We are pleased to announce Nigel Mills as the winner of the Swim England West Midlands Diving Performance Coach of the Year Award 2024.
Nigel has taken the lead on the Sandwell Aquatics Club Diving programme since its opening last year, and has not only left a lasting impact on the divers, but created a legacy. His unwavering passion and drive for the success of the club and the athletes makes him a deserving winner of this award.
Nigel is always willing to develop his divers in specific ways which best resonates with them as an individual. Every diver has a different approach and all of them love coming to the pool to train no matter how bad their day has been at school. This is down to Nigel’s amazing approach of positivity as well as the belief he has in all of his divers.
After starting diving the programme in August he has had 1 diver at Junior Elites, 4 at National Age Groups and 4 at National Skills Finals. For one coach this is an incredible achievement!”
– Dan Gorsuch, Development Diving Coach of the Year
“The culture of any institution is created from top management. As an head coach of Sandwell diving club, Nigel is a great leader who has taken the club from strength to strength. He has trained divers who have made elite, national age group, and skills grade since launching last year.
Nigel is very detail oriented which can be seen in his coaching. Every session is well planned and executed. Away from coaching, he is constantly looking to improve the facilities at the club which shows he got long term vision for the club rather than just looking at short term success.”
“Nigel has created an amazing environment, including the team of coaches, divers, parents, volunteers he brings everyone together and everyone has the utmost respect for him & visa versa, he has time for everyone he is truly a wonderful person and coach.”
“Nigel has quickly developed an incredible diving programme from scratch in 10 months. His programme has proven to be invaluable to the community evidenced by its rapid growth. Certainly something to be extremely proud of.
He has worked tirelessly to create a safe and friendly environment for children and adults of all abilities to learn and develop. His true talent as a coach has also had an immediate impact. The majority of the children had never dived before, yet, in less than 10 months have achieved so much! Winning medals and qualifying for regional competitions. Just incredible work and dedication.”
“Nigel has been the lead in creating a brand new diving club at Sandwell Aquatics Centre which has fantastic facilities and top class coaches. The club caters for all levels of diving and Nigel is fully committed to supporting at all levels. He works tirelessly to help and support the athletes, providing fun tailored training sessions to get the best out of everyone.
He also supports training of the coaches from all around the West Midlands and beyond. Nigel is well known and respected by his peers and this is clear during diving competitions held around the country. Nigel has also recruited new talent by holding diving workshop sessions for local schools.”
“[he] has brought the Sandwell diving team to life and has created a truly amazing atmosphere his passion for diving is contagious, he would be a very deserving winner for this award.”
Well done Nigel!
Stay tuned for our other Regional Award Winners, as well as a summary of all the winners and runners-up from 2024.
Award winners will be invited to the Swim England National Awards Ceremony in November, and their name will go forward for consideration to receive a National Award.
Thank you to everyone who completed a nomination, and congratulations to everyone who was nominated. We are so proud of our fantastic Aquatics community in the West Midlands.