This is the application stage for the Swim England Senior Swimming Coach programme 2019.

The annual programme develops the skills to plan, deliver and evaluate long-term competitive coaching programmes. As a senior coach you will be able to lead a coaching team and manage resources to support all areas of a swimming club or squad programme.

The programme will allow you to:

• Develop your confidence, communication and inter personal skills.
• Identify the principles of coaching in a development or performance environment.
• Develop awareness of your professional role and responsibilities.
• Adapt an integrated approach to the theory and practice of performance swimming.
• Reflect on your experience and skills and identify areas for personal development.

In order to achieve this certificate, you will be expected to complete a series of assessment tasks to ensure that effective development has taken place.

Who is the course designed for?

Swim England Level 2 Swimming Coaches leading a squad of swimmers throughout their programme and working with swimmers who are competing at regional level or above. Please see the prerequisites below.

Course content

This year-long course is delivered through a mixture of learning days, online activities, and practical poolside sessions. You will be assigned a mentor who will guide you throughout the year-long programme.

The induction and learning days for this year’s programme are based at Loughborough University on:

• Saturday 28th September 2019
• Sunday 29th September 2019
• Sunday 5th January 2020
• Sunday 29th March 2020

Before applying to the programme, please make sure you can attend all four days. The full programme cost is £2100.

Applications are open from 10th June and need to be submitted by the 4th August 2019. There are a small number of places on the programme and shortlisting will take place after 4th August.

To apply you will need to complete an online workbook where you will need to upload your pre-requisite evidence. You will have access to this workspace within 48 hours of starting your application.

Prerequisites

Before starting your application please make sure you meet the following:

• Be at least 19 years of age at the start of the course.
• Hold a Swim England Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Swimming or Swim England Coach Certificate and have over 12 months experience as a qualified swimming coach.
• Be coaching at a SwimMark accredited club - Those who are not but meet all other criteria may be considered but further information will be requested on application.
• Currently coaching for at least 10 hours per week, spanning a minimum of 5 sessions, with the same group of swimmers.
• Be the lead coach for a squad of swimmers throughout the programme duration and working with swimmers who are competing at regional level or above – You will need to provide evidence that you have coached at least five swimmers to regional championships in 2018 and 2019.
• Commit to attending the face to face induction day and all 3 learning days at Loughborough University, as well as completing the programme within 12 months.
• Hold an up to date DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check from your club.

Please do not apply if you cannot guarantee the appropriate coaching environment. Background checks will be completed as part of the screening process. If you are not able to access the right environment, you will not be eligible to undertake the programme.