YOUNG Forest gymnasts have a new coaching hero – Paul Urzica, a Romanian, who is working with them for three months.
Paul was ranked 38th in the world. He requested the opportunity to work with young British gymnasts and has now been taken on by the Forest of Dean Gymnastics Club.
He is working with the 6 to 10 year old boys' squad and the girls junior and senior squads. And displaying his own abilities is proving a real motivator for the local youngsters – they are now enthusiastically tackling double front somersaults into a foam pit as well as taking up Paul's handstand challenges.
Paul says that while gymnastics and other sports are free in Romania and coaches are paid by the government, the Forest facilities at Five Acres would be only a dream.
In Romania children are talent-spotted from local schools.
Paul will be helping youngsters interested in trying gymnastics as the club is offering a free trial over half-term. Further details are available from Lynn Hammersley on 01594 833393.
"The club would welcome the chance to employ such a high class coach full time for a longer period but funding is difficult to find," said Lynn.
Meanwhile Paul will be passing on some of his knowledge at a coaching clinic.