Fifty three Young Leaders attended and successfully completed their a Core Skills module workshop which forms part of their Aquatic Helper Training as they take their their first steps into teaching and coaching .
The Young Leaders represented all four aquatic disciplines and twenty three different clubs from across the Swim England North East Region. The face to face training took place in York and Sunderland on the first weekend in January 2024.
The workshop covered various areas including pool safety, being an effective member of a coaching team, understanding different learning styles and stages, good practice in an aquatic environment and the principles of athlete development/core aquatic skills. The candidates will now be given access to additional online training resources to help them volunteer on poolside in their club environment with the help and support of a qualified coach/teacher.
The opportunity enables the young leaders to take on a new challenge, gain practical teaching/coaching experience, support the development of all athletes involved in the club and have a positive impact on their club.
The following feedback was received from the Young Leaders who attended:
All indicated that they wanted to progress with gaining coaching/teaching qualifications.
94% say they now have a better understanding of coaching/learning styles, health & Safety, Safeguarding issues and communication skills.
86% say that the opportunity will add value to their CV.
78% want to help the next generation of athletes at their club improve.
78% through the experience was a great way to meet and learn with other young volunteers from other clubs and aquatic disciplines.
64% say the experience will help develop their confidence.
Overall, 71% rate the workshop as excellent, 29% rated it as good.
Their comments included:
The course was very good and interesting. I wrote it down in my notebook so I can bring it to my first session on assistant coaching. Than you again for this course.
I look forward to putting what I learnt on poolside rather than in a classroom environment.
I had a great time. Thanks ever so much for providing the opportunity.
I found the workshop very helpful and inclusive for people less comfortable to talk in front of other people. Thank you for providing me with this experience.
Fabulous day really informative
The presenters were very clear in explaining and clarifying everything. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and hope to progress even more in the future! Keep up the good work!
Their parents and club coaches added:
Thank you for putting on this course for the young volunteers; it’s a great way to get the swimmers more involved within the club & help them support & encourage much younger swimmers.
Thank you for running this training, my son really enjoyed it.
