The English Championships have been cancelled for 2021: https://www.british-gymnastics.org/england/latest-news/9295-2021-ma-wa-english-championships-cancelled?fbclid=IwAR2shyldbnrcowLs2lmcOjwpGGgAsUGBRiq6euMao632bN7z7xRs_bAS6dM
South Essex gym club is about 10 miles from Chelmsford.
You could also have a look on the British Gymnastic website for other clubs in the area. https://www.british-gymnastics.org/discover/club
I would also say go for it. However not all physiotherapists and sports therapist are equal so I'd try and get a recommendation, from a coach at the gym if possible.
It might also be worth checking to see whether any of the coaches have a background in sports therapy / massage / physiology as...
Try Gymnastics Planet, Gymnastics Express or Elite International for bar gloves, wristbands, a bag and loops (check what size you need first).
Leotards and shorts are easier to find, Milano, GK (Elite International), Quatro and The Zone are all fairly popular brands in the UK.
I hope that helps.
They will also be able to tell you if they have a non-compete agreement in place with other clubs which stops the other clubs from accepting gymnasts who have previously trained with them.
I know of at least 3 clubs local to us who have this in place, gymnastics is a small world and the coaches...
The Zone are quite good for reasonably priced velour or plain Lycra training leotards. My eldest has one that's 3 years old and it still looks like new. They're not quite as shiny or sparkly but they wash well!
My daughter has a Star leotard - she got it for Christmas last year. They are stunning when they first arrive.
Sizing is fairly standard - about the same as Milano.
However the foil has come off my daughter's star leotard which hasn't happened on any of her others. The one she chose was a two...
In addition to everything else I would also consider the qualification level of the coaches at your current gym. If they aren't qualified to a high level then they won't be able to coach the harder moves.
I think it depends on your County. The County we were in did 4 piece grades (no range and conditioning).
They appeared to be in the following order:
Grades 4 - 1
Pre-level
Levels 5 - 1 ( I think)
I'm not so sure about the levels, hopefully someone else will have further info.
Locally Grade...