The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) has again proven its dedication to increasing participation in the sport by appointing a Lifelong Participation Officer – Nuala Muir-Cochrane.
The new job role will encompass development of a strategy for the organisation’s vibrant Masters programme and will work to increase participation in swimmers aged 16 and over.
Former national swimmer Muir-Cochrane has substantial experience in both public and private sector swimming development and is enjoying getting her teeth into the role. Her primary focus is to reduce the drop out of swimmers in their late teens and build a pathway to help keep more people in the sport for longer.
“It is important that we work hard to keep swimmers aged between 16 and 19 in the sport,” Muir-Cochrane said. “This is the age when most swimmers will stop training and move away from the sport and now we need to make it a more attractive option for them. This will include looking at how offer swimming in colleges, school and Higher Education. I will also be working with clubs to help them re-engage with these swimmers.
“My main aim is to obviously increase participation. We already know that swimming is a popular activity, but I believe with a better structure in place we can really make an impact in the swimming careers of these youngsters.
“I am also looking forward to the challenge of persuading adults to adopt swimming as their main activity of choice, and providing a clear direction for the extension of the current Masters programme. We want to make swimming part of the population’s healthy lifestyles.”
ASA Masters Committee Chairman Verity Dobbie is excited about the new position and urges masters swimmers to speak to her this weekend.
“With increasing Government interest in persuading people to undertake active lifestyles this appointment couldn’t have come at a better time. We are excited about the chance to promote swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle and the sport of choice amongst the over 16 population. Our Masters’ swimmers are fully aware of what a great sport we are involved in and the benefits which follow from regular exercise.
“Nuala’s previous swimming experience as both competitor and administrator will be invaluable in enhancing the current Masters set up and will also provide the sport with a fantastic opportunity to promote the fitness friendship and fun inherent in our discipline to the wider public, encouraging people to have a go.”
Muir-Cochrane will be attending the ASA National Masters and Senior Age Group Championships (25m) in Sheffield this weekend and will be meeting with Masters swimmers to hear their views about the future of the sport.
-ENDS-
For more information please contact ASA Media Assistant Gemma Field on 01509 632262, 07917 726431 or by email gemma.field@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 1,220 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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