Volunteers train with the Institute of Swimming

Volunteers train with the Institute of Swimming to become Swim England Assistant coaches at Louth Dolphins Swimming Club

Louth Dolphins Swimming Club recently hosted a highly successful Swim England Assistant Swimming Coaches course at The Meridian Leisure Centre, Louth, Lincolnshire. The course, ran in collaboration with the Institute of Swimming and Swim England, provided aspiring coaches with a comprehensive learning experience, blending theoretical and practical training to develop their coaching skills.  

Course Structure & Practical Experience  

The course commenced in February with 12–15 hours of online study, followed by three interactive webinar sessions in March. To conclude, candidates participated in over four hours of practical experience, working across two club sessions at Louth Dolphins. They had the opportunity to engage with swimmers from all age groups within three different squads: Skills, Development, and Performance.  

Under the expert guidance of Institute of Swimming course tutor Matt Newton and experienced squad leaders, the candidates gained hands-on experience and valuable insight into coaching techniques and swimmer development.  

Matt Newton, the course tutor, had high praise for the initiative and the candidates:  “Louth Dolphins SC has done another remarkable job hosting the course on behalf of the Institute of Swimming and Swim England supporting the development of swimming coaches in the East Midlands region. The facility here is truly amazing, providing an ideal environment for both learners and coaches alike. The candidates have shown immense potential and are sure to be significant assets to their clubs.  

Throughout the course, the participants have had the privilege of experiencing a broad spectrum of ages and abilities. This diversity aligns perfectly with UK Coaching's commitment to nurturing coaching expertise across different settings and environments.  

Looking forward to continuing our collaboration in the near future.”  

Community Support & Sponsorship  

The Louth-based candidates were rewarded for their dedication and hours of volunteering on the poolside, with the club covering the cost of their course. This was made possible through a generous contribution from the East Lindsey Councillors Community Fund. Special thanks go to Councillor Jill Makinson-Saunders for coordinating support from fellow councillors to back this worthy initiative, which promotes healthy living and well-being within the local community. 

A Bright Future for Local Swimming Coaches  

The successful completion of this course marks a significant step in the development of grassroots swimming coaching in the region. With newly qualified assistant coaches ready to contribute their skills and knowledge, the future looks bright for competitive and recreational swimming at Louth Dolphins and beyond.  

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone involved.