2026 is Just Around the Corner – Why Prep Kids Should Keep Up Gymnastics

As 2026 approaches, many of our youngest EKGA Gymsports athletes are preparing for a huge milestone—starting school! We know that the majority of children in our Kinder 4–5’s, Dancenastics and Lil Ninja programs will be stepping into the world of primary school next year. 

While new routines, new teachers, and new friends are all part of the excitement, families often find themselves rethinking their child’s weekly activities. Should we keep gymnastics going once school starts? Is it too much for a prep child? 

At EKGA, we believe gymnastics is one of the best activities to continue during this transition—and here’s why. 

Gymnastics Builds the Foundations for All Sports 

Gymnastics is widely known as a foundation sport. This means the skills children develop in the gym—like coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and strength—transfer across almost every other sport. 

So while your child may be practicing cartwheels, handstands or rolls, they’re also preparing their bodies for future success in football, netball, basketball, soccer, swimming and athletics. Strong foundations today create confident, capable athletes tomorrow. 

Learning How to Fall Safely 

Every parent knows the school playground can be a risky place—monkey bars, climbing frames and high-energy games often lead to tumbles. One of the most underrated benefits of gymnastics is teaching kids how to land safely. 

Through specific drills, children learn how to fall, roll and absorb impact—skills that can help prevent injuries both in play and in everyday life. This is peace of mind for parents and freedom for kids to play with confidence. 

Confidence, Focus and Resilience 

Starting school is a big emotional step as well. Gymnastics provides a familiar, positive environment where children can: 

• Build confidence through achieving new skills 

• Practice focus and discipline—listening to coaches and following structured activities 

• Develop resilience by learning that progress takes practice 

These life skills are just as important as physical ones, and they give kids an extra boost in the classroom. 

Keeping Continuity in a Time of Change 

It’s tempting to pause all extracurricular activities in prep year, but routine and consistency can actually help children settle into their new life at school. If your child loves gymnastics, keeping it as part of their week provides: 

• A chance to reconnect with familiar coaches and friends 

• A healthy outlet for energy after long days in the classroom 

• Continued progress through our school-aged levels program 

Many of our preschool coaches also work with our older classes, which means your child may see familiar faces as they transition into the next stage of gymnastics. 

What’s Next at EKGA? 

We’ll release our 2026 class schedules from the first week of November, with a range of times to suit new school routines. Whether your child is continuing in gymnastics for fun, skill-building, or as a pathway to competitive levels, there will be an option that works for your family. 

At EKGA Gymsports in Essendon Keilor, we’re proud to be supporting kids from their very first forward roll right through to advanced gymnastics. As your child starts school, we can’t wait to continue being part of their journey—helping them grow strong, confident and resilient both on and off the mats. 

✅ Looking for gymnastics classes in Melbourne’s north-west? Explore our programs for preschool, school-aged and competitive gymnasts at Essendon Keilor Gymnastics Academy (EKGA).