Two top swimming coaches are set to graduate (9th November) from the highly-regarded UK Sport Elite Coach scheme after three years developing their skills and knowledge.
Gallica’s Head Coach Louise Graham and British Gas ITC Coach Graeme Antwhistle were chosen as ten of the most talented young coaches in 2006. The scheme which started in 2004 has grown in strength and has seen a total of four aquatic coaches already graduate from the scheme.
The Elite Coach scheme was established to accelerate the development of the nation’s most exciting coaching prospects across a wide range of sports. The focus has been on practical applications to elite coaching, and there has been a strong emphasis on the skills required to lead a high performance programme and manage a team of expert support staff in order to maximise athletic performance.
Each coach has benefited from quality learning experiences featuring the latest international research presented by leading experts.
Graham moved from the British Gas ITC in Loughborough to her current Head Coach position at Gallica earlier this year and has felt that the transition was made easier by the skills she learnt through the scheme.
“The scheme was really tailored to our development which was great,” Graham said. “Each year was very self-driven and that meant that we could all get what we needed out of the course. I am looking forward to the graduation but it is sad that the programme has now come to an end.
“The scheme gave me a good toolbox to lead the programme at Gallica. It has enabled me to see the bigger picture about things. I have been able to plan the programme to make itdriven for the individuals at the club.
“The scheme taught me about self awareness too. I have learnt which parts of my behaviour motivate people and which part annoy people. I know more about myself and that has allowed me to recognise when I am at my best and how to get the best out of the swimmers.”
This year has seen Gallica celebrate success at both the British Gas Scottish National Championships and the British Gas ASA National Championships and Gallica swimmer Dan Sliwinski broke James Gibson’s 100m Breaststroke British record.
“Dan’s record was definitely one of the highlights for me working with Gallica. It happened on the first day of Nationals and it gave everyone a lift. I had only been with the club for 12/13 weeks before the competition and so to see the performances they brought out was great. Everyone just raised their bar and performed well.”
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For further details contact British Swimming Media Officer Gemma Field on 01509 632238, 07917 726431 or email gemma.field@swimming.org
About British Swimming
British Swimming is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Open Water in Great Britain. It is responsible internationally for the high performance representation of the sport. The members of British Swimming are the three Home Countries national governing bodies of England (ASA), Scotland (Scottish ASA) and Wales. (Welsh ASA) British Swimming seeks to enable its athletes to achieve gold medal success at the Olympics, Paralympics, World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
About British Gas
British Gas is Britain's favourite domestic energy supplier. As well as providing gas and electricity, it also installs and maintains central heating and gas appliances in millions of homes throughout the country. British Gas is very proud to be the principal partner of British Swimming and home countries: The ASA, Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales. British Gas is supporting the team's quest for medals on the world and Olympic stage - and giving as many people as possible the opportunity to learn to swim and use swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. British Gas wants to ensure local pools remain at the heart of our communities. By using its expertise, it can help them reduce costs by being more energy efficient and safeguard the facilities for this and future generations. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming
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