STACEY Crook’s passion has always been to create a gymnastics club where she could share her expertise and passion for the sport.
She set herself a mission of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all gymnasts can thrive, whether they are beginners or aspiring competitors.
And that’s exactly what Tumble Twist and Turn Gymnastics Club has become.
Here, in our latest Business of the Week feature, Stacey tells us how she started her competitive gymnastics club nearly three years ago in October 2022 and what exciting plans she has for the future.
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What’s your full name?
Stacey Crook
What’s the name of the business?
Tumble Twist and Turn Gymnastics Club
What’s the address?
34 Parr Street,
St Helens
Are you the owner/manager?
I am the head coach.
When did you open the business?
We opened in September 2021.
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Has it always been in the same location?
No, we started at Lansbury Bridge School with just six gymnasts. Due to rapid growth, we moved into our current premises in June 2023 to accommodate more members and provide better facilities.
Are you local to the area? Did you grow up here?
I am not originally from St Helens but having worked with special educational needs (SEN) children in the region since 2012, I feel like an honorary resident. The community's support has been incredible and we love the positive impact our gym club is making.
Tell me a bit about your business
Tumble Twist and Turn Gymnastics Club is a British Gymnastics registered competitive gymnastics club catering to all ages and skill levels. While we offer general gymnastics classes, our core discipline is in tumbling. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all gymnasts can thrive, whether they are beginners or aspiring competitors.
What do you do? What services do you provide?
We offer a variety of classes, including:
Mini Tots (ages three to five): Focus on basic skills such as jumping, balancing, and coordination.
Jumpers (ages five and over): Development of foundational gymnastics skills, preparing gymnasts for more advanced movements.
Advanced Squads: Our competitive teams are named Rockers & Rollers, Flickers and Whippers & Twisters. These squads focus on advanced skills and techniques, training gymnasts for competitive gymnastics with a strong emphasis on tumbling.
In addition to these classes, we provide specialised classes for SEN gymnasts and we host our sessions to ensure they are tailored to different skill levels and needs.
Why did you decide to open your own business?
Alongside my mum, Ann, who is also a coach, we hold an extensive background in gymnastics. My passion has always been to create a gymnastics club where I could share my expertise and passion. Opening Tumble Twist and Turn allowed me to offer high-quality coaching and support to gymnasts of all abilities. We aim to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels included and valued, regardless of their skill level.
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What’s your business background?
I am a Level 3 Tumbling Coach and am currently approaching Level 4 in Tumbling, as well as holding a Level 4 qualification as an Acro Coach. With more than 30 years of experience in gymnastics, I have lived, breathed and slept gymnastics. My journey includes competing at the elite level for 10 years. My business partner and mum, Ann, is also a Level 3 Acro Coach and has been my biggest supporter. Together, we make a brilliant team, running the gym with dedication and passion.
Why this type of business?
Our decision to open Tumble Twist and Turn was based on the pure love for the discipline, I truly to love the confidence and joy that the sport brings to gymnasts. It’s incredibly rewarding to help gymnasts achieve their goals, whether recreational or competitive, and to see them grow and develop. We are particularly proud of our gymnasts who compete at the national elite level—an impressive achievement for a club that opened its doors just three years ago!
What makes your business different to others in the same area/field? What sets your business apart from your competitors?
Our personalised coaching approach and commitment to inclusivity, especially in supporting all our gymnasts, truly distinguish us. We focus on creating a positive, encouraging environment where every gymnast can reach their full potential. Our dedication to each individual’s growth and success sets us apart.
Why do loyal customers return to your business?
Our members are the backbone of the club and they trust us because of our high-quality coaching, welcoming atmosphere and the strong community we’ve built. They value the individual attention and care their children receive, knowing that their progress and well-being are our top priorities.
What’s next? What do the next few months hold for you and your business?
We are eagerly anticipating our Summer Open Day on Sunday, September 1 between 10am and 4pm, which we hope the local community will attend. It’s an opportunity to showcase our gym and the amazing skills of our gymnasts. We also plan to expand our classes and continue enhancing our facilities to support our members’ growth and success. We’re eternally grateful for the support of our community and we are beyond excited for what the future holds for Tumble Twist and Turn. We have future world champions in the making at our club—just watch this space!
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