What ages can take part in AAAsports Classes?
We have sessions suitable for everyone! Our age requirements vary depending on the class and program, and are all clearly stated in our ‘Find A Class’ page. As a general rule:
- Pre-School classes are suitable for those able to walk alone until starting reception year at school
- Fundamentals classes are suitable for those in full time school (ie. Reception year) up to age 12 for Gymnastics and 14 for Trampoline
- Senior classes are suitable for those aged between 14 and 18 inclusive
- Adult classes are suitable for anyone aged 18 and over
- Freestyle classes are only suitable for those aged 10 and over
Can I come along for a Trial before joining AAAsports? How much is a Trial class?
Yes you can, and it's free! We're so confident that you will love our classes that we offer all members a free Trial class before paying anything! Once you have completed the enrolment process online, we will send you a Trial class invite as soon as a space becomes available. The first class is your Trial class, and new members have 3 days after this date to log in and cancel their enrolment before any fees are charged!
Where are AAAsports classes held?
AAAsports classes run at various locations throughout the week. For more information, please visit our Locations page.
Do I need to book a Trial class or can I just turn up?
Our classes are incredibly popular so it is essential that enrolments are done in advance. We operate a waiting list in many of our classes, and we only take in new members once a month. To enrol in any of our classes, please click the 'Find A Class' button at the top of the page and follow the instructions to select your chosen class. Remember to add a credit/debit card to your account or we cannot add your name to the waiting list! We will then send you an email as soon as we have availability on your chosen class and invite you for your free Trial - new members then have 3 days from the Trial date to cancel their enrolment before fees are charged to the card in your account.
What will happen at my Trial class?
When you arrive you will be greeted by one of our friendly AAAsports Coaches, who will explain what will happen during your first class. You’ll then be taken through a floor warm-up by our AAAsports Coaches or Helpers, before being taken through an Induction in your chosen activity – this is where our Coaches will tell you the rules and regulations to help keep you safe, as well as learning some basic skills! You’ll then be given the chance to practice these skills during the session, monitored by our AAAsports Coaches who will offer extra coaching and advice throughout. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask!
I've never taken part in these activities before, can I still join your classes?
Yes! You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience to take part in our classes, and it doesn’t matter how fit or flexible you are either! AAAsports has many new members each month, so chances are you won’t be the only new member! All AAAsports Coaches and existing members are helpful, friendly and supporting to everyone, including new members! Remember – everyone in AAAsports was a beginner at some point!
I've got previous experience - can I join your classes?
Yes! If you have previous experience then that’s great. However, as safety always comes first, the AAAsports Coaches will run through a check of your existing knowledge and abilities, starting right from the basic skills. This will help the AAAsports Coaches to accurately work out what you are capable of performing safely and decide the best course of action for your future sessions.
I've got a disability - can I join your classes?
Yes! AAAsports is proud of our inclusive environment, and we are honoured to be a British Gymnastics Hub Club for Disability Gymnastics. All of the AAAsports Coaches have experience in coaching disabilities, and many have additional qualifications to help provide the best possible experience. We have a number of members with disabilities, ranging from mild behavioural problems to severe disabilities, and many of our members with disabilities take part in special events and competitions throughout the year. Alternatively if you feel our recreation classes aren’t right for you, we can also look at providing private classes – please contact us directly on 03335 77 67 87 for more information.
What do I need to wear?
All members need to wear sports clothing for our classes, ie. T-shirt or vest and shorts or tracksuit bottoms. Please no belts or buckles, and all jewellery, watches, wristbands and body piercings must be removed prior to participation. In addition:
- For Trampoline classes, members must wear socks or trampoline shoes
- For DMT classes, members must wear DMT shoes
- For Cheerleading classes, members must wear clean indoor trainers
Do I have to take part in competitions and special events?
No! AAAsports offers competitions and special events to members throughout the year, from small local events to international competitions, however there is no pressure to take part in any of them! AAAsports believe it is always best to offer as many opportunities as possible to our members, and then members can decide for themselves if they would like to take part or not.
Do I have to stay with my child whilst they take part in a class?
That depends on the age of the child. Due to our strict Safeguarding Policy:
- Parents/guardians of children in our Pre-School classes must accompany their child throughout each class
- Parents/guardians of children aged 7 and under in our classes must remain in the venue at all times but are able to use the other facilities within the venue such as the gym, café, etc, provided they return to the activity area immediately if called for
- Parents/guardians of children aged 8 and above may leave their child at the venue, provided the Membership Form has been completed and returned to the AAAsports Coaches
- All children aged 15 years or below must be collected promptly by their parent/guardian at the end of each session from the designated collection point within each venue – children are not allowed to leave the venue unaccompanied and cannot make their own way to the car park for collection.
Are the activities offered by AAAsports safe?
As with all sports, the activities we offer carry a constant risk of injury. However, AAAsports has an excellent safety record and works hard to maintain this high standard. The AAAsports Coaches are very experienced and use only the safest progressions and techniques to minimise any danger to participants. All of our equipment and facilities are regularly checked and we only progress participants when they are ready to move on to more complex skills, all of which are fully monitored to ensure constant development.
What safeguarding and child protection policies do you have in place?
AAAsports pride ourselves on providing a fun, friendly and effective environment for everyone, and we have a number of policies in place to help maintain this standard. All AAAsports Coaches hold enhanced DBS checks and have undertaken Safeguarding training. AAAsports have a designated Welfare Officer to support any members who need assistance, as well as ensuring our policies are upheld throughout AAAsports. In addition, AAAsports have their own Sportscoach UK Safeguarding Tutor and hold a valid GymMark certification, so we really do provide as much protection as possible!
Can I take photos or video during a class?
Unfortunately we cannot allow any photos or videos to be taken by participants, their friends or family during our classes, in line with our Safeguarding Policy. The AAAsports Coaches do use photography and video analysis software during their coaching and for promotional purposes, and so may be able to help if you would like a photo or video of your child.
How can I get involved and help out at competitions and special events?
AAAsports are always looking for new volunteers, and regularly provide opportunities for members and their family to get involved. Whether you’re interested in helping out at a competition, or possibly looking to train as a coach or a judge, speak to any AAAsports Coach and they will be happy to point you in the right direction!
Why do I have to take out membership each year? and why am I blocked from taking part if I don't take out the membership?
British Gymnastics (BG) is the governing body for Trampoline, Gymnastics, DMT and Freestyle activities in the UK, whilst the UK Cheerleading Association (UKCA) is a governing body for Cheerleading activities in the UK. By joining BG/UKCA, all AAAsports members receive an excellent insurance package (which we hope you will never need!) along with providing access to competitions and special events throughout the year, plus extra help and support from governing bodies when required. Because of the additional insurance coverage, members must take out this membership – unfortunately AAAsports have no control over the cost or renewal dates for this membership.
Do you organise special events / birthday parties?
Yes! In fact, AAAsports can organise the most unique events around! Each event is tailor made to your exact requirements, and can range from a small group activity class to a full-blown extravaganza with performers, music, lights and more! To discuss your requirements, please contact us on 03335 77 67 87.
Do you provide coaching to run classes in schools and youth groups?
Yes! AAAsports can provide coaching to almost any session and already provide coaches to a number of high profile groups across Tyne & Wear, County Durham and Northumberland. Contact us directly on 03335 77 67 87 for more information!
What happens if I no longer wish to take part in AAAsports classes?
We are always sad when our members decide to try new activities, however we offer a wide range of activities making it easy for members to transfer to new activities at no additional cost or inconvenience! Simply log in to your myAAA account, click 'Enrolments', select the class you wish to transfer from and then select 'Transfer'. You will then be able to select your preferred new class and we will transfer you as soon as a space becomes available!
If you wish to drop your class altogether, please follow the steps above and then select 'Drop'. In line with our Membership Policy:
* Trial Members - all drop requests must be submitted within 3 days of the Trial Class date.
* Existing Members - all drop requests must be submitted at least 16 days in advance of the final payment due, ie. to cancel payments due on 15th October, all drop requests must be submitted by 30th September.
Members will then be sent an email with confirmation of their final class date, and all members are welcome to attend up until this date.
For further help with your drop request please select - Mobile / Desktop
We welcome all feedback from our classes, so any comments you have regarding your time with AAAsports would be greatly appreciated!
If you wish to drop your class altogether, please follow the steps above and then select 'Drop'. In line with our Membership Policy:
* Trial Members - all drop requests must be submitted within 3 days of the Trial Class date.
* Existing Members - all drop requests must be submitted at least 16 days in advance of the final payment due, ie. to cancel payments due on 15th October, all drop requests must be submitted by 30th September.
Members will then be sent an email with confirmation of their final class date, and all members are welcome to attend up until this date.
For further help with your drop request please select - Mobile / Desktop
We welcome all feedback from our classes, so any comments you have regarding your time with AAAsports would be greatly appreciated!