SEVEN members of the female artistic section of Barry YMCA Gymnastics Club have lots to smile about after securing coveted spots in the South Central Area Gymnastics squad.

Spaces are limited in the squad, and are only offered to the best gymnasts from the counties in the South Central area.

Ffion Byrne, 17 years old, was a member of the squad last year and she maintained her place along with 11 year old Lara Watkins who has continued to show improvement over the past year.

Following attendance at the area trials, nine year old Sophia Foscolo was selected into the squad for the first time, impressing the squad coaches with her power. She will be joined in the squad by four of the clubs youngest competitive section gymnasts.

The area has a Development Squad which is aimed at young gymnasts who demonstrate they have potential to become competitive gymnasts. To secure a spot in this squad the gymnasts have to demonstrate they have strength, flexibility, determination and enjoy learning new skills.

Six year olds Emmy Saddler, Keeyah Denton and Millie Williams, and seven year old Hana Davies all demonstrated their great future potential, impressing the area coaches.

They will all now train once a month with other gymnasts from across the area that have been selected into the squad. Congratulations to all of the gymnasts and their coaches.

The above seven gymnasts along with other members from the female artistic competitive section of Barry YMCA Gymnastics Club proudly showcased the skills they have been learning when they performed in front of their family and friends at the annual club competition.

The aim of the competition is to give the gymnasts a chance to try out new skills in a relaxed, fun environment.

It was an enjoyable time for all, with every gymnast being awarded an all around medal and ribbons for individual apparatus performances.

There was also a team competition where gymnasts were awarded special Santa medals.

Two special awards were also presented. Lily Foscolo was named as the Gymnasts Gymnast of the Year whilst Seren Mirza Davies was chosen as the Coaches Gymnast of the Year.

Well done to all gymnasts and thank you to coaches Aimee McCarthy, Anne Gardiner, Charlotte Gabb, Karen Davies, Rachel Shepherd, Sophie Erickson and young volunteers Alana Stokes and Catrin Long for their continued commitment to the club.

For further information about gymnastics opportunities at Barry YMCA please call 01446 724001 or visit the facebook page www.facebook.com/ymcabarry.