About Gymnastics at Exeter
The University of Exeter Gymnastics Club houses one of the strongest trampolining programmes in South West university sport. Competing in BUCS Trampolining (individual, synchronised, and DMT), the club has produced consistent South West champions and qualifiers for the BUCS Trampolining National Championships. What makes the programme distinctive is its genuine accessibility for beginners — many of the club's most successful competitive members started at university with no gymnastics background. Artistic gymnastics competes in BUCS South West Division 2, and rhythmic gymnastics uses the Streatham Sports Park dance studio. Access to the specialist Exeter Gymnastics Club facility in Marsh Barton is the key enabler of the competitive trampolining programme.
Club History
The trampolining section became a competitive force in the 2010s when BUCS Trampolining expanded nationally and the club secured regular access to the Marsh Barton facility. Coaching quality improved significantly through this period, with the result that the club now produces South West champions and National Championship qualifiers from students who had no prior gymnastics experience. Artistic gymnastics has fluctuated in competitive strength across years but maintains a consistent Division 2 presence in BUCS South West.
Joining the Gymnastics Club
Taster sessions at the start of each semester. Complete beginners are fully welcome — trampolining in particular is taught from scratch and the club provides all equipment including spotting belts for learners. Artistic gymnastics benefits from some prior gymnastic background but lower-level training groups accept motivated beginners. Comfortable, fitted clothing and grip socks for trampoline sessions are all that's needed.
Training
Competitive trampolining at Marsh Barton (Exeter Gymnastics Club): Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm–9pm. Recreational/beginner trampoline at Streatham Sports Park: Monday lunchtime. Artistic gymnastics at Marsh Barton: Wednesday mornings. Rhythmic gymnastics at the Sports Park dance studio: Monday evenings. BUCS competition days require additional travel to South West and national venues.
BUCS Competition
BUCS Trampolining South West Regional Championships → BUCS Trampolining National Championships (the primary competitive target). Individual and synchronised categories. DMT (double mini trampoline) events separately. Artistic gymnastics in BUCS South West Division 2 team and individual events.
Teams
Highlights & Alumni
South West Trampolining Champions and BUCS National Championship qualifiers in individual and synchronised categories. DMT strong at BUCS regional events. The club's ability to produce competitive trampolinists from beginners within an academic year is one of its most distinctive achievements.
Tips for Prospective Members
- Start trampolining as a beginner — many national qualifiers started with zero experience
- Arrange transport to Marsh Barton before your first session — it's not walkable from most student areas
- BUCS Trampolining Nationals is a major event — even recreational members attend as spectators and supporters
- Rhythmic gymnastics is the most accessible section for those with no prior gymnastics background
- Heavitree and St Thomas are most practical for competitive training at Marsh Barton
Student Accommodation for Gymnastics Players
Campus-based beginners and rhythmic gymnasts find Pennsylvania Road and St James convenient. Competitive trampolinists and artistic gymnasts training at Marsh Barton often find Heavitree or St Thomas more practical — both have reasonable bus routes to the Marsh Barton industrial area. Cycling is often more practical than the bus for the Marsh Barton journey.
View Properties Near the University →Popular Areas for Gymnastics Players
Most University of Exeter gymnastics players live in one of these student areas — all within easy reach of Streatham Campus and Sports Park:
Related Sports at Exeter University
If you play gymnastics you may also be interested in these Exeter University clubs:
Frequently Asked Questions
What gymnastics disciplines does Exeter University Gymnastics Club cover?
Trampolining (individual, synchronised, and DMT), artistic gymnastics, and rhythmic gymnastics. Trampolining is the largest and most competitive section.
Can I start trampolining at Exeter University with no experience?
Yes — many of the club's best competitive members started with zero gymnastics experience. The beginner programme runs alongside the competitive squads.
Is Exeter University Trampolining competitive at BUCS level?
Yes — the club produces South West Regional Champions and regular BUCS National Championship qualifiers in individual and synchronised trampolining.
Where does Exeter University Gymnastics train?
Competitive trampolining and artistic gymnastics at Exeter Gymnastics Club in Marsh Barton. Recreational trampoline and rhythmic gymnastics at Streatham Sports Park.
What accommodation suits Exeter University gymnastics students?
Competitive trampolinists prefer Heavitree or St Thomas for Marsh Barton access. Campus-based beginners and rhythmic gymnasts find Pennsylvania Road and St James most convenient.
What is BUCS Trampolining National Championships?
The national championship event for university trampolinists, covering individual and synchronised categories across men's and women's events. Exeter qualifies athletes through the South West Regional Championships in autumn.