Moving to Australia to work at FCGC

Hi everyone,
I am Coach Kelesa and this is my story about moving to Australia, and how I became a Coach at FCGC.

I first arrived in Australia in March 2018 for a 3 week holiday, traveling from the other side of the world from my home town of Sligo in Ireland. I immediately fell in love with everything about Melbourne and I knew I had to make living there a possibility.

When I arrived home after my trip I investigated the visa process to move to Melbourne and it all happened very fast from there. After interviewing with FCGC via Skype, we got the ball rolling and worked quickly through the visa process. Within only 3 months I was back in Melbourne!

I have been involved personally in gymnastics from the young age of 5, having competed both at national and an international level. After finishing as an athlete, I went on to coach and have now been coaching for 19 years.

Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life and to be here in Australia working in a job that I love so much is a dream come true.

I come from an Acrobatics and Tumbling background. This meant moving to FCGC would give me the opportunity to expand my gymnastics knowledge and learn about Artistic gymnastics, which I had never been able to do before. Having always wanted to learn this discipline, I was so happy when I was offered training when I got to FCGC. I've really enjoyed it so far and can't wait to get more knowledge in that area.

I've been made to feel so welcome since arriving here in July. All the staff are so helpful and really chatty, happy people to work with. It's made my move here so much easier. Australia has been the dream come true for me in every way and I'm working in my dream job, surrounded by positive happy people. I couldn’t want anything more. I have met some amazing people while I have been here at FCGC, and all though the weather may not have been that great in winter... it's been lovely to see the blue skies every day!

I know I will miss my family and friends. With them being so far away, it's not that easy to jump on a plane and fly home for the weekend! However, Australia has captured my heart when I first came here for a holiday and right now I've got to follow it. I'm excited to see what the future has in store for me on this amazing adventure.

At the end of October I will be returning to Ireland for a quick trip, but won’t worry! I will be back in Melbourne before the end of the year and I am so excited to see all of FCGCs gymnasts perform at the End of Year Display.

- Coach Kelesa
FCGC COACH