Andy Anderson
On Monday the 18 May 2015, I stood down as Chair at CETC's AGM. I've been involved as Chair (ans Vice – Chair) for quite a number of years, and I was asked to make a speech addressing the members who were present; I believe it would be useful to share my thoughts with you.
Probably like you, my initial involvement with City Of Edinburgh Trampoline Club was because of my daughter’s love of the trampoline. It would have been easy to have taken a step away from the club following her having an accident which prevented her from continuing with the sport. The club were very supportive during what was a difficult time.
The environment which the club creates for the children and young gymnasts is really quite unique. From children who just want to have fun to one where a more serious focused approach is required to allow a person to develop their skills to world level, is possible at CETC. There is a warm feel to this club which genuinely is looking to achieve the best for each child. It was because of this and the really great support that the coaches offer that I wanted to assist the club.
There are many meetings which CETC attend such as East Lothian Gymnastics Forum, Prestonpans Sports Hub, Scottish Gymnastics meetings, and many other meetings to secure hall time and negotiate costs for hall hire, and Active School work............ the list continues. This all creates additional work for the Club. What I wanted was very simple; it was for the coaches to focus on the work that they are best at... coaching. The other activities are simply time consuming, and my involvement in supporting CETC was to aid in allowing the coaches to remain at the trampolines while the administrative type work could be support by myself or the Club secretary, who also has to be commended for the hours of work that is given to make this a very successful club.
A young club can generally have a year or so where there is great excitement, and expectations of growing and developing. CETC even today, in my mind creates that atmosphere, some 9 years along the road. They will strive to provide the best equipment in conjunction with the best coaching possible.
Anyone considering joining a trampoline club looking to develop their skills - or simply wanting to have fun - shouldn't pass by this club; it really delivers. I've seen CETC create some tremendous results at home and abroad and more recently at World events, which have to make this club top of your list.
I sincerely hope that other parents will support the Club if even only for short periods, as it will help CETC continue to go from strength to strength. I wish all at CETC the very best, and believe that World success & results will become associated with the work they do.
(In appreciation for Andy's fantastic support over many years, he was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of CETC at the Club's AGM in May 2015. Andy will continue to act as official Photographer for the Club, and will still be involved in attending local meetings on behalf of CETC.)