Barry’s Blog

SWIM21

Swim 21 is the ASA's nationally recognised Club Development Programme, aimed at "providing appropriate opportunities for swimmers, in order that they will attain their full potential," and brings together local authorities, clubs, Regional Development Officers, pool managers, teachers and coaches.

Swim 21 is therefore, all about the needs of swimmers. The programme is structured around four levels, all equally important. These are as follows:

• Teaching - Swimmers are given quality opportunities to develop basic water skills, laying the foundation for future enjoyment. A qualified ASA teacher runs it.
• Skill Development - Swimmers develop technical skills in a training environment. A qualified ASA club coach runs this stage and the swimmer spends 4-7 hours in the water each week.
• Competitive Development - This is a training programme that consistently produces athletes at District and National Age Group level. A qualified ASA coach leads it and there are 8-16 hours in the water each week.
• Performance - this is a training programme that consistently produces athletes at National and International level. As well as having a qualified club coach, swimmers have a range of technical and fitness support. They spend more than 17 hours each week in the water.

Swim 21 is an ongoing process: it can be used to access resources to work within a National framework, provides closer links with Local Authorities and the ASA and, equally, it involves all members of the club, from the Chief Coach right down to parent helpers.