Salford celebrates the club roots behind Reuben Ward’s gold

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-13 07:32 3 min read

A cameraman films a young male gymnast standing in a professional gymnastics training center.

Reuben Ward returned to the Salford gym where he developed as a young athlete after making history at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Ward won gold in the all-around gymnastics competition and silver on the pommel horse, then received a surprise homecoming celebration at Manchester Academy of Gymnastics in Weaste. The academy, known locally as MAG, was the place where he trained throughout his development.

The celebration put the focus on the coaches, training environment and community support behind an athlete who went from a Salford gym to the international stage. Ward represented Scotland at the Games, but his years of preparation were rooted in Salford.

Commonwealth medals after years at a Salford gym

The all-around title is awarded to the gymnast with the strongest combined performance across the competition, while Ward also added a pommel horse silver medal. His two-medal result gave the academy a direct connection to one of the standout achievements of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Manchester Academy of Gymnastics opened in 2018 and has become a community hub as well as a venue for competitive training. Its work includes free gymnastics sessions for local residents, dedicated SEND sessions for children and young people with additional needs, mental health drop-ins and free meals for local families.

Those services mean the celebration was about more than one medal-winning performance. For families using the academy, Ward’s journey offered a visible example of where sustained access to coaching and sport can lead.

Coaches at Manchester Academy of Gymnastics mark Ward’s return

MAG owner Maxine Grech said Ward’s success showed what can happen when young people have the opportunity, encouragement and support to pursue their ambitions.

“Reuben’s achievement shines a spotlight on the academy’s commitment to making sport accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance,” she said. “The club works to remove barriers to participation and create opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop friendships and succeed both in sport and in life.”

The academy’s inclusive offer supports Salford City Council’s Child Friendly City ambition and its work to help residents lead healthier, happier and more independent lives.

A Salford success with a wider community connection

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Salford’s Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Sports and Leisure, said Ward’s route from local gymnast to Commonwealth Games champion was a source of pride for the city.

“His journey from local gymnast to Commonwealth Games champion serves as an inspiration to the next generation of athletes across the city and shows the impact a local community club can have on a young person’s life,” she said.

For Manchester Academy of Gymnastics, the homecoming linked Ward’s Commonwealth Games medals to the everyday sessions and support available in Weaste. The club’s celebration recognised an elite result while highlighting the local setting where his gymnastics career began.

Source: Salford City Council News

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This report draws on the council’s account of Ward’s celebration and statements from the academy and council representative.

Checks

Confirmed Ward’s reported Commonwealth Games medals and disciplines.
Confirmed the celebration venue as Manchester Academy of Gymnastics in Weaste.
Checked the academy’s listed community services against the supplied council report.
Attributed comments to Maxine Grech and Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith.

Salford City Council News Check Commonwealth Games coverage