Our Team
The people behind Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy — united by care, professionalism, and a shared commitment to children’s wellbeing.
At Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy, our team extends beyond coaches alone. It includes programme leadership, safeguarding oversight, and trusted professionals who support a safe, positive, and enriching environment for every child and family.
Every member of the KCGA team plays a defined role within a structured system designed to deliver high-quality gymnastics with care, consistency, and accountability.
Programme Leadership & Oversight
KCGA’s programme is founded and overseen by Dr Stefan Kolimechkov, Founder & Director of Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy.
He is responsible for curriculum design, coach mentoring, safeguarding standards, and long-term programme development across all KCGA locations. While day-to-day classes are delivered by the coaching team, all sessions follow a consistent structure and philosophy shaped through scientific research, professional practice, and ongoing quality review.
This leadership model ensures that every family benefits from the same standards of care, regardless of location or coach.
Coaching Team
Our coaches are carefully selected for their ability to teach gymnastics in a way that is safe, structured, encouraging, and age-appropriate. They work within KCGA’s programme framework and receive ongoing guidance and support to ensure consistency and quality.
Small group sizes allow our coaches to build meaningful connections with children while supporting individual progress.
Coach Venia
Coach Venia joined the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy in November 2024 to bring elegance and style in our club. She holds a BSc degree in Physical Education and Sport Science and an MA degree in Dance Performance. As a professional dancer and a former track and field athlete, she has a deep passion for movement and a strong foundation in athletic performance. With extensive experience teaching gymnastics, she combines technical expertise with a dynamic and engaging coaching style. Venia also practices parkour, tricking, and climbing, bringing a versatile approach to training. Committed to helping athletes develop strength, flexibility, and confidence, she creates a supportive environment where gymnasts can reach their full potential.
“I can help athletes achieve their goals in a manner which also incorporates fun and joy.”
Coach Silvia
Coach Silvia has over 25 years of professional experience, deeply involved in gymnastics and coaching. She joined the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics in May 2025. Her passion for the sport began at the age of six, and since then she has won multiple national titles, becoming a two-time Absolute World Champion, three-time Absolute European Champion, and a World Cup holder. After graduating from a sports high school and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Acrobatics Coaching and Physical Education from the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria, she moved to Italy, where she taught recreational gymnastics. In 2016, Silvia relocated to London, continuing her coaching career with gymnasts of all ages. Coach Silvia has a Level 2 British Gymnastics qualifications in Acrobatics, and she is dedicated to helping young athletes develop discipline, achieve their potential, and foster a lifelong love for gymnastics.
“Working with children is especially rewarding, as their energy and creativity inspire me. I’m dedicated to helping young gymnasts develop their potential and foster a lifelong love for gymnastics.”
Coach David
Coach David joined Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy in September 2025, bringing over 16 years of experience in competitive gymnastics and diving. He began gymnastics at the age of six before switching to diving from age 12 to 18, winning medals on the 10m platform. He later returned to gymnastics while studying at the University of Oxford, where he earned an MEng in Materials Science.
During his time at Oxford, David served as Men’s Captain of the University Gymnastics Club, leading the Men’s First Team to a historic 2nd-place finish at BUCS and securing Oxford’s first Varsity Match victory over Cambridge in more than a decade. He also won the Men’s All-Around title at both BUCS and the Varsity Match.
David is passionate about applying his competitive experience to coaching and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts. He is currently studying for a PhD in Materials Science at Imperial College London.
“I want to inspire the next generation of young gymnasts by applying my competitive gymnastics experience.”
Welfare & Safeguarding
KCGA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all children.
Our Welfare Officer acts as an independent point of contact for safeguarding matters and supports the academy’s commitment to best practice in child protection, wellbeing, and communication with families.
Safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly and embedded into all aspects of academy life, from coach training to class delivery and parent communication.
Welfare Officer Mary-Anne
Mary-Anne Gordon has been the Club Secretary / Manager and Deputy Welfare Officer at Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy since 2022, and our Club Welfare Officer since 2024. She helps uphold safeguarding standards of the club and ensures that the values of the club are embedded. She brings a wealth of experience to the club having worked with various age groups in London. Her qualifications include a Bachelor’s of Education degree, QTS, and Designated Safeguard Lead Training.
“Gymnastics is a fantastic sport, which provides the best health-related fitness foundations for primary school children. I strongly encourage you to join our club and invest in the physical health of your children.”
Photography & Media
KCGA works with a dedicated academy photographer to document performances, events, and special moments throughout the year.
This allows us to:
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Celebrate children’s achievements
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Maintain consistent, high-quality visual records
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Ensure photography is handled professionally and respectfully
All photography is managed in line with our safeguarding and consent policies. Parents are always informed, and children’s wellbeing and privacy remain our priority.
Club Photographer
Kseniia has been our club’s photographer since 2022. She captured wonderful images at our Christmas, Easter, and Halloween sessions, as well as the Annual Performance at the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics. Bringing a blend of creativity and professionalism, Kseniia captures the real, spontaneous moments that make our gymnastics events so special. With years of experience and a background in photography, her style focuses on natural light and genuine emotion.
“I will capture the best moments from your child's gymnastics events.”
Together, our team works behind the scenes and in the gym to create a positive, structured, and welcoming experience for every child. Families choose KCGA not only for our locations and programme, but for the people and systems that support their child’s journey in gymnastics.