ASA launches swimming coach development programme

Fifteen swimming coaches from around the country have been chosen to take part in a new development programme devised by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).

Coach 2024 has been launched by the ASA’s talent development team, England Programmes Swimming, to develop the abilities of the coaches and bring on the “next generation of top class” professionals.

The 14-month programme will cover all aspects of coaching, including technical skills and greater awareness, which will enable them to “better support athletes”.

It has been developed to complement national governing body British Swimming’s coaching pathway.

The successful candidates are: Kevin Brooks (Wycombe), Josh Williamson (Guildford), James Richards (Leeds), Dan Cross (Thanet), Janko Gojkovic (Hatfield), Amanda Booth (Oxford), Mark Spackman (Wolverhampton), Mike Taylor (Sheffield), Andy Wallace (Doncaster), Jo John (Exeter), Mark Lappin (Kirklees), Ben Negus (Peterborough), Barry Alldrick (Poole), Danny Thompson (Sunderland) and Alex Pinniger (Norwich).

Grant Robins, England Programmes Swimming team leader, said: “The programme has been designed to test and challenge participants, embedding behaviour changes and technical improvements so they can support our swimmers at the highest levels.

“With the support of internal ASA staff and a strong line-up of external experts, we have produced an exciting and innovative programme.”