New programme to develop top class coaches launched
A group of 15 swimming coaches has been selected to take part in an exciting new programme aimed at creating the next generation of top class coaches.
Coach 2024 has been created by the ASA’s talent development team, England Programmes Swimming, to support the best coaches in the country develop their abilities.
The 14-month programme is aimed at coaches who are already working at the highest levels of the England Talent Pathway. It will cover all aspects of coaching, from enhancing their technical skills to developing a greater awareness of themselves that will enable them to better support their athletes.
Grant Robins, England Programmes Swimming Team Leader, said: “We are dedicated to supporting our coaches to fulfil their potential and become the best coaches possible, and we are extremely encouraged with the number and standard of applicants for the programme.
“Coach 2024 will help a cohort of 15 coaches become expert practitioners, both in the technical and soft skill aspects of their roles. The programme has been designed to test and challenge participants, embedding behaviour changes and technical improvements so they can support our swimmers at the highest levels.
“With the support of internal ASA staff and a strong line up of external experts, we have produced an exciting and innovative programme. I am sure the group of coaches will benefit hugely from being part of this initiative and wish them all the best of luck.”
Coach 2024 has been developed to ensure it is closely aligned the British Swimming coaching pathway. Tim Jones, Head of Elite Development at British Swimming, said: “We are pleased to be working close together with the ASA to ensure a fully cohesive coaching pathway is in place, and this positive initiative can only help with the development of a new generation of coaches."
Guildford City Swimming Club coach, Josh Williamson, is one of 15 coaches selected to take part in the programme. He said: “It's an honour to be selected for the Coach 2024 programme alongside coaching peers that I respect and admire.
“I hope this programme will continue my development as a coach, opening up new challenges and how best to approach them.”
Para-swimming coach, Alex Pinniger from City of Norwich Swimming Club, added: “I am delighted to have been selected on to the Coach 2024 programme. It is an excellent opportunity to develop both myself and my club. The integrated and flexible learning approach is ideally suited to our coaching environment and I am especially looking forward to joining the group of coaches to connect with and share experiences and ideas.”
Coach 2024 launches on 16 November 2016. The successful applicants represent fifteen swimming and para-swimming clubs across England.
The programme consists of a number of workshops and mentoring sessions that have been designed to test and challenge participants, embedding the British Swimming and England Programmes’ Team Coaching Principles into daily coaching practice.
For more information visit www.swimming.org/asa/teaching-and-coaching or email England Programmes Coach Development Lead, Joanna Jones on joanna.jones@swimming.org.
