Strengthening our commitment to gymnastics: welcoming Nichola Griffiths

At Thrive4Gymnastics, we’ve always believed that real change happens when you listen to the people who matter most, the clubs, coaches, volunteers, and communities at the heart of sport. Over the past year, we’ve been working more closely with gymnastics clubs to understand their challenges, their ambitions, and what they need from us.

Now, we’re taking the next step in that journey. We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Nichola (Nikki) Griffiths as our new Director of Enablement. Nikki joins us from British Gymnastics, bringing deep sector knowledge and real insight into the day-to-day pressures clubs face and how to find sustainable ways forward.

Experience rooted in gymnastics

During her time at British Gymnastics, Nikki helped lead the Club Capital investment programme, supporting clubs secure funding, improve governance, open new facilities, and strengthen their sustainability. She also worked alongside Olympian Joe Fraser to launch Joe Fraser Gymnastics in Lichfield, a project that combined elite ambition with grassroots impact.

Her career has spanned everything from small, volunteer-led grassroots clubs to larger purpose-built facilities. She’s worked with coaches, trustees, parents, volunteers, athletes, Sport England, local authorities, and government, all with the aim of making clubs stronger and more sustainable.

For Nikki, that impact is personal too. She’s seen first-hand how gymnastics can change lives through her own son’s journey, which gave him confidence, movement, and belonging despite early challenges with ASD/ADHD.

“Helping a club to grow isn’t just about buildings or numbers, it’s about creating opportunities for children, young people, and families to access sport, often for the first time. Seeing that impact is what inspires me.”

Why Nikki is joining Thrive4Gymnastics

Nikki’s appointment is part of our commitment to working more closely with gymnastics clubs and shaping the platform around their needs. She brings both experience and perspective from inside the sport, ensuring that the voice of clubs stays at the heart of our development.

“No one system is perfect, and every club has different needs. That’s exactly why I wanted to join Thrive4Gymnastics, to bring my industry knowledge and help deepen that partnership with clubs, so their feedback, challenges, and ideas keep driving the way the system evolves.”

We know gymnastics clubs are under pressure, from rising costs to workforce shortages, from facility issues to long waiting lists. Nikki’s experience means she understands these challenges first-hand and can help us adapt our support accordingly.

“With the right support and systems in place, clubs can move from surviving to thriving. They can grow membership, expand programmes, reach new communities, and create new income streams. That’s what excites me about this role.”

Looking ahead – a clear gymnastics focus

With Nikki leading our Enablement strategy, our focus is clear: listening to clubs, connecting with them, and ensuring they feel heard.

“I’ve seen the pressures clubs face, but I’ve also seen the incredible impact they have on people’s lives. My role is to help them find sustainable ways forward so they can keep doing what they love, delivering sport and changing lives.”

We’re excited to have Nikki on board. Her expertise and passion will play a big part in shaping the future of Thrive4Gymnastics for gymnastics clubs and beyond.

A message to gymnastics clubs

“This appointment is more than a new role. It’s our commitment to the gymnastics community that we are listening, learning, and building a system shaped by your needs. Our priorities for gymnastics are clear: improve usability in the areas clubs touch every day, increase the value that we offer to clubs, and formalise a sector advisory group led by Nikki. That’s how we’ll turn feedback into tangible progress.” - Dave Evans, Founder of Thrive4