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OUR Team

Meet the GymSchool Coaching Team

At GymSchool.NZ, our coaching team is a dynamic blend of passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to nurturing the potential within every student. Our qualified, police vetted and experienced coaches bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse backgrounds, and a shared commitment to fostering both student progression and personal growth.

About us

Our Directors

Marie France

Director & Head Coach Waikato

Marie brings over two decades of coaching experience from England and New Zealand. Her achievements as an athlete, coach, and educator have set the standard for our team’s commitment to excellence.

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Adrian France

Director of Finance / Cofounder

Adrian, with a foundation in Te Atiawa heritage, serves as our Director. An accomplished academic and administrator, he adds depth to our coaching team, ensuring a holistic approach to movement and gymnastics education.

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Our Head Coaches

Marie France

Head Coach Waikato

Marie brings over two decades of coaching experience from England and New Zealand and published research in the field of sport performance & gymnastics. Her achievements as an athlete, coach, and educator have set the standard for our team’s commitment to excellence.

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Lenore Pope

Head Coach Bay of Plenty

Meet Lenore, our dedicated Head Coach in the Bay of Plenty, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge with a strong background in dance & gymnastics and coaching children in schools. Lenore has come full circle from being a student in our programs during intermediate school to now imparting her knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes.

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Marie France

Director & Head Coach Waikato

Athlete:
Over the span of a 15-year athletic career, Marie passionately represented Southwest England, contributing significantly to numerous team victories at British Competition and earning noteworthy individual placements. Her skills and dedication led her to compete at the New Zealand Gymnastics Championships level 10 for the Bay of Plenty, securing medals both overall and on individual apparatus. As a university student, Marie showcased her balance on a different stage – the British Surfing University Championships. Gymnastics had instilled in her a physical acumen that transcended disciplines. Marie’s journey showcases the versatility of skills acquired in gymnastics. These fundamental skills seamlessly translate into
success in many sports. Gymnastics isn’t just a sport; it’s a catalyst for excelling in diverse athletic pursuits. Gymnastics instills a love for an active lifestyle. By participating in gymnastics, individuals are more likely to carry this commitment to health into adulthood. The habits formed early in life contribute to overall well-being, making gymnastics a catalyst for a lifetime of fitness.

Coaching Excellence:
Marie’s coaching journey began with shaping and nurturing British gymnasts as apart of the British Junior Elite pathway and then athletes within Sport England’s high-performance programs, several of whom later achieved Olympic representation. After making her mark in New Zealand as coach for North Harbour and Bay of Plenty Gymnastics Teams, Marie founded The Gymnastic Academy in 2011, which recently evolved into GymSchool in 2024.

Educator:
Marie’s commitment to gymnastics extends beyond the gym floor. With over a decade of experience, she has been instrumental in training coaches for gymnastic classes at various schools. Her wealth of knowledge spans two countries, England and New Zealand, accumulating over 20 years of coaching expertise from FUNdamental to high-performance levels, coupled with 12 years dedicated to coaching coaches. Marie’s story underscores the enduring impact of childhood gymnastics. GymSchool is more than a venture; it’s an embodiment of Marie’s commitment to sharing the transformative power of gymnastics with the next generation.

Credentials:
Marie’s academic achievements complement her practical expertise:

  • BA Bachelor of Arts (Sport Management)
  • NZ Certificate in Business Administration and Technology
  • Diploma in Small Business
  • Master of Health, Sport & Human Performance

Adrian France

Director of Finance / Cofounder

Heritage:
Adrian identifies with Te Atiawa as his iwi and Ngatiwhirikura as his hapu.

Academic Excellence:
As a distinguished researcher in the fields of organisational management and sport,
and principal academic lecturer at Waikato Institute of Technology. Adrian’s
commitment to advancing knowledge in this field is evident through years of scholarly dedication. Adrian has published research of both sport organisation accountability and sport participation.

Educator:
With an extensive teaching career spanning over two decades, Adrian has imparted knowledge across diverse educational levels – from primary and secondary schools to tertiary education, including bachelor and master’s programs in Business. His passion for education and commitment to student success shine through in every facet of his teaching.

Credentials:

  • BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
  • MMS (Master of Management Studies)
  • Grad Dip T (Graduate Diploma of Teaching)
  • CA (Chartered Accountant)

Leah Douglas

Head Coach & Business Administration Bay of Plenty

Meet Leah, our dedicated Head Coach in the Bay of Plenty training programs, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong background in competitive gymnastics to our team. Leah’s journey in gymnastics began as a junior athlete in the national program, where her passion for the sport flourished. Through years of dedication and hard work, Leah not only honed her skills but also secured numerous team victories and individual accolades on the competitive stage across the New Zealand circuit.

Competitive Excellence:
Leah’s first hand experience as a competitive gymnast adds a unique perspective to her coaching. Her understanding of the intricacies of high-level competition allows her to guide aspiring students on a path to success.

Coaching Approach:
As the Head Coach, Leah is committed to instilling her love for gymnastics and fostering a growth mindset in every athlete she mentors. Her coaching philosophy revolves around blending technical precision with a supportive and encouraging environment, ensuring that each student reaches their full potential. As Head coach Leah runs the majority of the Tauranga programmes.

Inspiring the Next Generation:
Leah’s dedication extends beyond coaching routines; she aims to inspire the next generation of gymnasts to embrace the sport. Her firsthand experiences as a competitive gymnast serve as a testament to the possibilities that lie ahead for those with a passion for gymnastics. Join Leah in the journey to elevate your gymnastics skills, build confidence, and embrace the spirit of competition. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for the podium, Leah is here to guide you every step of the way.

Credentials:
Sports Coaching Certificate

Rylee Boyce

Senior coach Waikato

Rylee’s journey is a shining example of the impact our gymnastics programme can have. Starting as a young student in the programme, Rylee honed her skills and developed a deep passion for the sport. Her dedication, hard work, and natural talent quickly set her apart, leading her to excel in gymnastics.

Today, Rylee is a skilled coach, leading our advanced classes with the same enthusiasm and commitment she exhibited as a student. Her unique perspective as a former participant allows her to connect with her students, understanding their challenges and guiding them through their gymnastics journey with empathy and expertise.

Rylee’s story is a testament to the success of our programme and the opportunities it creates for personal and professional growth. We are proud to have her as part of our coaching team, inspiring the next generation of gymnasts to reach new heights. Join us in celebrating Rylee’s achievements and the positive impact she continues to make in our gymnastics community.

Brylee Paterson

Senior coach Waikato

Brylee’s journey in gymnastics is both impressive and inspiring. As a former advanced gymnast in our programme, she developed exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the sport. Gymnastics runs in her family, with her father being a specialist conditioning coach who imparted his knowledge and expertise to Brylee.

Now, Brylee combines her advanced gymnastics background with her conditioning expertise to coach our advanced tumbling classes. Her dual role allows her to not only teach intricate gymnastic skills but also design and implement specialized conditioning programmes tailored for advanced athletes. This comprehensive approach helps our gymnasts build strength, flexibility, and endurance, ensuring they reach their full potential safely and effectively.

Brylee’s unique blend of skills and conditioning knowledge makes her an invaluable asset to our coaching team. Her dedication to fostering athletic excellence and her commitment to the holistic development of our gymnasts embody the spirit of our programme. Join us in recognizing Brylee’s contributions and the exceptional training she provides to our advanced tumblers.

Lenore Pope

Senior Coach Bay of Plenty & 2.I.C

Introducing Lenore, our Coac, who has come full circle from being a student in our programs during intermediate school to now imparting her knowledge and experience to the next generation of gymnasts.

A Journey From Student to Coach:
Lenore’s journey with us began during her intermediate school years when she actively participated in our programs. Her passion for gymnastics, cultivated during her time as a student, has led her back to the gym, this time as an invaluable member of our coaching team.

Passing on Knowledge:
Lenore is enthusiastic about sharing her firsthand knowledge and experiences with current students. Her unique perspective, having been in their shoes, allows her to connect with gymnasts on a personal level, fostering a supportive learning environment.

Janneke Tata

Katikati Senior Coach

We proudly introduce Janneke Tata, the inspiring coach who leads our Bay of Plenty Katikati Sub Zone & Outreach Programme. Janneke is dedicated to bringing the joy of gymnastics by developing programs that address local needs and expanding the GymSchool outreach to new communities.

Family First: Janneke’s Journey to Empowering Gymnasts in Katikati Janneke, our dedicated gymnastics coach, brings a personal touch to the Katikati Outreach Programme. As a mother of two enthusiastic daughters who initially taught themselves the basics of gymnastics through YouTube, Janneke understands the importance of accessible training for all children.

When Janneke met Marie, a dynamic partnership was born. Combining Janneke’s teaching expertise and qualifications with Marie’s comprehensive gymnastics training programme, they established the Katikati Community Outreach Programme. This initiative bridges the gap between Katikati and our Tauranga core base, ensuring that young gymnasts in outer communities receive the same high-quality coaching and opportunities.

Thanks to the outreach programme, Janneke’s daughters, along with many other children in Katikati, can now advance their skills through structured extension classes. Janneke’s story is a testament to her commitment to family, community, and the transformative power of gymnastics.

Join us in supporting Janneke’s mission to extend the reach of our gymnastics programme and make a positive impact across the Western Bay of Plenty. Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or community member, your involvement helps us bring the benefits of gymnastics to more children, fostering a healthier and more active community.

Credentials:
Qualified Teacher

Andrea

Assistant coach Te Ao Marama School

Andrea is an essential part of our busy school programme, bringing her passion and dedication to support our young gymnasts every day. As a teacher support, Andrea plays a crucial role in ensuring that our classes run smoothly and that each student receives the attention and guidance they need.

Andrea’s commitment to our programme and her genuine care for our students make her an invaluable member of our team. We are grateful for her hard work and the positive impact she has on our gymnastics community.