‘Invaluable process’ as Online Community help shape aquatic sport challenge

Members of Swim England’s Online Community have helped the North East Region take ‘concrete steps’ to open up all aquatic sports to its members.

The feedback received from the dual discipline athletes task has influenced the region’s June Aquatic Sport Challenge.

Throughout the month, clubs will be encouraged to incorporate multiple aquatic sports into coaching sessions in a bid to showcase transferable skills between different disciplines.

Insight received showed many members had not considered how different disciplines could integrate and support one another – but coaches, parents, athletes and club volunteers overwhelmingly saw value in this approach.

The initiative aims to:  

• Increase awareness of the region’s various aquatic disciplines.
• Inspire coaches and teachers to create innovative and engaging training sessions.
• Highlight regional talent across all aquatic sports.
• Enhance skill development for athletes by diversifying their training.
• Encourage conversations around aquatic disciplines through regional social media channels, making the experience interactive and engaging for members.

Jay Manners, Social Media and Administrative Coordinator for the North East Region, said the support of the community had been invaluable.

He said: “We have actively listened to the feedback and insights shared within the Online Community and taken concrete steps to turn those discussions into action.

“While the June challenge serves as a key starting point, our commitment to supporting cross-aquatic sports collaboration does not end there. 

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“We will continue to encourage and promote opportunities for clubs, coaches and athletes to explore multiple aquatic disciplines beyond June 2025. 

“By fostering an ongoing culture of integration and skill-sharing, we aim to strengthen the aquatic community and ensure long-term participation for everyone involved.

“We’d like to thank everyone on the Online Community for sharing their views – it has been an invaluable process.”

Members of Swim England’s Online Community are at the heart of the national governing body’s decision-making.

They are encouraged to complete between one and five activities a month, ranging from live chats and discussions, creating videos, completing diaries, polls and surveys or tasks highlighting their online user journey.

It is a key platform for Swim England members to have their say – and for the national governing body to listen to them.

To join the conversation and sign up to the Online Community, please click here.

Find out more information from the community’s frequently asked questions.