Development Day will aim to progress potential of para-swimmers

Para-swimmers will find out more about how to progress along the Swim England pathway during a training session in Plymouth.

The South West region is staging the second in its series of Para-swimming Development Days on Saturday 26 January at the Plymouth Life Centre.

England talent coach Carl Cooper and former Paralympic athlete David Hill will lead a pool session for athletes at the event.

And the day also includes a coaching workshop on land-training principles and also explores best practice around supporting para-swimming within clubs.

The development day will have something for swimmers of all levels of ability as a Para-swimming Swimmer ID session will also take place.

Progressing along the pathway

This gives those who are new to lessons and swimming the chance to have their ability assessed in a bid to identify their most appropriate local swimming opportunity.

Club para-swimmers already training will have the chance to take part in a land training session led by Stephen Batchelor, the strength and conditioning lead for the Swim England Para-swimming Talent Programme.

Carl said: “Development days are a great way of developing the discipline within regions as their flexibility means that teachers and coaches can get the information that they need to help them develop their skills and knowledge – and they also have the opportunity to put that theory into practice on the day. 

“Swimmers of all levels from learn to swim to national Para-Swimming Programme athletes will be attending and getting the help and support they need to progress along the Para-Swimming Pathway. 

“The real key to its success is that it all takes place in a supported environment, with specialists on hand to help and support the teachers, coaches and athletes to get the most out of the day and to take something back to their home programmes.”