The Swim Wales Skills Academy is designed to increase both the quality and quantity of swimmers entering the Performance Pathway across the country. By providing a comprehensive development programme for swimmers, coaches, and parents, the academy creates opportunities to nurture talent and support progression during the transition from Development to Performance.
Our Vision
The primary goal of the Skills Academy is to provide swimmers aged 11–14 (11–15 for para-swimmers) with a holistic education and technical focus that will prepare them for success in the sport. This academy also serves as a platform for connecting Development and Performance clubs within local areas, facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and support.
Key Programme Components
- Pathway Education
- Workshops for parents, coaches, and swimmers on navigating the Welsh swimming pathway.
- Detailed guidance on how the National Squad Programme integrates with club-level pathways.
- Winning Behaviours
- Introduction to behaviours and habits essential for long-term success in the sport.
- Sharing experiences from current athletes to inspire and educate the next generation.
- Technical Development
- Delivery of the Drill Progression Frameworks, which will cover all areas of an athlete’s skills and techniques.
- Strength and conditioning guidance tailored to pre and post-pool routines.
How It Works
The Skills Academy will be delivered through a flexible, roadshow-style format across various counties in Wales. Each session will include:
- Team-building activities for swimmers.
- Technical focus pool sessions, covering starts, turns, and underwater techniques.
- Workshops introducing key educational topics such as Winning Behaviours and pathway education.
Who is Involved?
Swimmers
- Swimmers aged 11–14 (11–15 for para-swimmers).
- Clubs can nominate swimmers based on:
- Aspiration: A desire to progress and improve.
- Attitude: Consistently delivering the best version of themselves.
- Attendance: Regular commitment to training as agreed by their coach.
- 200m Individual Medley: A registered 200m IM time on rankings (LC or SC).
Coaches
- Performance and development coaches will have opportunities attend alongside their swimmers to learn and develop through the workshops and practical sessions on offer.
- The Skills Academy will provide the opportunity to build relationships and network within the County Hub sessions.
Parents & Guardians
- Pathway Education and Winning Behaviours workshops will also be open for parents to attend.
County Hub Networks
Our programme is delivered across Wales through our County Hub Networks:
- Gwynedd, Clwyd/North Powys, Dyfed, West Glamorgan, Glamorgan/South Powys, Gwent.
A Progressive Pathway
The Skills Academy is a long-term initiative that will evolve over the years to meet the changing needs of the athletes, coaches, and clubs. Each year, new components, such as lifestyle education, advanced drill progression frameworks, and targeted education, will be introduced to further develop the programme.
Launch and Future Plans
The Skills Academy will officially launch with a soft pilot at the National Conference on 28th September 2024 in Llandudno. Following this, the programme will roll out in six locations across Wales, with the aim of expanding in the future.
