Reading Royals is the first synchronised swimming club in the country to achieve Swim 21 accreditation under the Amateur Swimming Association’s club development programme.
Launched in 2002 and amended at the beginning of 2006 to incorporate all aquatic disciplines, Swim 21 links in with Sport England’s Clubmark scheme and is the ASA’s quality mark for clubs.
Based on the principles of Long Term Athlete Development, Swim 21 encourages clubs to specialise in one of four disciplines; Teaching, Skill Development, Competitive Development and Performance.
Reading Royals has been accredited for Competitive Development, which means the club focuses on age group and junior athletes. It identifies athletes and nurtures them to ensure they achieve their potential on the national and international stage.
The Swim 21 accreditation comes at the right time for Reading Royals as synchro in Britain faces changes prompted by London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympics. Swim 21 provides a clearer opportunity of developing talent to produce the right results in London.
ASA National Development Officer for Synchro, Karen Thorpe, is pleased to see the first club gain Swim 21 accreditation, which sets the standard for others to follow.
“Reading Royals is an extremely well-organised club and they wanted to take a lead in achieving this Swim 21 accreditation,” said Thorpe.
“There are other clubs following suit now who are also putting together programmes that will gain Swim 21 accreditation in the near future.”
Thorpe has been liaising with the regions to ensure other clubs appreciate the benefit of Swim 21 accreditation, which is integral to producing athletes of a high standard.
“Swim 21 clubs will follow the Long Term Athlete Development model we have for synchronised swimming to ensure athletes at a certain age are receiving the best guidance,” explained Thorpe.
“There are many benefits to gaining Swim 21 such as additional support but the main element is ensuring we’re producing athletes capable of taking the sport forward. It creates a more professional environment and therefore a more professional athlete.”
Clubs interested in working towards Swim 21 accreditation should contact their Regional Development Officer.
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For further details contact Dave Richards, ASA Media Manager, on 01509 632237, 0778 992 6136 or email dave.richards@swimming.org
The Amateur Swimming Association is the English National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water, and Synchronised Swimming. It organises competition throughout England, establishes the Laws of the Sport and operates comprehensive certification and education programmes for Teachers, Coaches and Officials as well as its renowned Learn To Swim Awards scheme. The ASA supports 1,600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.
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