The Isle of Mull is no stranger to sport, but when gymnastics coaches Cara and Caitlin Jamieson moved to the Island, they noticed a distinct lack of opportunities for local children.
Through their love of gymnastics and an awareness that many children had to travel to Oban on the mainland to experience the sport, in 2023, Cara and Caitlin set up and launched the newly formed Isle of Mull
Gymnastics Club!
Learning the ropes
A huge part of the immediate success of the club is down to Cara and Caitlin’s desire to provide a positive experience above anything else.
Cara said: “We’ve taught gymnastics from quite a young age so we’re really passionate about the sport.
We came to the island and there was no gymnastics at all so we thought it would be lovely for the children on the island to try it. We initially contacted Scottish Gymnastics which was great because we were given good guidance on how to start a club and all the things we had to have in place before we started.”
Gymnastics for all
The Isle of Mull Gymnastics Club currently operates throughout multiple locations on the island three days a week, welcoming around 120 children to sessions.
Caitlin told us: “It’s nuts, I didn’t even know there was that many kids on the island. The headteachers have been coming to us and saying how great it’s been, and they can’t believe how many children are participating in it.”
Caitlin and Cara have no plans of slowing down. They will soon be moving into a bigger venue, the village hall, which will allow them to coach to even more!
Discussing what the most fulfilling aspect of starting the club has been so far, Cara said:
“In the moment when the class is on and there’s that great atmosphere and everyone is laughing, having a good time and learning new skills and you see how happy the children are and they are encouraging each other. I think it’s in that moment when you know you’re doing something good for the community.”
“Our whole ethos is that we want it to be fun. It’s helping the kids learn new skills, be physically active and support their mental health, but equally it’s about that fun element and that’s our main focus of the club.”
Building relationships in the community
This previously unavailable opportunity has also been a great social opportunity for young people to build new relationships and learn new skills.
Cara explained:
“We’re on the north of the island, the south of the island is an hour and a half-hour drive away. So, a lot of different villages have started to commute to come to our village to take part in gymnastics. The pupils are mixing and meeting new children that they wouldn’t necessarily meet in school.”
Alongside promoting sport in rural areas, Isle of Mull Gymnastics Club highlighted that this is not just a sport for girls, as half of the gymnasts that attend the club are boys.
Focus on fun
Looking to the future, the club’s plan is to remain true to the motivation that it was born out of.
Cara explained:
“We want to keep our focus on being as fun as possible. I think inclusion is a big thing for us. Caitlin and I work as ASN support teachers. So, with our experience we always want to make sure that anyone no matter what kind of person you are or what needs you have, you’re able to participate. So, that’s one of our biggest focuses and it always will be.”
Cara was keen to give a special mention to the people that have made this journey possible. Rebecaa Martinez volunteered and trained for the role of club safeguarding officer. Cara’s mum, Angela Jamieson is the club chairman. And a big thank you was issued to parent fundraiser and supporter, Janette Cameron from Lochaline.
It has been great to welcome Isle of Mull Gymnastics Club to the Scottish Gymnastics family, and we can’t wait to see how the club progresses over the next few years.
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