British Gymnastics has backed trampoline park operator Oxygen Freejumping by signing a new deal aimed at improving coaching and safety standards in the leisure business.

The landmark agreement, announced today (29 January), is the first between a commercial trampoline chain and the National Governing Body for Gymnastics and Trampolining.

The body previously voiced concerns about amateurs trying trampolining without any coaching from a professional. However, it will now work with Oxygen Freejumping to create a new lesson on safety basics, as well as providing recognised training for frontline staff.

“The popularity of gymnastics and trampolining in the UK continues to grow and we’re experiencing unprecedented demand from people wanting to take part,” said Dave Marshall, participation director at British Gymnastics.

“This partnership will enable more children and young people to take their enjoyment of Oxygen’s trampoline park to the next level.

“They’ll learn how to perform new, exhilarating skills while being closely monitored and supervised by trained instructors.”

CEO of Oxygen Freejumping David Stalker said: “Ultimately, we want to become one of the largest providers of accredited trampoline gymnastics in the UK – we’re closing in on that target and this is a huge step in the right direction.”

Under the deal, the operator will become an Official Delivery Partner of British Gymnastics, through the ‘Oxygen School of Trampolining’ which teaches gymnastics to thousands of children every month.

An Oxygen Freejumping Introductory Award will be created for customers looking to take their first step into coached gymnastics and trampolining, teaching the basics of safe trampolining in a one hour lesson.

It will provide a link between ‘freejumping’ and Oxygen’s School of Trampolining, which teaches beginner, intermediate and advanced trampolining using the British Gymnastics Trampoline Proficiency Awards.

Stalker said: “Customer safety is our number one priority and I’m delighted to be working with British Gymnastics to create a new Introductory Award and to upskill the Oxygen workforce, to help achieve this aim.”

The partnership also includes an agreement for Oxygen’s court monitor staff to be trained by British Gymnastics tutors to achieve UKCC qualifications – allowing them to teach the Introductory Award, and beginner and intermediate-level courses.

Marshall added that British Gymnastics is “actively working to create partnerships throughout the leisure sector to help meet demand”.