Northampton trampoline academy opens

Northamptonshire Trampoline Gymnastics Academy (NTGA) has officially opened a new facility which will help it deliver the sport to an even wider audience.

The new centre provides the 800 members and many thousands of other users, including children from neighbouring schools, with a range of new trampolining facilities.

Featuring 12 trampolines, a foam landing area, viewing gallery and office space, the centre is designed to be used by disability groups – three trampolines are floor level, with a sensory corner.

The club, which is accredited by British Gymnastics and Sport England, received a £445,000 grant from the Community Club Development Fund to build the extension at the Benham Sports Arena. Additional funding came from Northamptonshire County Council and the Benham Settlement Fund.

Tracy Whittaker-Smith, the head of the academy said: "It has taken almost 30 years to be in this position. Success does not happen overnight. A dedicated team has put in thousands of voluntary hours and made sacrifices over a great number of years.

"Blood, sweat and many tears have been spilt to build what the academy is today – a financially self-sufficient, sustainable and successful club."