Coaches in England can now benefit from the latest phase in an ambitious new coaching programme launched in conjunction with the ASA Talent Development team.  The ‘Advanced Coaching Offer’ will provide targeted support to up to 160 proactive, talented, developing coaches across England over a four year period.

The programme offers a structured process of mentoring, support and development through access to the ASA Beacon centres and the ASA Talent Development team.  At absolutely no cost to the coach or club, the programme will provide coaches with the opportunity to shape their future in aquatic coaching with a programme of observation/analyses of coaching sessions, one to one discussions, coaching at regional Beacon programmes and attendance at talent camps. 

Colin Huffen, the ASA’s National Education Officer, said: “The ASA are investing approximately £10million in coach education, development and support to ensure gold medal success in London 2012 and the legacy beyond.  This programme will provide essential support for coaches to develop and flourish and help us to achieve this.  Aspirational coaches who want to expand their coaching knowledge, skills and experience will benefit from a totally personalised support package.

“This is the first programme of this type for developing coaches and is an excellent opportunity for up to 10 coaches per region to really push their careers forward.  It will also provide future benefits as afterwards they will provide support to other coaches within their locality.”

To be eligible, coaches must live in England, coach in a swim21 club for a minimum of six hours per week, hold the UKCC Level 2 Coaching qualification (or equivalent, or be willing to undertake within a year), have an ongoing commitment to self improvement and be willing to support other coaches in the area.

Interested parties should download and complete the Application Form by 31st July 2009.  Successful applicants will be contacted week commencing 10th August 2009 and interviews held throughout September. Click here to download Candidate Information and here for the Application Form.

-ENDS-

For more information contact the ASA PR Assistant Claire Freeman on 01509 632262 or email claire.freeman@swimming.org

About the ASA
The ASA 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 1,220 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure. The ASA aims to ensure everybody has an opportunity to learn to swim.

About British Gas
British Gas, the biggest energy supplier in the country, has the lowest carbon intensity of any of the major UK energy suppliers in terms of tonnes of CO2 emitted per megawatt hour of electricity supplied to customers.  The company is one of the biggest investors in renewable power generation, principally offshore wind. Its recently completed Lynn and Inner Dowsing development, off the Lincolnshire coast, is the UK's largest offshore wind development. British Gas is committed to energy efficiency.  Our Energy Savers Report provides free expert advice on how you can cut energy use in the home and, in turn, save money.  So far, the report has shown over 2 million people how they could make an average saving of £175 a year.  To complete a report go to .www.britishgas.co.uk/energy-efficiency/energy-savers-report

About Kellogg’s
The Kellogg Company was founded in 1906 and today produces 40 different cereals including popular brands such as Special K, Cornflakes and Coco Pops, and 56 different snacks including brands such as Nutri-Grain and Special K snacks. Kellogg’s has been a partner of the ASA and British Swimming for 13 years, sponsoring the Kellogg’s ASA Awards and enabling over 50,000 people to take up swimming as part of an active lifestyle.

About Speedo®
The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations. Supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level, including the phenomenal Michael Phelps, Speedo® is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, LZR PULSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, FLIPTURNS, FASTSKINFSII, SPEEDO BIOFUSE, SWYM and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents pending.

 

More clubs have shown they are providing the best environment for all by successfully receiving swim21 accreditation from the ASA.

At the recent National Panel, 31 new swim21 accreditations were awarded, while 12 clubs received re-accreditation, showing their commitment to the programme for a further four years.

swim21 is the ASA’s ‘quality mark’ - recognising the club’s commitment to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their swimmers and non-swimming members.

The majority of accreditations come from swimming clubs but the disciplines of Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo increased their numbers yet again this quarter, with two new accreditations from Synchro and four from Water Polo. This included the Manchester Sharks Water Polo Club, the first Club in the country to achieve the Foundation level for Water Polo.

The Manchester Sharks have weekly training sessions, compete in some of the world's largest sporting events, play in a local league and host international tournaments. The Sharks are also an essential part of the gay community in Manchester as a club for gays and lesbians ‘with a thundering passion for water polo.’ 

They sought swim21 Foundation because this level recognises clubs that are focused towards adult/senior members and who also have an emphasis on the community side of the sport.

David Flack of the National Panel said: “As well as those clubs who have worked to achieve accreditation for the first time, it is especially pleasing to see clubs who are coming back a second time to reaccredit, quite often adding a second or even a third swim21 level to their operation”.

The current total number of swim21 accreditations stands at 521 and is made up as follows:
Swimming   479
Diving      16
Synchronised Swimming   15
Water Polo      11

For the full list of accreditations Click Here