gymnastics club closes after 35 Years

In the UK:

Thousands of youngsters have passed through the doors of Saltburn Gymnastic Club achieving enormous success.

Professional coach Clive Lee, now 78, has trained generations of gymnasts to the highest of standards – all on a voluntary basis and with the support of his wife, Elsie, 73.

But after 35 years at the helm, the couple have decided the time has come to retire from the professional side of the sport.

Their retirement will see the end of Saltburn Gymnastic Club as a lack of volunteers with the necessary skills and experience means no one is available to continue the Lees’ tireless work.

…

Speaking of the club’s imminent closure, Mr Lee said: “It would be nice to have someone take it on but people don’t have the commitment and there are so many regulations – it is very complicated running a club. There is a national shortage of coaches. …

Gym Club Bows Out After 35 Years

I’m always sad to see clubs close. Often it’s like this — over dependent on a few key volunteers.

Far better we plan to turn over our gyms to younger coaches. Sooner. And to pay those coaches.