London Legacy Project bursaries help train ‘next generation’ of diving coaches

A series of bursaries to train the ‘next generation’ of diving coaches in London will help clubs attract new members and make them more sustainable.

Phase three of the London Legacy Project has seen a ‘considerable investment’ of £2,500 paid out in a bid to attract new coaches and upskill the existing workforce.

The money has helped pay for part of the cost of the Swim England Diving Assistant Coach course for 11 youngsters at the London Aquatics Centre.

Two female coaches at South West London Diving also received funding to complete the course.

Meanwhile, Haringey Aquatics received £1,250 to develop its diving club and the cash will be used to train a new level two coach and three assistant coaches.

Joshua Devine, Swim England London Region non-executive director and diving committee chair, said: “These bursaries have helped to train the next generation of diving coaches within London.

“It has been wonderful and reassuring to see both current and former athletes taking the opportunity to expand their knowledge and utilise their skills to help contribute to the region and their club’s Learn to Dive and Talent ID squads.”

Stephanie Gadd, Swim England programme officer – growth, added: “Funding from the London Legacy Project has resulted in a considerable investment into the sport of diving in London.

“The hope is this funding will help clubs become more sustainable and encourage more young divers into the sport and to stay in the sport as coaches.

“A big thank you to Josh  for all his support and guidance in the roll out of this project.”

Matt Maguire, from South West London Diving, said the bursaries, were extremely helpful.

He added: “We are so grateful for these bursaries.

Great experience

“We are a small club in London and having the opportunity for some of our older divers to begin their coaching journey is really exciting and extremely helpful!

“It shows a real commitment to the club and sport and will inspire our young divers to do similar in the future.”

Meanwhile, two young coaches who received bursaries to help fund their diving course have also welcomed the funding.

Tom said: “I’m really glad to have taken part in it.

“I think it was very useful to me as it helped me build my confidence and taught me how to be a good coach.

“I can’t wait to start coaching and helping younger divers.”  

Lottie, who also received funding, added: “It was a great experience which taught me many skills that I am excited to use to help make a difference to lots of young people when I start coaching more.”

The London Legacy Project secured £20,000 from the Mayor of London’s Sport Unites Fund to support the roll out of three engagement initiatives in some of the capital’s most deprived boroughs.

It aims to break down barriers such as social isolation, inactivity and mental health, and generate excitement in all aquatic sports.

The scheme is a collaborative project which has involved Swim England, Swim England London Region, Everyone Active, Fusion Lifestyle, Enfield Council the Greater London Authority and a number of clubs.

It has helped local people become swim teachers and lifeguards, given free top-up lessons to youngsters in three of the most deprived areas of London as well as funding six learn to swim programmes for adults and children.