Swim England Club Awards provide added motivation for Rykneld youngsters

Swim England’s Club Awards are proving a perfect source of motivation for the youngsters at Rykneld Swimming Club.

Rykneld, based in Derbyshire, was one of 20 clubs to pilot the awards in 2017, as Swim England sought to motivate and reward club swimmers progressing beyond the Learn to Swim programme.

After the successful pilot, the Club Awards were officially launched in May 2018, giving young swimmers across the country the chance to be recognised for their achievements.

Rykneld’s Head Coach, Peter Rainbow, said: “The swimmers love the awards and they are motivated by receiving a brightly covered certificate and pin badge as a reward for their efforts.”

The Club Awards have provided a clear and progressive pathway, helping to develop correct techniques across all disciplines – open water, synchronised swimming, water polo, swimming and diving.

Peter added: “The objectives set out in the awards align with the objectives set out in the club’s annual coaching plans, so integrating the use of the awards has been straightforward.”

A smooth transition

Each sport has a set of awards, which comprise of a certificate and a pin badge for each level of achievement.

They are also valuable in supporting coaches to deliver weekly training sessions for their young competitive swimmers.

The free resources available through ‘Off The Blocks’ provide an additional asset to coaches, providing insight into stroke specific skills, starts, turns and more.

Sue Paget, Club Development Officer, said: “It is fantastic to see clubs able to make use of this resource to support a swimmer’s development and recognise and reward their achievements, particularly at a time when swimmers are new to competitive club swimming.”

For more information and to purchase the Swim England Club Awards, click here.

SwimMark accredited clubs receive a five per cent discount.