'Gymnastics is more than a sport to these young men'

An all-boys gymnastics club that has spent over five decades teaching the sport is "in jeopardy" according to its coaches, as its training centre needs repairs they are struggling to afford.

Based at the Oliver Hind Youth Club in Sneinton, Nottingham, the Dako Flying Angels train twice a week and perform at venues across the country.

Head coach Darron Littlehales, 59, said the past few months had been "difficult" for the club as they dealt with leaks, broken heating, and out of date facilities.

Once a Dako gymnast himself, Darron said the club needs repairing as it is "more than sport for the boys" and keeps them "engaged and on the right path".

The origins of the Dako Flying Angels trace back to 1907, where it was formerly a Boys Brigade club known as "Daken Street Lads Club".

Just over 60 years later, the gymnastics club was formed, teaching boys aged between eight and 18.

They have since travelled across the world, performing in locations such as the Bahamas and Gran Canaria.

Liam and Finn, both 13, are friends from school and joined the club together.

Liam said he had watched the Dako gymnasts perform when he was younger, "and my mum said I'd always be smiling, so she signed me up".

He added: "Seeing them fly through the air so gracefully without any imperfections - it made me want to start."

Finn said: "Initially, I didn't tell anyone I did gymnastics, but when I started doing flips and all these tricks, they thought it was cool.

"You learn skills that help you in other sports too."

Darron's journey with the club began aged 10, and he said it provided him with an "opportunity like no other".

He went on to become an electrician and tradesman and since retiring has volunteered to lead the club full-time.

"I wouldn't be the man I am today without this club," he said.

"Growing up in Sneinton, this place was close to my home and gave me somewhere to go every week.

"This place teaches kids discipline and community, and I want that legacy to continue.

"We have some footballers and cricketers, but we also have some lads that don't want to play football and cricket, and we embrace that."

Darron is concerned that if repairs to the club are not made, its future could be "in jeopardy".

There is a faulty heating system that needs fixing, as well as ongoing leaks and smashed windows.

Darron said repairs to the site will cost about £320,000, and so far the club has been promised about £50,000 in donations and grants.

He added: "We are grateful for the money we have received, but sadly, we still have a long way to go.

"The boys don't complain, but when the heating broke, the floors were so cold during the winter. They became slippery and dangerous for parents.

"After school and karate clubs are also held here, so it's an important space for the community.

"If it isn't maintained properly, everyone could lose out on this space."

About 40 students train at the club, split between gymnasts at junior and senior levels.

George, 12, has been at the club for the past two years.

He said: "I wanted to join ever since I saw them put on a display near where I live. The way I saw them fly through the air...it inspired me.

"Sometimes people say negative things about me doing gymnastics but I shrug it off. I want to do it no matter what people think."

George said the club also teaches him about things "outside of gymnastics."

He added: "When they were talking about knife crime in the news, we all sat down before our lesson and had a long talk about it.

"It has made me feel more aware of what's happening in the world."

Eddie, aged nine, is one of the club's newest recruits, having been there for two months.

He also plays football, but said gymnastics was his "favourite sport."

Eddie added: "It doesn't matter that more girls do gymnastics than boys. Anyone can do any sports, there are no rules."

His parents, Ollie and Steph, said they were "so proud" of their son for doing the sport "regardless" of what people think.

Steph said: "It's great to see him discover what his passion is and overcome stereotypes at such a young age. That's the beauty of this place."

Darron told the BBC he wants to see more spaces like Dako, as they help in combatting issues facing young men today.

He said: "The best part of the job for me is seeing these boys grow and develop as people.

"We want to build on their values and make them well rounded individuals. This club is a medium for them to do that."

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