Maldwyn Dragons Gymnastics Club brings support and community spirit to Newtown
Julia Rees became the brains and manager behind the Maldwyn Dragons Gymnastics Club in Newtown, Powys, 20 years ago.
Since then, hundreds of young people from this area of Powys have embraced the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to make friends through the sport of gymnastics.
Open from 9am to 8pm, six days a week, Maldwyn Dragons is well known in Newtown. Based in its own premises on an industrial estate, the social enterprise is described as ‘the best venue for gymnastics in Powys’. The 400 children who are currently signed up for gymnastics coaching agree.
Gymnastics, says the website, ‘is a terrific sport for young people’, providing a ‘safe, controlled environment’ to develop ‘fitness, co-ordination, strength and flexibility’ as well as ‘determination, discipline, performance skills, social skills and self-confidence’ – plus lots of fun.
There’s nothing else quite like Maldwyn Dragons in the area. Other gym clubs are leisure centre based, and provide recreational gym classes.
Maldwyn Dragons is different.
Alongside competitive gymnastics coaching, Maldwyn Dragons offers a dance studio, pre-school soft-play ‘stay and play’ sessions (ball pits, soft obstacle course, trampoline floors), a pre-school recreational gym class, recreational gym for special needs children, and ‘stay and play’ soft play sessions for special needs children.
Through the UK Shared Prosperity Funds (UKSPF) scheme, Cwmpas Business Adviser Nick Wilson provided support with business priorities during 2024. He helped Julia access and complete grant applications to obtain funding for specific projects, upgraded staff contracts and employee handbooks to catch up with new legislation, and supported with the logistics of extending the lease on the premises.
Julia said:
“We did our first display this year in a theatre in Newtown. 230 children took part in the display, and 814 parents and family members attended to watch. The theatre only seats about 400 per performance, so we did two performances.
“At the end, my staff gave me a bunch of flowers and a card that said ‘thank you for everything over the last 20 years, and for giving us jobs.’ I know that there are at least five people whose mortgages are paid for by their Maldwyn Dragons wages.
“The support from Cwmpas has been invaluable. Happy staff means happy customers.
“One of my coaches is opening her own cheerleading club in Aberystwyth as a social enterprise at the moment. I’ve offered advice on running the club, and support with equipment, coach education, first aid etc. She’s found 50 customers already. I want her to do well. Life is one big virtuous circle.
“Social entrepreneurship is a fantastic way to give something back to the community, which encourages communities and individuals to support each other to develop and succeed.
“It’s the same with the children who come to my club from the age of five. We make sure they practice their social skills, pleases and thank yous, and take turns while waiting for their go. Good manners are everything in life. By the time they’re 17, they have grown up together. They form a strong, supportive friendship group.
“It’s a family thing. If you had a good experience at a venue as a child, you’ll take your own children there as a parent. One of the coaches who works part time for me is mum to two children who I coach now. I also coached her as a 16 year old to pass her own coaching qualifications.
“Maldwyn Dragons offers a constant cycle of growth and continuity, which gives rise to freedom, friendship, and a pathway for young people to earn money for the rest of their lives through a hobby that they love.
“It’s all about the children. We were there at their beginning, and we’re still here.”
