Where Gymnasts Become Confident Competitors
Michigan Academy of Gymnastics offers a clear competitive pathway built on strong fundamentals, safe progressions, and positive coaching. Whether your child is working toward their first meet or has big goals ahead, we help athletes grow— one skill at a time.
Safety-First Progressions
Strong basics, smart skill building, and consistent technique—so gymnasts grow confidently and safely.
Positive Team Culture
Coaches who build resilience, work ethic, and confidence—on and off the floor.
A Clear Pathway
From first meets to higher goals, families understand the “why,” the next steps, and the expectations.
Team Pathways at MAG
All programs focus on strong basics, safety, consistency, and a supportive team culture. Team placement is determined by readiness and long-term success—not a “jump-in” model.
Girls Pre-Team (Invitation Only)
A structured bridge between recreational classes and competitive team training.
- Foundations, shaping, strength & flexibility
- Coachability, focus, and training habits
- Preparation for Fun Meet, Xcel, or USAG pathways
Girls Fun Meet Team
A supportive introduction to routines, meets, and the team experience.
- Learn routines and meet readiness
- Build confidence through performance and teamwork
- Great first step toward competitive pathways
Xcel Team
A flexible competitive program with strong training and rewarding meet experiences.
- Balanced commitment with meaningful progress
- Routines built around strengths and skill range
- Great long-term competitive option
USAG Development Program (JO)
The traditional competitive track with structured progressions and training.
- Technical foundations on all events
- Goal-driven, long-term progression
- Commitment increases as levels advance
Boys Program (Westland Only)
Westland offers boys pre-team and competitive opportunities.
- Boys Pre-Team + Competitive Pathway
- Strength, basics, and skill development
- Positive culture + structured training
Locations
Competitive pathway information is consistent across MAG locations.
- Ann Arbor
- Garden City
- Westland
How Gymnasts Join Team
We love the excitement families have around competitive gymnastics. To protect athlete safety and set gymnasts up for success, team placement is determined through coach recommendation and/or evaluation.
New to Competitive Gymnastics
Gymnasts typically begin in recreational classes and may be invited to Pre-Team or Fun Meet when they demonstrate readiness: strong basics, strength, flexibility, focus, and coachability. From there, athletes can progress into Xcel or USAG over time.
Already Training on Team Elsewhere
Competitive gymnasts transferring from another gym follow a separate process so we can learn training background, goals, and best-fit placement. (Transfer athletes should contact our Meet Director below.)
Transfer Process: Contact the Meet Director
If your gymnast is currently (or recently) training on a competitive team at another gym and you’d like to discuss transferring to MAG, please email our Meet Director to talk through the process and next steps.
To help us respond efficiently, please include:
- Parent/Guardian name
- Gymnast name
- Age
- Level last completed
- Gym coming from
- What are you looking for at MAG that is different than what you are currently getting?
Which Program Is the Best Fit?
Not sure whether your gymnast belongs in Fun Meet, Xcel, or USAG Development Program? Here’s a simple side-by-side overview. (Exact schedules and expectations vary by level and location.)
| Program | Fun Meet Team Intro to meets + routines |
Xcel Team Flexible competitive pathway |
USAG Development Program (JO) Traditional competitive track |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for… | Gymnasts who want a first team experience and a supportive competition environment. | Gymnasts who want to compete and progress with a balanced commitment and flexible routine-building. | Gymnasts ready for a higher-commitment, structured progression with long-term training goals. |
| Training focus | Basics + routines + confidence + meet experience. | Strong fundamentals + skill growth + routines built around strengths. | Technical foundations + structured progressions + performance readiness. |
| Commitment | Lower to moderate (varies by group). | Moderate (varies by division/level). | Moderate to higher (increases by level). |
| Meets | Local meets designed to be a positive first experience. | Season meets based on division and schedule. | Season meets based on level and competition calendar. |
| How routines are built | Set routines appropriate for the program. | Flexible routines based on skill range and requirements. | Structured routines based on level requirements and progressions. |
| How to join | Coach recommendation and/or evaluation. | Coach recommendation, evaluation, or transfer evaluation. | Coach recommendation, evaluation, or transfer evaluation (placement based on readiness & safety). |
| Common next step | Continue in Fun Meet or transition to Xcel / USAG when ready. | Continue Xcel long-term or transition tracks (case-by-case). | Progress through levels over time. |
Competitive Team FAQ
Answers to common questions about commitment, meets, uniforms, costs, evaluations, and transfers.
How does my child get invited to team?
Gymnasts are typically invited from classes when they demonstrate readiness—strong basics, strength, flexibility, focus, and coachability. Some athletes may be scheduled for an evaluation to determine best-fit placement.
Do you offer open tryouts?
We typically use evaluations rather than open “tryouts.” This allows coaches to assess skills and readiness in a supportive environment and place gymnasts where they can be safe, successful, and confident.
How many days per week does team practice?
Practice frequency depends on the program path (Fun Meet, Xcel, or USAG) and increases with level. Schedules vary by location and group, and we share expectations once placement is determined.
How many meets will my gymnast compete in?
Meet participation depends on program and level. Most athletes compete in multiple meets throughout the season, with opportunities to build confidence and experience over time.
What are the costs for team?
Costs vary by program and may include tuition, competition entry fees, and uniform requirements. We provide detailed cost information once placement is confirmed so families can make an informed decision.
What uniforms are required?
Uniform requirements differ by program (Fun Meet, Xcel, USAG) and may include a competition leotard, warm-up apparel, and practice basics. We’ll share ordering details once placement is confirmed.
Can my gymnast “start on team” right away?
Because competitive gymnastics requires strong fundamentals and safe progressions, placement is determined by coach recommendation and/or evaluation. Many athletes begin in classes or an introductory program first, then move into team pathways when ready.