Why AFL, AFLW and Soccer Players Benefit from Gymnastics?

The Secret Weapon for AFL and Soccer Players: Gymnastics

Gymnastics gives AFL, AFLW and soccer players the edge—building strength, agility, balance and safe falling skills. Discover why it’s the foundation sport for all young athletes at EKGA.

With the AFL Grand Final around the corner, it is the time of year when we all can be forgiven for going a little Footy mad.  At EKGA Gymsports, we know that gymnastics isn’t just for gymnasts. Some of the world’s best athletes in AFL, AFLW and Soccer have backgrounds in gymnastics—and it’s no coincidence. Gymnastics develops the core skills that set athletes up for success in almost every sport, especially high-demand, high-speed games like footy and soccer.

A young EKGA student attentively listens to his coach while practicing on gym mats.

Gymnastics Builds Strong, Agile AFL, AFWL, and Soccer Athletes

AFL and soccer are fast, dynamic sports where athletes need to:

• Change direction quickly

• Maintain balance under pressure

• Explode with power when sprinting or kicking

• Stay flexible and mobile to avoid injury

Gymnastics trains all of these qualities. Skills like handstands, leaps, and vaults build strength, agility, coordination and body awareness—the very same attributes AFL and soccer players rely on in every match.

Learning How to Fall Safely

Every parent (and coach!) knows footy and soccer come with plenty of collisions and tumbles. One of the most valuable parts of gymnastics training is learning how to land and fall safely.

From forward rolls to safe landings on mats, gymnastics teaches athletes to absorb impact, protect their head and shoulders, and get back up quickly. This reduces injury risk and gives young players the confidence to go in hard for the ball.

Enhancing Footwork and Spatial Awareness

Good AFL and soccer players are known for their quick feet and ability to know exactly where they—and the ball—are in space. Gymnastics drills like beam work, floor sequences and vaulting sharpen spatial awareness and foot placement.

That means a smoother sidestep, better balance in contested marks, and sharper turns down the sideline.

Mental Toughness and Resilience

Beyond the physical, gymnastics also builds:

• Discipline—learning to repeat skills until they’re right

• Focus—listening closely and following structured routines

• Resilience—getting back up after mistakes and trying again

These traits transfer directly into football and soccer training, helping young athletes stay motivated, confident, and ready to perform.

The Foundation of All Sports

Gymnastics is often called the foundation of all sports—and with good reason. Whether your child dreams of running out onto the AFL field, representing their local soccer club, or simply enjoying a wide variety of sports, gymnastics gives them the physical and mental tools to succeed.

At EKGA in AIRPORT WEST, we love watching our preschoolers progress into school-aged gymnastics and NinjaZone classes, and we also know many go on to thrive in AFL, AFLW and soccer. By keeping gymnastics in their weekly routine, you’re giving them the best possible start—not just as gymnasts, but as all-round athletes. Looking for gymnastics classes in Melbourne’s north-west? Join us at EKGA Gymsports and see how gymnastics can give your future footy or soccer star the edge.

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