XCEL is an alternative USAG sanctioned competitive program offering an accessible, yet challenging level of competition – with less time and financial commitment than a Junior Olympic program. XCEL team members work on progressively difficult gymnastics skills within the levels of Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond, while they develop strength and confidence; challenging themselves by competing within a local region against XCEL teams from other gyms. The goal of XCEL is to provide gymnasts of varying abilities and commitment levels the opportunity for a rewarding competitive gymnastics experience.
There is an annual training commitment of 6 – 12 hours a week (depending on level) to be part of the XCEL team as well as additional financial expenditures and willingness to travel within the state of Washington for competitions. The competition season runs roughly November through March of each year with 1 to 2 competitions each month. Gymnasts are not required to compete in all four competitive events, although SGA encourages the participation in all events and will train each regardless of competition, as we believe well-rounded skills are for the betterment of the athlete.
XCEL team athletes will also have the opportunity to compete in two NGA (National Gymnastics Association) competitions a season. NGA differs from USAG in that all NGA levels 1-10 compete under one consistent set of rules and deductions based on skill-level appropriate criteria, which allows all athletes an opportunity to compete under criteria that better meets them where they are. Our hope by providing both USAG and NGA competitions is to provide gymnasts with well-rounded, positive experiences and opportunities.
For more information, contact our Xcel program directors:
SGA Lake City: Rachel Ellingford at seattlepreschool@seattlegymnastics.com
SGA Columbia City: Jayme Travis jtravis@seattlegymnastics.com
SGA Ballard: Ashlyn Thibeaux at Ashlynt@seattlegymnastics.com