschool Coach, WAG Regional Judge

Michaela has been a member of Avondale for over 30 years, first as a gymnast and then as a coach.

Michaela has coached recreational and squad gymnasts as well as organising displays.

Leaving to have a family Michaela has returned to Avondale to coach pre-school.