MEET THE leaders & coaches

ROBERT ELLINGS
FOUNDER

With a passion for developing children, nurturing their talents and an absolute love for sport, it’s no wonder Rob founded ClubNorth fifteen years ago. In that time, ClubNorth has grown from humble roots and developed into one of London’s greatest sports programmes for children.

Rob’s most recent role was Director of Sport for ten years at one of London's leading and largest independent Nursery, Pre and Prep Schools, overseeing the Physical Education and Games of up to 800 students. He has run programmes at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Saracens Allianz Park, Wimbledon LTA and his philanthropic work has raised £36,000 for the ‘Bottom’s Up’ bowel cancer charity.

His teaching methods have consistently been rated “Outstanding” by OFSTED, ISI and by Senior Leadership Teams throughout his career. He’s also a former professional cricketer who was selected for the Australian U17 and U19 teams and Tasmanian First Class Squad as well as being awarded the prestigious TAS scholarship for cricket and sponsorship deals with Kookaburra.

Originally from Tasmania, Rob has a degree in Sports Science, as well as a PGCE, MBA and CIPD membership. He has over 20 years experience firstly as a PE Teacher and latterly for ten years as a Director of Sport and has worked in both state and independent schools across Nursery, Prep and Senior in Australia, Asia and here in the UK.

Rob is married with two young and energetic children who you will regularly find on the rings and balance beam at ClubNorth Gymnastics!

ALEX Pakrah
HEAD COACH

Gymnastics has always been a huge part of Alex’s life. As a child he loved being able to flip and be upside down, he went on to train at a young age and always knew he wanted to be a coach in the sport once he had finished competing.

Alex has been coaching now for 27 years, coaching adult gymnastics to international level and coaching recreational gymnastics to children and adults of all ages. Until recently, he was Head Gymnastics Coach at Talacre Sports Centre in North London for ten years where he delivered a high level gymnastics programme for children which was consistently over-subscribed.

The highlight of Alex’s coaching career was in 2002 when his U14 team became Junior British Champions. He was also selected, after a nationwide audition for selected high-level coaches, to take part in the BBC1 series “Tumble” for three months. This involved being a gymnastics coach to a TV celebrity who went on to win the show with his gymnastics routines! Alex loved the experience and is delighted that the celebrity he worked with continues to do gymnastics.

Despite enjoying his experience on television, Alex is passionate about gymnastics and working with young people to develop a life long love of gymnastics.

Alex can be found at ClubNorth Gymnastics most days leading the team of coaches in motivating and developing the young people they work with. When Alex is not at ClubNorth he enjoys pursuing his love of travel.

Emma

Emma is a Level 1 British Gymnastics qualified coach. Gymnastics has always played an important role in Emma’s life and she is passionate about giving children the opportunity to explore their love for gymnastics too. She loves to see children grow as a gymnasts and simultaneously grow in their confidence and ambition.

maya

Maya is a Level 1 British Gymnastics qualified coach and is currently working towards her Level 2. Whilst competing in GFA, Maya’s specialism was floor and vault and is currently studying physiotherapy at University.

rocky

Rocky is a Level 1 British Gymnastics qualified coach and is currently working towards her Level 2. Whilst competing in GFA, Rocky’s specialism was floor and vault and is looking forward to her University studies in September.

adamos

Adamos is a Level 2 British Gymnastics qualified coach and is currently working towards his Level 3. He loves teaching floor and fault and is an athletic all rounder also teaching Physical Education, Athletics and Football. In his downtime, Adamos enjoys spending time with his young family.

Anna

Anna is a Level 2 Artistic and Level 1 Rhythmic coach. She also has a degree in dance and enjoys combining both her passions when working on artistry or choreographing floor routines.

luke

Luke is a Level 2 British Gymnastics qualified coach and is currently working towards his Level 3. Whilst competing in London Men’s competition, Luke’s specialism was in artistic gymnastics and floor, rings, vault and in competition judging. In his downtime, Luke likes working out in the gym and is currently working towards a degree in Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning.

Sophie

Sophie is a Level 2 Coach and has been coaching gymnastics since 2015. She loves seeing children develop their skills and confidence and particularly enjoys teaching floor and vault.

dominique

MANOS

Manos is a passionate Level 2 coach and originally from Greece with 5 years of experience. He is committed to achieving excellence and helping gymnasts reach their full potential.

MARIE

Marie is Level 1 BG coach with a passion for nurturing young people and their love for gymnastics.

Eliza

Eliza is a former competitive gymnast and after recently finishing university she is now excited to be back in the gymnastics world as a coach working towards her level 1.

Lauran

Lauran is a former competitive gymnast with 14 years experience competing in GFA floor and vault. She is passionate about gymnastics and helping children foster the love for the sport that she has.