Team Z divers enjoy ‘exciting weekend of learning' at first camp of 2024

The first Swim England Diving Team Z (Zone squad) camp of 2024 saw divers from seven clubs across England and Scotland come together for an ‘exciting weekend of learning.’

Swim England’s Team Z programme contains divers aged 13 and under who follow an 18 month journey where they complete seven weekend-based camps.

The scheme aims to prepare each diver for the Junior Elite Championships as they continue to grow their skills within the sport.

January’s camp saw a mixture of first and second year divers on the programme head to Ponds Forge for three days of development from 5-7 January.

Youngsters from City of Leeds, City of Sheffield, Star Diving Club, Dive London, Southampton Diving Academy, Aberdeen and Edinburgh were all represented amongst the 23 athletes in Sheffield.

Some of those that attended are those that were recently selected to join the programme following November’s Talent Games event. They took part in their first camp whilst it was the fifth camp for the second year divers.

Each camp has it’s own theme with the weekend at Ponds Forge focussing on required dives, handstands, posture, entries and ballet for diving.

There was also a workshop to help the athletes understand how to manage any fear and anxiety’s they have when heading into competition.

Developing core skills

It was a brilliant weekend of diving and learning for all involved with Florence Brindley (Star diving) and Imogen Poole (Southampton) standing out as they were named the two divers of the camp.

Connie Ford, Swim England’s diving programme lead, said: “The first Team Z camp of the year was a real success.

“We had an exciting weekend of learning where we were able to work with the divers on their core skills and then put them into practice on the boards.

“It was a great to see the newly-selected athletes interact and learn from those that have been involved with the programme for the past 12 months whilst also giving us the chance to see just how far those second year athletes have progressed.

“Thank you to all the coaches and staff who gave up their time to support the athletes and we can’t wait for the next camp in March.”

During the weekend two coaching courses also took place. One course trained a number of new level one coaches whilst there was a level two course set up by Swim Wales as the programme continue it’s aims to provide additional support to coaches.

The next Team Z camp takes place in March where the athletes will regroup in Southend. You can find out more about the Swim England Diving Talent Pathway here.