On Sunday 11 January, Swim England North East delivered the second North East Regional Para Training Camp of 2025/2026 at Catterick Leisure Centre, welcoming 24 para swimmers from across the region for a full day of learning, development and inspiration.
The camp forms a key part of the Region’s ongoing commitment to inclusive participation and talent development, supporting swimmers of all abilities to get in the water and stay in the water. This directly aligns with the North East Strategy’s ambition to align with Swim England’s vision ‘to create great experiences in water, for all, for life‘, while tackling inequalities and removing barriers to participation .
Supporting athlete development through education and experience
Regional para training camps play a vital role in supporting current and future para athletes, offering high-quality coaching, education and opportunities to develop both in and out of the water. Delivered by a team of dedicated and experienced coaches, the camp focused on athlete education, physical development and practical swimming skills, reflecting the Strategy’s emphasis on education for all and outstanding coaching .
The day began with registration and an introduction before swimmers moved into the sports hall for a 45-minute land training session. This opened with the structured RMAP pre-pool warm-up, confidently led by one of the swimmers and overseen by the coaching team – demonstrating athlete ownership and leadership. Swimmers then worked in groups of similar ability through a circuit-based session, targeting key areas of the body with appropriate adaptations for those with physical impairments.
Inspiring role models and shared learning
The camp was delighted to welcome back S10 Paralympic Champion and multiple world record holder Faye Rogers, who played an active role throughout the day. Drawing on her own experiences, Faye supported both athletes and coaches during the land training session, offering insight, encouragement and practical advice.
This element of the camp strongly reflects the Strategy’s focus on workforce development and participant journey, ensuring that athletes are supported not only through coaching, but also through exposure to positive role models and lived experience within the sport .
Following land training, swimmers moved into the classroom where Faye delivered an engaging and informative education session. She shared her personal journey through swimming, from early experiences to competing at the highest level. Topics included balancing swimming with school and social life, competition timelines, race preparation, and the importance of staying calm, warm and focused before racing.
The session was extremely well received, with swimmers asking thoughtful questions and gaining valuable insight from an athlete currently competing at elite level.
Developing confident, well-rounded athletes
The afternoon session moved poolside, beginning with Faye talking swimmers through her own competition warm-up process, using her 200 IM race preparation as an example. She highlighted the importance of warming up correctly and having a clear, effective structure – key components of developing confident, independent athletes.
Swimmers then worked in small groups to design their own warm-up routines before putting them into practice in the pool. The session concluded with team relays, reinforcing teamwork, enjoyment and shared experience alongside skill development. This balance of performance and fun reflects the Strategy’s focus on making lasting memories and supporting lifelong involvement in aquatics .
Thank you to our workforce and volunteers
The camp was ably supported by Team Manager Chris Roskilly, who did an excellent job looking after the swimmers throughout the day. Swim England North East would also like to thank coaches Kylah and Zoe for delivering a high-quality and engaging session, and extend special thanks to Faye Rogers, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and willingness to share her experiences made the day truly memorable.
The success of events like this highlights the importance of valuing, supporting and developing our workforce and volunteers, a central pillar of the North East Strategy .
Looking ahead
Swim England North East strongly encourages clubs with swimmers who have physical or visual impairments to engage with regional para training opportunities. These camps provide an excellent pathway for swimmers to learn, develop and progress within the sport and are also a vital step for athletes wishing to apply for classification, with required forms completed through the regional para coaching team.
By continuing to deliver inclusive, high-quality experiences such as this, Swim England North East is proud to support para swimmers on their individual journeys — helping more people discover, enjoy and thrive in aquatics for life.
For further information about future camps or para swimming opportunities, please contact the Swim England North East Regional Office or email Keith Hall, North East Regional Lead for Para Swimming at keith@rdasc.org.uk
