The Port Lincoln Gymnastics Club in South Australia has received a $3000 Sport Leadership Grant to assist its female coaches develop their skills.

The grant will provide the opportunity for eight female coaches to attend the 2011 Annual Gymnastics Educational Congress in Adelaide.

The Congress delivers a weekend of workshops, courses and information sessions to coaches, judges and Kindergym leaders involved with Gymnastics and Special Needs programs.

Meryl Davidson, gymnastics coach and club administrator, said that the grant will ensure all coaches are fully accredited, maintaining the high level of coaching offered through the club.

‘For Port Lincoln Gymnastics Club it is imperative that the coaches are up to date with their Technical Accreditation, current coaching practices and techniques. ‘

Meryl became involved in gymnastics when she first enrolled her children into classes.

‘I have always had a passion for gymnastics and my kids were always upside-down monkeys, I needed them to be safe in that environment and learn how to do tricks properly.

The club currently has around 400 members ranging in age and skill level.

‘I coach the National Development Program competition stream gymnastics levels one to six and have several mentors in Adelaide helping me learn higher level coaching skills.

The 2010-11 Sport Leadership Grants and Scholarships for Women - a join initiative of the Australian Sports Commission and the Office for Women - have been presented to 117 individuals and organisations around Australia.

‘The grant will help us support the youth of Port Lincoln, relieve funding pressures and help us move forward as an organisation,’ Meryl said.