History
History
The City of Edinburgh Trampoline Club (CETC) was founded in October 2006 by Head Coach, Lauren Jeffrey. Lauren began coaching trampolining classes at the Council- owned Crags Sports Centre, Edinburgh in 2005, having previously had 14 years’ experience as a successful, competitive trampolinist. Her sister Kayleigh also started coaching at the Crags, whilst continuing to compete.
At that time, there were no existing competitive trampoline clubs in Edinburgh, and Lauren was enthusiastic about giving youngsters the opportunity to take part in competitions organised by the sports’ Governing Body, Scottish Gymnastics. The City of Edinburgh Trampoline Club became ‘Independent’ on 1st January 2008.
By the summer of 2008, CETC needed updated equipment & a bigger venue to support their growing numbers of gymnasts, and moved to Lasswade HSC in Midlothian. The Centre provided excellent equipment - 4 well maintained competition- sized trampolines - and friendly, supportive staff. The Club transferred to the new Lasswade Centre when the school & community centre were rebuilt on adjoining land in 2013.
With the help of Lottery funding in 2009 from ‘Awards for All’, and extensive fundraising from Club members & parents, the Club were able to purchase 2 additional Eurotramp trampolines (later upgraded to 4x4s) and a refurbished DMT, support RIG, Eurotramp DMT, landing & run up areas & a range of mats. Several new pieces of equipment have been purchased since then, including 2 Gymmaid Ultimate DMT’s.
In April 2011, the Club secured an additional training venue at Meadowmill Sports Centre, near Tranent, East Lothian, where they hire the use of 2 trampolines, and have their own 2 DMT's.
The Club currently has a membership of around 200, with gymnasts ranging in age from 2 years (©Bouncing Babes) through to adults, and classes for all levels of ability from recreational to International.
CETC has a pro-active Committee, who are very supportive of the Club and coaches. The Club has a large Team of excellent fully qualified & experienced coaches and 'Learn to Coach' assistants- with most being current or past CETC gymnasts.
CETC has a policy of encouraging youngsters to remain involved & interested in the sport, by gaining coaching and judging qualifications when they have perhaps reached the point of ‘giving up’ their competitive trampolining & DMT careers.
The Club very much values parental input - & the personal views of each gymnast - and regular meetings are held with senior coaches, for parents & youngsters to discuss participation options together, before the start of each new competition season.
The Club also encourages & supports parents & helpers to gain judging qualifications, and volunteer as marshals/helpers for the Club at Scottish Gymnastics & local competitions. The Club also has an active Social Group – with plenty of organised fun & fundraising events throughout the year -ensuring that it includes & offers, something for everyone.
CETC competitors have steadily gained impressive competition results since the early days – winning numerous Scottish & British National titles, with 2 members selected for the East of Scotland Trampoline Squad in 2007-2008, and 3 selected for the following 2008-2009 competition season.
Having introduced double-mini trampolining (DMT) to the Club in April 2009, CETC were delighted when 3 competitors secured places at the British Trampoline & DMT Championships 2009, 6 qualified for DMT at the British National Championships 2010, and a further 8 DMT & 3 Individual trampolinists qualified for British Nationals in 2011.
In 2012, 9 CETC gymnasts qualified for this event, and in both 2010 & 2011 CETC secured a podium placing for DMT. The Club continued their success at British Championships in 2013, by achieving a bronze medal win in DMT & a British Champion in the Girls U13 DMT category.
By 2014, CETC was really showing its strength in DMT, and in 2015, secured medal placings at NDP Finals, and silver & gold medals at British Championships.
In 2014, a gymnast from CETC was the first ever, to be selected from a Scottish Club for the Great Britain Junior DMT Squad, and was subsequently selected for the GB DMT Team competing at the World Age Group Championships held at Daytona Beach, Florida, USA in September 2014, finishing in 21st place in the 15-16 DMT Elite Ladies category.
In 2015, the same gymnast was re-selected for the GB DMT Squad, together with a fellow team- mate from CETC – and helped to secure the gold medal position for the GB Junior DMT Team at the Loule Cup in Portugal.
Later the same year, both girls were selected for the GB Team travelling to the World Age Group Championships, held in Odense, Denmark in December, securing 13th & 9th places - a fantastic achievement- from the only Scottish Club members qualifying for the event from all the rebound disciplines.
In 2017, one of the Club GB Squad gymnasts was selected for the World Age Group Championships 2017, held in Bulgaria- & went on to win the World Age Group title & gold medal in the Womens 17-21 DMT category.
A World Champion for CETC!
The two Club GB squad members continue their DMT success, competing at World Age Championships & European Championships in 2018, and other International events since, including the Loule & Scalabis Cups.
Since 2014, several CETC gymnasts have qualified for NDP Finals, & represented Scotland at Regional Team Finals - many winning podium places.
The Club has continued to replace & upgrade their trampolines & DMT’s over the years, ensuring the best possible & current specification equipment for their members. Additional specialist equipment including a foam pit & gymnastics fitness wheel have been added to the list along the way.
The numbers of classes offered at both venues has expanded, with 15 individual trampoline, 6 DMT, & S&C classes currently available for all levels.
CETC has continued their Partnership with East Lothian Active Schools, established in 2010, facilitating the trampoline coaching sessions in the secondary school cluster areas of Haddington, Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Tranent & Dunbar, as well as Enjoy Leisure recreational programmes at Meadowmill Sports Centre, East Lothian.
The Club prides itself on its inclusive family -centered ethos, and in providing trampolining & DMT opportunities for all - from recreational classes- right up to International & World level - & everything in between!
After everything grinding to an unexpected halt in March 2020 because of the world-wide Coronavirus pandemic, CETC are eager to get back on track for the start of the next Scottish & British season early in 2021.
Planning has already started for a fun celebration for the Club’s 15th anniversary next year – and CETC very much look forward to continuing their progress & success in 2021 and beyond.....
(August 2020)