An inspiring 9-year-old gymnast from Salford has been crowned the National Schools Trampoline Champion.
Heidi Erin Stafford, from Salford won the National Schools Trampoline Champion in the Years 1-6 Category One Novice division at the BSGA National Trampoline Final 2025.
And despite only starting trampolining six months ago, to complement her gymnastics training, she found remarkable success in the competition.
The final took place at the Derby Arena on Saturday 15 March and saw her compete with The Wire Gymnastics Club.
The young star joined the gymnastics club in 2022, and displayed her talents quickly being picked for a squad within a few short months.
However, despite her rapid success in the sport, her story is nothing short of extraordinary – competing in the disability mixed category 1.
Heidi’s success in the sport shines a spotlight on the power of neurodiversity, whilst showing how neurodivergent athletes can thrive when supported and encouraged.
“Gymnastics has been an incredible outlet for Heidi’s ADHD energy,” said her mum, Faye Stafford.
“It has helped her concentrate and focus, her schoolteachers have noticed so many positive changes and it’s also helped to strengthen her hypermobile joints.”
She continued: “Her dedication to both gymnastics and trampolining is remarkable. She’s come such a long way since starting with The Wire Gymnastics Club and now the trampoline squad.
“We’re incredibly proud of all her accomplishments.”
And from joining the club in 2022, she has seen growing success even competing at the British Disability Women’s Artistic Championships in Cardiff in September 2024, where she came away with three silver medals and one bronze which was a proud achievement.
And with her love for gymnastics continuing to grow, she joined The Wire Gymnastics Trampoline Squad in September 2024.
Heidi’s brief period in the squad has led to her winning first regional Schools Trampoline competition in Wigan, before securing fifth place at the Zonal Schools competition in Newcastle.
Her successes in Newcastle led to her qualifying for the National Schools Trampolining Championships in Derby.
And at the national finals she was able to display high levels of focus and determination to win – and following her routine she was able to get strong scores from the judges.
She was officially crowned National Champion, adding to the growing list of accolades, while proudly representing Cadishead Primary School in Salford.
And this was further added by her coach, who said: “Heidi’s resilience and focus are incredible.
“She’s made tremendous progress in both gymnastics and trampolining. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, and this victory is a true reflection of her talent and perseverance.”
Heidi’s journey in gymnastics and trampolining is just beginning – and it’s clear that her future is incredibly bright.
Featured image – Heidi’s routine – provided by Faye Stafford and purchased from De.photo
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