British Gas ITCs
Immediately after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, British Swimming set up five Intensive Training Centres of world-class standard specifically to provide its athletes with a fully integrated training programme at one location.
The 50 metre pool centres in Bath, Loughborough, Stirling, Stockport and Swansea chosen as ITCs were put through a rigorous selection process to ensure that British Swimming could provide the best possible facilities, services and environment for its athletes.
Why were British Gas ITCs set up?
Intensive Training Centres were already at the planning stage before the Beijing Olympics and were established as part of British Swimming’s long-term strategy for London 2012 and beyond.
By providing training programmes using a full range of land and pool training facilities and sports science and medicine support in single locations, the ITC concept is the most effective approach to developing talent to medal success in international competition.
Since British Gas became principal partners of British Swimming in 2009, their support has driven forward the success of the ITC network and seen athletes from ITCs win gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games.
How do the British Gas ITCs operate?
Each ITC training programme is driven and managed by a British Swimming- appointed, full-time Head Coach and supported by a full-time Senior or Assistant Coach and a Performance Scientist. British Swimming World Class Programme staff also provide guidance for each ITC’s programme.
The ITC programmes provide athletes with a fully integrated daily training environment, which includes 25 hours of dedicated pool time training per week, generally comprising two sessions daily over six days a week. At least 60% of water time is allocated to long course training. A range of land conditioning options is available within the centre; some facilities with dedicated or exclusive access for ITC athletes.
A full range of swimming-specific sports science support and medical services is delivered to all ITC athletes. The sports science and sports medicine programme is an integral part of the daily training environment and is focused on performance improvement.
Seven disciplines make up the sports science and sports medicine support programme and each one is driven by lead specialists: performance science, biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy/sports massage therapy, medicine and strength and conditioning.
Intensive Training Centres were specifically selected to provide the best possible living environment conducive to High Performance training. The majority of British Swimming ITCs are based on prestigious university campuses with a strong focus on Performance Sport. The centres aim to give support to athletes to ensure they achieve an ideal lifestyle/performance balance and offer athlete-friendly study options and benefits such as sports courses, flexible study, stretch degrees, sports scholarships and athlete house accommodation etc.
British Swimming also provides Performance Lifestyle guidance to help ITC athletes manage the demands of training and competition with the other aspects of their lives such as academic study, work, leisure and personal relationships.
Where are the British Gas ITCs located?
Learn more about each British Gas ITC by clicking on the links below.
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