MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – There are a handful of gyms in the Quad Cities, but Next Level Athletics is the only one that offers a competitive team for boys.
Madison Mander, program director at Next Level Athletics, used to coach boys gymnastics and says she has noticed a lack of interest in recent years.
“Overall, it’s been dying a little bit more every year lately, and it’s just kind of sad to see that,” Mander said. “I wish more people would send their guys there, because it’s a really good thing to send them there to give them confidence and strength.”
Winter Jonstone is one of two players on the boys’ competitive gymnastics team and encourages others to get involved.
“It’s fun,” Jonstone said. “You build muscle. You get more flexible. You have a little bit of freedom in a way. They might be hard on you, but that’s just to train your skills.”
Mander says the ongoing Olympics have inspired the boys’ team.
“I think the guys saw how great that moment was, to be cheered on and needed, and how tough that was,” Mander said. “I think if the guys saw that, it would spark something in them like, ‘Oh, wow!’ It’s actually a really tough team sport and something they might be interested in.”
If you are interested in joining the boys gymnastics team or any other program at Next Level Athletics, click here.
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