Youth Development squad continue to improve at Southend training camp

Swim England Diving returned to Southend last weekend as the Youth Development squad took part in a three-day training camp.

Following the junior development camp earlier this month, 27 athletes were welcomed to the Southend Tennis and Leisure Centre for the groups second camp of the calendar year.

They were joined by a specialised team of coaches and staff, giving the divers the chance to work closely on improving their skills whilst gaining valuable pool time with their home coach.

The athletes also received bespoke sessions throughout the three days, designed by the programmes head coach, Kirsteen Mitchell (Dive London) and Sandwell head coach Nigel Mills.

First year divers – who attended their second of seven camps – worked on their back and reverse dives whilst the second-year divers focused on handstand and platform run-ups in their penultimate camp of the programme.

Each of the athletes took part in a number of technical and educational workshops across the weekend and coaches enjoyed two workshops of their own – one led by Aquatics GB Head Coach Alexei Evangulov.

Reflecting on the camp, Swim England Talent and Inclusion Officer for Diving, Charles Calvert said: “It was really exciting to have the squad back together and to see the divers work on their skills and put them into practice.

“It’s great to see how much they’re improving their form and consistency as we approach the major events of the year.

“We hope that they can take everything they learned on board with them back to their home clubs and into any upcoming competitions before we meet up again in May.

“Thank you to all the coaches and team staff for joining us on the camp and for show their incredible commitment in every session and workshop throughout the three days.”

More about the Swim England Diving Youth Development squad

The Swim England Diving Youth Development squad is the first step on the Swim England Diving talent pathway for divers aged 10–11 years of age (at the point of selection).

Divers follow a journey over an 18-month period where they will take part in seven weekend-based camps. These are focused around developing divers technically and physically by building on the fundamental skills demonstrated at the Swim England Diving Talent Games.

The programme aims to prepare each diver for the Junior Elite Championships at the end of the 18 months.

You can see each stage of the Swim England Diving talent pathway here.