For almost 50 years, Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club has been helping people of all ages build confidence through movement.
From toddlers taking their first steps in the gym to athletes representing Australia, MWGC has grown into one of the country’s largest and most successful not-for-profit gymnastics clubs.
In this Club Focus, we learn more about the community, values and people behind MWGC…
1. Tell us about your club and when it began.
Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club is a not-for-profit gymnastics club founded in 1978. Today, we are one of Australia’s largest and most successful gymnastics clubs.
2. Who makes up your club today? How many students do you teach, and what age groups or levels do you cater to?
We have over 1,500 members and provide gymnastics opportunities to more than 3,500 people across the Northern Beaches community each year. Our programs cater for everyone from toddlers through to seniors, from first-time participants to international representatives.
3. Do you offer any inclusive programs or pathways for athletes with different abilities or needs?
Yes. We proudly partner with three local schools and community groups supporting children with disabilities. These groups attend our facility weekly, and in some cases multiple times per week, to experience the benefits of movement, participation and gymnastics in a supportive environment.
4. What values guide your club?
We believe great clubs are built on strong communities, which is why fostering a sense of belonging and connection sits at the heart of everything we do. We strive for excellence, whether that’s helping a toddler take their first steps in the gym or supporting athletes on the international stage.
Our gym is full of energy, enthusiasm and passion for movement, creating an environment where people are inspired to learn, grow and challenge themselves. At the same time, integrity guides our decisions, ensuring we act with honesty, accountability and respect.
We also embrace evolution. Gymnastics continues to change, and so do the needs of our members and community. For almost 50 years, MWGC has adapted, grown and evolved, while remaining true to our purpose of helping people build confidence through movement.
5. What are you most proud of in your club?
We are most proud of the breadth of opportunities we provide. Our youngest participant is 15 months old and our oldest is 77. Our mission is that every journey, from cartwheels to Olympics, matters. We live that every day, from members experiencing gymnastics for the first time through to the 10 athletes who have represented Australia over the past 18 months.
6. Are there any goals or plans you’re excited about for the future?
We are currently progressing plans for a new Gymnastics Centre of Excellence that will provide a world-class home for gymnastics on Sydney’s Northern Beaches and support future generations of athletes and participants.
7. Why do you think your club is important to families and your community?
For many of our members, MWGC is much more than a sports club. Some of our competitive gymnasts spend up to 30 hours per week with us, making the club a second home and an extension of their family. We play an important role in building confidence, physical literacy, resilience and lifelong friendships within our community.
8. What piece of advice would you give to a gymnast/student?
Never give up. Progress comes from showing up, working hard and believing in yourself.
9. Is there anything else you’d like to share about your club, your team, or your community?
At our core, we are a community club. We are proud of the culture we have built and strive to ensure every gymnast, coach, volunteer and family feels welcomed, supported and valued.
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