British Swimming ITC – Stirling Partnership

The British Swimming ITC – Stirling is based at the University of Stirling, on campus in the National Swimming Academy.  Key partners, Scottish Swimming, sportscotland and the University of Stirling work together with British Swimming to deliver a world-class performance environment for the sport.

ITC Programme

Doug Frost joins the British Swimming coaching team to lead the ITC programme at Stirling.  Doug has an outstanding reputation as a coach, having led, among other Olympians, the legendary Ian Thorpe to the summit of his career.  Doug has also received the coveted accolade of Coach of the Quadrennium 1996-2000 awarded by the World Swimming Coaches Association. 

Supported by senior coach Rob Greenwood, Doug will drive an ITC group comprising a maximum of twelve athletes.  His role will also give him an overview of Stirling University’s own Performance Squad to ensure athletes can be fast-tracked where appropriate.

ITC Facilities

Key partners involved in the ITC come together to provide a range of services, which are based at the heart of the University campus.

The Scottish Institute of Sport headquarters is located within close proximity of the pool centre and will deliver a full range of sports science and medicine support services to complement the core support provided by British Swimming. 

The Scottish Institute of Sport offers a host of services to athletes with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, applied innovation and swimming-specific projects. These services include strength and conditioning, lifestyle support, physiotherapy, sport psychology and sports medicine.

The ITC has unlimited access to a purpose-built performance fitness centre, a dedicated weights area and sports halls. The pool also boasts a land training room located next to the 50m pool deck which is available for exclusive, performance swimming use. An athletics track, athletics technical equipment, running trails and hill climbing also feature on campus and are accessible to the ITC group.

Academic Programmes

The University has a successful history in performance sport and a strong performance culture prevails, providing a first class environment for ITC athletes. The Department of Sports Studies offers seven Bachelor and Masters degree courses, specialising in sports related programmes including a BA (Hons) in Sports Studies, a combined BA (Hons) course in Sports Studies with subjects, an MSc in Sports Management and an MSc in Sports Coaching.  The University is also the hub the delivery of UKCC swimming qualifications from levels 1-4.

The University has partnership arrangements with Colleges of Further Education in the region, enabling ITC athletes to study elsewhere and train on campus, with the opportunity to embark on a University course in a subsequent year.

All flexible study arrangements are facilitated by the Sports Performance Manager in the Department of Sports Studies.
 
Scholarships

Stirling was the second university in the UK to offer a comprehensive sports scholarship programme. In 2007-08, scholarships ranged from £500 to £5,000 per year. Financial support is also available for one or more of the following: travel, accommodation, academic fees, clothing and equipment.

British Swimming, along with its partners in Stirling, can facilitate scholarship and/or financial support applications for ITC athletes.  In the first instance, more general enquiries should be directed to John Atkinson at British Swimming.

Accommodation

The University offers a wide range of accommodation to ITC athletes. Many of Stirling’s performance swimmers live in groups of 5 in chalet bungalows located on campus, within a 5 minute walk of the National Swimming Academy and other sports facilities. Alternatives include on-campus rooms in halls of residences, which are guaranteed, at no obligation to ITC athletes.  British Swimming and its partners will assist ITC athletes wherever possible in securing their preferred accommodation choice.

About Stirling

Stirling is known as the gateway to the highlands.  The small city sits at the top of an extinct volcano and is home to one of Scotland’s grandest castles and is one of the best preserved mediaeval centres in the country.

Stirling is located between Edinburgh and Glasgow and has a population of 45,000. For more information go to www.visitstirling.org.

Visit British Swimming ITC – Stirling

If you would like to experience what the ITC Stirling has to offer, contact Doug Frost on doug.frost@swimmign.org at British Swimming to arrange a day visit or extended stay and an opportunity to discuss your training with the ITC Head Coach.  Accommodation can be provided on campus and where appropriate, British Swimming will consider meeting associated costs.