Swim England appoint Ally Whike as new sport development director

Swim England has appointed Ally Whike as its new sport development director.

He will join the organisation on Monday 2 October to replace George Wood, who is leaving the role at the national governing body on Thursday 13 July to take on a new challenge.

Ally moves to Swim England from Scottish Swimming, where he has worked since 2004.

For the last two years, he has been director of aquatics, having previously been performance director, where he is recognised as leading the Scottish performance and performance development system to deliver sustained aquatic success on the world stage for the past 19 years.

As part of Scottish Swimming’s senior management team, Ally has played a key role in the development and implementation of the Scottish Swimming Strategic and Aquatic Plans over a number of cycles including the recently published 2022-2028 plan.

While director of aquatics, Ally had the responsibility for the More Swimmers, Stronger Clubs and Supporting Athletes areas of the strategic plan.

He has also been central to developing and evolving the approaches that have underpinned the successful delivery of many strategies, including developing strong partnerships, strengthening clubs and associated pathways, coaching and people development.

Wealth of experience

Ally, who has also held club coaching roles in Scotland and England and worked within the sportscotland institute of sport during his 30-year career, said: “I’m thoroughly looking forward to joining the team at Swim England.

“The opportunity to work across all aquatic sports in England, through clubs and into performance is one that excites me greatly.

“Working collectively with a broad range of coaches, volunteers, clubs and partners within the English swimming community to continue to develop the sport is something I’m absolutely committed to.

“My time with Scottish Swimming has been very positive and I’m extremely grateful to all those that contributed to the development and success of the sport during my time in Scotland”.

Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Ally has agreed to take on the post of sport development director.

“He has a wealth of experience and will be a valuable asset to the senior leadership team.

“George has played a key role for Swim England and I can’t thank him enough for his important contributions during his six years with us.

“On behalf of everyone at Swim England, I’d like to wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”