Xcel Program

Performance with Distinction

The Xcel program, based on US AG XCEL competitive program was recently introduced in BC and is based on its own code of points and progression levels. This program is an alternate competitive program which offers flexibility in skill achievement to gymnasts, and its goal is to provide a rewarding gymnastics experience to gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels.

Selected athletes train under a structured set of rules but without the strict requirements of the Canadian Competitive Program (CCP-WAG (Womens Artistic Gymnastics)) program. The athletes come in with a commitment and intention to develop their unique skill sets, be part of a team, learn and perform routines and eventually, compete. Gymnasts aged 6 years and up focus on performance, and physical preparation to take their training further than recreational gymnastics.

Highlights in brief:

• Ability for gymnasts to set routine goals within a relaxed structure to match their level of performance and receive scores and rankings.

• Structured rules, providing a systematic evaluation process will allow athletes to monitor their progress easily.

• Flexibility in training with lesser hours and less strict skill requirements, and keeps athletes excited to be part of the sport.

Enrollment: Participation in this program is by invitation or assessment only. Season for Xcel commences in late July/early August and goes until June of the following year.

Program requirement: Program requires commitment for 10-11 months in the season along with regular attendance which allows for continual progression up the levels. Discipline, attitude, work ethic, coachability, skill and physical testing determines an athlete’s suitability for the program. Athletes should be internally motivated to work hard, play hard, have fun, and achieve. Participants should be willing to compete, pursue excellence within their limits and enjoy the thrill of competition.

Training times: Hours of training vary from 6-12 hours (2-3 days) per week depending on the category and the level an athlete is registered in. The number of training hours, schedule and the level an athlete trains at is determined by the Lead Coach. Athletes must stick to their scheduled training days and ensure consistency in training. Training days and timings are different over the summer and over the school year (i.e. September onwards). Summer training hours (July and August) are considered the start of the season and are important since the athletes work on existing and newer skills to be fully prepared to balance other activities with training when September arrives. Training hours during July and August are during the day i.e. morning or early noon time. When school is in session, training is after 3:30pm on weekdays, and possibly one day on the weekend.

Competitions: Athletes in this program must be willing to compete. An athlete’s readiness for a competition is based on their mental and physical ability for the level they will compete in. The coaches finalize which competitions/level an athlete should be registered for. There are numerous factors that affect the ability of an athlete to compete. Athletes generally train/compete to achieve success at their own level amongst other clubs.

Fee: In addition to the monthly fee of the program (ranging from $300 - $450 per month), there are additional fees associated with an initial application fee, a team uniform, entry fee to attend competitions, travel fee (if applicable), training camps fee, some necessary training aids such as grips etc. The fee of entry to the competition is determined by the host club or the organizing or governing body of such events such as Gymnastics BC.

Xcel program requires Parent Participation Commitment.

Wish to have your child assessed to join the program? Please see details here.

Spots in the program are always limited!