Our Staff

RUSSELL SMITH

Level 4
Performance Director

I grew up in Devon and pursued Business Management at Exeter University. While representing the County in Badminton and Tennis, my true passion was free running and rock climbing on Dartmoor. In 2010, I began volunteering as a gymnastics coach and in 2012, I took a leap of faith by leaving my full-time job as a financial advisor to establish ‘Gymnastics in Schools’. This initiative involved working with about 20 schools, where I conducted PE classes, lunchtime clubs, and after-school programs. Following a coaching stint in Los Angeles in 2014, I was appointed Head Coach at Wantage Gymnasts.

JADE SHEPPARD

Level 4
Head of Squad

I became a member of Wantage Gymnasts at the age of 5. Over the years, I ventured into swimming and trampolining, in addition to gymnastics. Eventually, I honed my skills in trampolining and reached National Level competition by the time I was 15. With more than 15 years of coaching experience, I have had the privilege of working in South Africa and LA. In 2015, I returned to Wantage as the Head Coach, leading and supervising gymnastics programs from beginners to the Elite Squads.

Click here to see Jade when she was a youngster in Wantage Gymnastics.

MARGARET CLEMENT

Club President

Margaret Clement began coaching gymnastics in Wantage back in 1975 at a nearby Primary School, dedicating her time to instructing 12 children every week. Prior to that she had been teaching PE at Primary schools in the local area.

You can read more about Margaret and her amazing vision that was the start of Wantage Gymnastics Centre (as we now know it). Click here to read more.
Thank You Maragaret for what you created.

RACHEL HAYDEN

Welfare Officer

My journey with Wantage Gymnasts started a long time ago, when I joined the club as a gymnast, aged just 5. Being coached by the wonderful Mrs C, I progressed to the squad, and went on to represent the club at county and regional level. Sadly a recurring achilles injury forced retirement when I was 14. I rejoined WGC in 2015 as a coach at their Challow premises, and then in Stanford until 2020. In 2023, I became the clubs Welfare Officer, and can be regularly found in and around the club, chatting to staff, gymnasts, and parents.

If the name sounds familiar then it's because you read about Rachel on our history page. Click here for a reminder.

MEGAN ROLLS

Level 2
Head of Recreational and Pre School Gymnastics

I joined the club in 2017 as a gymnast, then started coaching in 2018 upon moving to Stanford. After graduating, I finished my gymnastics apprentice course with a distinction. I hold Level 2 Women’s Artistic certification and currently manage Recreational Classes, Preschool Classes, and Infant Squad.

APRIL

Level 2

Started gymnastics in the US at 3, moved to England at 9, coaching since 13, now Level 2 Coach and BG Judge, studying Nutrition and Sports Development.

TILLY

Level 1

Head of Dance and Choreography

I started gymnastics at 6 and switched to competitive soon after, training at KD Gymnastics, then Kennylands, and finally Wantage at 12. I coached and helped with routines while also training. Now studying Dance Performance at Chichester University.

LILY H

Level 1

I became a part of the teenager class at WGC in 2018, eager to learn and grow alongside my peers. The experience was transformative, and in 2020, I made the exciting transition to coaching within the same community. Since then, coaching has become not just a passion but a source of great joy and fulfillment in my life.

MILLIE

Level 1

At age 10, I joined WGC as a gymnast. By 13, I supported coaches and earned Level 1 Women's Artistic Qualification. Before Manchester University for Educational Studies, I led Senior Squad. Coaching during breaks brings me joy.

NICOLA

Level 1

Coaching at Wantage Gymnastics at 16, got level 1 cert in women’s gymnastics. Study Psychology and Neuroscience at Bristol; return to Wantage in holidays. Started trampolining at 12, now head uni trampoline society.

MARTHA

Level 1

I started gymnastics at 10 and began coaching at 14. Now full-time coach at WGC, leading classes for various abilities and ages, sharing my passion every day.

BEN

Level 1

I became a member of WGC approximately five years ago. My deep love for gymnastics led me to participate in the adult competition held in Portsmouth in 2022. Teaching children new skills brings me immense joy.

GRACE

Level 1

I became a part of WGC when it was in the leisure center and have witnessed its incredible transformation into the exceptional club it is today. As a former squad gymnast, I have competed at the national level. While I am pursuing training as a paramedic, I continue to derive joy from coaching here a few times a week.

LUCY G

Junior Coach

I started gymnastics when I was 6 years old and later was asked to join squad in 2019. Since then I have been a competitive gymnast and have competed in many competitions. I started coaching in September of 2022. 

ELEANOR

Junior Coach

I started competing at the county level when I was only 7 years old and continue to find joy in training and competing with the senior squad. Coaching is a passion of mine, and I aspire to obtain my level 1 certification next year, alongside completing the judging course.

ISABEL

Junior Coach

I became part of this club as a gymnast in 2019, following my experience in primary school gymnastics and previous training at another club during my early years at ages 4 and 5. In 2021, I transitioned to a junior coaching role, with my sights set on pursuing my Level 1 qualification in the near future.

ELLA

Junior Coach

I became part of WGC at the age of 6 and joined the squad at 7. Competing in the Elite squad for 6 years, I successfully clinched the Quatro Cup, outshining other top gymnasts in my category. Passionate about coaching, I aspire to undertake my level 1 course next year.

CHLOE

Junior Coach

I began gymnastics at 1½ and joined Carterton Gymnastics Club at 6, making the squad. By 7, I competed in my first county competition. I stayed until summer 2022. Started coaching at 11, then shifted focus to climbing. Discovered love for coaching at camp. Joined Russell’s team as a junior coach in two weeks. Excited to join Wantage coaching team.

POPPY

Junior Coach

In 2013, I started gymnastics. By 2018, I joined Wantage Gymnastics Club and began in rec classes. In 2020, I moved up to the squad team, now a senior member. I've coached in two club championships and still coach Recreational sessions.

LUCY E

Junior Coach

I am a junior coach at WGC since April 2022, passionate about teaching children gymnastics. As a gymnast, I enjoy sharing tricks I learned and focus on making the learning process safe, effective, and enjoyable. I love coaching kids and hope they have fun learning gymnastics with me.

OLIVIA

Junior Coach

I started gymnastics at 7, joined the squad at 8, and coached at 13 while managing injuries. Now, I coach both recreational and squad gymnasts, aiming for a gymnastics career with a Club Judge certification.

AMELIE

Junior Coach

I've been part of WGC for 7 years, honing my skills, and serving as a Coach for the past 2 years. The bars routine is undoubtedly my favourite apparatus to work with.