Change of the guard at Spalding Gymnastics Academy as JT Tucker prepares to take over as head coach

A new head coach will be continuing the legacy of a gymnastics club following the retirement of its founders after 40 years.

Spalding Gymnastics Academy has been led by Alec and Carole Harding and a new appointment will see JT Tucker taking up the reins in September after they retire at the end of August.

Mr Tucker, who will take up the role as head coach and general manager, said: “I would like to improve and better the relationship with the community.

“My gift to the leaving coach is to continue its legacy. They have done a good job and my philosophy is that gymnastics is for all and is the basis of a lot of sports.

“It teaches strength, tenacity, getting over fear, being agile, flexibility, finishing what you started and these are all life lessons.

“Thanks and congratulations to the outgoing coaches as not too many clubs can survive 40 years.

“Now they have passed on the torch I hope to sprinkle the club with my own flavouring.”

Mr Tucker (52) is English-born but has lived in America and has coached gymnastics on the international stage.

He hopes to continue to serve the community by encouraging adults and children to participate.

He said: “I was a mediocre gymnast and I was trained by high level coaches in America who saw I had an ability to coach.

“I have senior coach qualifications and coached at high levels all over the world including Australia.”

Mr Tucker was also attracted to taking the role at Spalding due to another hobby.

He said: “The fishing attracted me to Spalding.

“I fish the American way, walking, casting and reeling.

“Sundays are for the Lord and fishing.”

Having worked as a head coach, and previously worked at the City of Manchester Institute of Gymnastics, Mr Tucker is keen to spread the gospel that gymnastics is for everyone.

“Adults can come to the gym with their kids and run around which is good for cardio. There will be more adult classes and I want to push to do higher tier gymnastics competitions, maybe with a squad, and bring glory and fame to Spalding on the national stage, step by step.”