Swim England joins aquatic bodies to support improvement of coach welfare

Swim England has committed to further support the improvement of coaches’ welfare and development as part of a nationwide pact with other aquatics bodies.

The joint agreement follows the publication of new research into coaches’ mental health and wellbeing carried out by Nottingham Trent University.

The British Swimming Coaches Association (BSCA) commissioned the study after noticing an increase in the number of its members seeking greater support.

Now, Swim England, the BSCA, Aquatics GB, Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales have all jointly agreed to do everything in their power to ‘foster more coaching environments and cultures that genuinely value, support and empower aquatics coaches to flourish’.

The research revealed that coaches often feel ‘overburdened, under-appreciated and lacking essential resources’.

Swim England has welcomed the publication of the report and the positive commitment of all the home nations and the BSCA to work collaboratively to build a future where coaches can thrive.

Craig McCulloch, Swim England’s Head of Coaching, said the national governing body was already making great strides in ensuring coaches had the necessary support they required.

He said: “This is an extremely welcome piece of research and is a vital step forward in recognising the importance of coach wellbeing and the unique challenges they face.

“We’re delighted to be working so closely with the BSCA and the other home nations in such a positive way to improve coach welfare.

Crucial research

“Coaches are the backbone of our sports and this collaborative approach is a big step towards creating a future where coaches feel valued, appreciated and equipped to do their best work, which will ultimately benefit everyone involved in all our disciplines.

“Our coaching strategy will be published later this year and some of the conversations we’re currently having with the community to help shape that have touched on the issues arising from this research.

“We are embedding a humanistic, ethical and caring approach to coaching and we will continue to champion the excellent work they do.”

Swim England will be publishing its coaching strategy later this year but has already started work to raise awareness of the demands of being a coach and how they can be supported by clubs and members.

The report makes seven recommendations that national governing bodies should do to improve swimming coaches’ mental health and wellbeing.

They are:

• More non-technical and administrative support to manage workloads and demands
• Support coaches and clubs to develop environment of collegiality and support
• Introduce an independent employee assistance support programme
• Guidance for parent support committees
• Support clubs to empower coaches
• Enhance coach education and CPD offer
• Promote existing services to enhance awareness

Glenn Smith, the Chair of the BSCA said: “The BSCA Ltd are grateful that all UK aquatic governing bodies are jointly committed to ensure this research and the outcomes from it, will be crucial to help coaches to be better supported.

“As we know the coaching profession is one of the corner stones of our sport and it’s vital that coaches feel that their concerns are being heard and responded to.

“I would also personally like to thank Nottingham Trent University for their expertise and their analysis of the findings.”

Read the full statement here.