Twenty five young leaders from across the Swim England North East Region attended Poolside Helper training in Sunderland on 25th February 2025. The training helped support them as they take their first step into volunteering to work on poolside supporting the coaching team at their club.

The workshop covered the core skills needed to work on poolside including, health and safety, working as part of a team, good communication skills, understanding different learning/teaching styles and understanding the long term athlete development pathway.

The Young Leaders rated the workshop they addended as Excellent 53%, Good 47%.

100% said they will volunteer at their club.

84% said it has improved their confidence to volunteer on poolside.

100% said it has provided them with a better coaching knowledge.

68% said it will enable them to give something back to their club.

58% said it will help the next generation of club members to improve.

63% feel that it will add value to their CV.

68% felt that it was a good opportunity to meet other young leaders who volunteer at their club.

95% now want to complete an assistant coach qualification.

The Region are looking to schedule additional Poolside Helper training for Young Leaders. Those interested can apply at: Poolside Helper Application Form