Natalie Watson – High Performance Coach

I was introduced to basic gymnastics at four years of age and progressed with a keen attitude until the age of seventeen; I trained at Heathrow Gymnastics Club, one of the leading clubs in the country and had the opportunity to compete in many National and International competitions throughout my career.

My passion is gymnastics and coaching, and at the age of 16 I gained my first coaching qualification through British Gymnastics; Level 1 - Assistant Coach. Twelve years on and much experience gained, I have further progressed and currently hold the highest attainable coaching qualification level 5 - High Performance Coach.

I have been coaching at Heathrow Gymnastics Club for the past 10 years where I am part of a strong coaching team who run the Acrobatic Squads. We currently have ninety gymnasts throughout three squads who train between 10-25 hours per week in preparation for Regional, National and International competitions. ‘Spelbound’, 2010 winners of Britain’s Got Talent, also make up part of the Elite squad.

My aim in schools is to coach gymnastics lessons either as part of the National Curriculum or as extra curricular activity and to increase the rate of participation within gymnastics in these schools, organise inter school competitions and displays. I firmly believe that the benefits of participation in sport and exercise for young people has immense value, gymnastic participation teaches children the qualities of hard work, concentration, sportsmanship and dedication.

Each school club is set up with the aim to provide a stepping-stone from school gymnastics to club gymnastics for the more able gymnasts. There may be opportunities for your child to be selected to trial at Heathrow Gymnastics Club to pursue their gymnastics sessions and realise their full potential in a more elite environment.

Finally, I hold a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Sport Science degree, am a member of British Gymnastics and Sports Coach UK as well as having additional qualifications in judging, first aid, health and safety, child protection and enhanced CRB.

I would like to thank Dave Flint, my old coach for all of his support, expert advice and knowledge over the years & for always believing in me as a coach.