All of our team and pre-team programs are recommendation-based. In order to join one, your gymnast must either schedule a screening with Coach Barb (coachbarb@gu-nj.com). If they already take recreational classes here and their coach believes their skill level matches that of a pre-team or team, they may be recommended for one in the spring.

GU Team Program Mission & Philosophy

Our goal is to provide training and a competitive atmosphere where all athletes at every level can strive for their athletic goals in a positive, safe, and fun environment. Every athlete must train at a level that provides daily challenges while maintaining the athlete with safety, personal satisfaction, and the opportunity to achieve their personal best. Athletes must compete at a level where they can perform comfortably, safely, and successfully. No path for any two athletes will be identical as each child has their own needs, rates of development, and personal goals. Team athletes should be dedicated to the sport of gymnastics but not at the expense of their development as a well-rounded, happy, healthy, smart child of good character.

Pre-Team

Our Gym Stars (artistic gymnastics) and Bounce Stars (T&T) pre-teams are non-competitive groups that prepare gymnasts for competitive teams by increasing strength and flexibility, building independence and teamwork, and mastering core skills that are the foundation to competition. Gym Stars participate in the recreational All School Meet each year.

Competitive Teams

Teams compete in meets and require more commitment than pre-teams do, from gymnasts and their parents. Team is a special commitment that involves the whole family, even if it’s only one child competing. The friendships and bonds gymnast create with one another are usually closer than their classmates at school. We can think of no other sport that challenges the body, mind, and emotions as much as gymnastics does. That’s what makes it so special. Our hope is for the parent to always be the total cheerleader for their child and let the coach be the one with corrections and critiques. Always be cautious to make sure the sport belongs and remains with the child. Share their dreams and support them, while making sure to focus on the whole child and not just the athlete. The higher you go, the tougher the skills, and the longer it takes to perfect them. Remember: practice makes progress, not practice makes perfect.

Our program has produced many State, Regional, and National Champions, and many of our gymnasts also compete on their local high school teams. Our teams compete within USA Gymnastics Xcel.

About USA Gymnastics Xcel

The Xcel Program from USA Gymnastics program designed to offer a broad-based, affordable competitive experience. We offer six levels of Xcel: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire. There are no compulsory levels, meaning all routines are choreographed to show off the individual gymnast’s strengths and personality. It is designed to combine all levels of competitive gymnastics into one program, from beginner-skill level to college bound-skill.

Trampoline & Tumbling (T&T)

T&T is a fast-growing gymnastics discipline that includes competition in trampoline, synchronized trampoline, double mini trampoline, and power tumbling.

How to Join

Participation in GU’s competitive program is by invitation-only. If one of our staff members feels your child is ready, they will approach you to discuss the possibility of joining the competitive track. If you feel your child is dedicated to the sport and physically capable of meeting the demands of our competitive program, or you would like your child to transfer from another gym’s team, please contact our Team Manager, Coach Barb (coachbarb@gu-nj.com) to discuss setting up an evaluation.

Athletes must compete at a level where they can perform comfortably, safely, and successfully. No path for any two athletes will be identical, as each child has their own needs, rates of development, and personal goals. Team athletes should be dedicated to the sport of gymnastics but not at the expense of their development as a well-rounded, happy, healthy, smart child of good character.

Team and pre-team athletes commit to a whole year of gymnastics, so make sure your child really loves the sport before they sign! Parents are also expected to assist at meets and fundraising events. The season begins in summer. If you want information on practice schedules, pricing, uniforms, and other details, please speak with your coach or Coach Barb (coachbarb@gu-nj.com).