Affinity was founded in September 2006 by Jennifer Page, at Sheredes Primary School in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, UK. After the school purchased some gymnastics equipment from a lottery award, Jen became the coach to run the classes. It became so popular within its first year that the school asked Jen to take over the running of the club as well as the coaching.

In September 2007, the club (then named Sheredes Gymnastics) became registered with British Gymnastics, continued the school after school sessions and started adding pre-school classes on Saturdays and competitive squad classes later in the evenings.

Our first gymnasts competed within Hertfordshire in early 2008 and the club continued to develop, adding more days and classes and coaches. 

To reflect the growth and development of club, the need for its own identity became apparent. We rebranded the club to Affinity Gymnastics in 2012 and the search for our premises began. We wanted to offer a unique experience where people of all ages and abilities can feel good about themselves, and achieve success in an atmosphere designed for health, movement and fun. 

After much searching (and visualisation!) we found a local space, renovated it, and Affinity HQ in Hoddesdon was opened in August 2014. Classes continued at Sheredes Primary School, as they do today.

The club pretty much tripled in membership over the next 18 months, culminating in winning the National Club of the Year award from British Gymnastics. 

We then expanded our offering and developed Parkour as one of our activities, reflecting the broadening of the sport and our innovative approach.