A CHESTER-BASED trampolining club is preparing to make the leap and expand into Ellesmere Port.

When trampoline coach Colin Hall moved to Chester from Kent in 2017, he hoped he'd be able to join a club in the city to continue with the sport he'd enjoyed for over 40 years.

To his surprise there was no club, so he decided to start his own and he has been overwhelmed with its popularity.

Currently based at the Northgate Arena in Chester, but expanding soon to Ellesmere Port Sports Village, Chester Trampoline Club already has 70 members and operates five weekly sessions.

It is now in its second year of operation and Colin has built up a coaching team of six qualified coaches with another three taking their first qualification very soon.

Demand is so great that Colin is opening two more sessions at Ellesmere Port Sports Village in April.

The popularity of the club has led to Colin investing in new trampolines and safety equipment, including the provision of a safety rig at Northgate Arena, which will help with the teaching of high-level moves such as double somersaults.

Trampolining has also been added to the children's holiday programme at both Northgate Arena and EPSV.

Colin now has plans for another trampoline and for the club to enter competitions for the first time later this year.

He said: "Trampolining has been a passion of mine since I was at school so I well understand why children love it so much. The sport has been given a boost by the popularity of trampoline parks.

"Children often try it out there and then come to me to learn how to do the moves safely and competently."

And Colin really does know what he's talking about. He is a British Gymnastics senior coach and he was Kent Men's Champion three times.

He also coached Team GB Olympian Kat Driscoll for three years.

When asked is he has found the next trampolining Olympian in Chester, Colin replied: "I certainly have some promising performers in the club, so who knows!"

Local schools have also been quick to take advantage of Colin’s skills and experience. He is working with three schools to support their students with their PE GCSEs and A-levels, as well as recreational sessions.

There are a few spaces available at the new sessions at EPSV and various courses running at both centres over Easter.

Colin can be contacted on 07758 701771 or you can visit the club's website at www.chestertrampolineclub.co.uk.