We are pleased to announce John Halstead as the winner of the Swim England West Midlands Water Polo Development Coach of the Year Award 2024.
John received an overwhelming amount of nominations due to his passion and devotion to the sport. John has coached the West Midland Boys for the last 7 years, as a volunteer, alongside supporting his club. Many of the players he has supported have gone onto gain international honours, and his efforts are more than deserving of this recognition.
“John is the first at the pool and the last to leave the pool, he has words of inspiration for all players at all levels”
“He lives, breaths, and shares the best of water polo with family, friends and players”
“John works tirelessly for the sport of water polo with the region. He has a lifelong commitment to the development of water polo, and will do whatever it takes to support the development of water polo within Sandwell Aquatics Club.
He played an integral part in the merger of 3 clubs to become Sandwell Aquatics Club and is recognised as the coach that just keeps on giving. He brings fun to the sport as well as consistency, support, respect, discipline, positivity and team spirit.”
“John’s passion for water polo is unparalleled, and his dedication to the development of the boys who attend the West Midlands RTC in Walsall is nothing short of heroic. He embodies the true spirit of mentorship and leadership, making a lasting impact on all players who have thrived under him.”
“John ensures that every player, not just the standout athletes, receives his attention, time, and encouragement. This dedication has created a respectful environment where all players can build their confidence. John’s coaching was part of the ‘winning formula’ that led to the U16s team winning gold at the recent inter regionals in Liverpool – with all boys in the team playing important roles in securing success.”
“My son really enjoys being coached by John – and so many other parents, driving across the midlands to get to Walsall in the Friday rush hour traffic, agree. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to water polo and his unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our players, John Halstead is undoubtedly deserving of the Water polo Development Award. His efforts have not only shaped excellent athletes but also created confident, resilient young individuals who will carry the lessons learned from John’s mentorship throughout their lives.”
“John’s willingness to go ‘above and beyond’ as a volunteer was clearly evident when he and his fellow coaches took the boys away to a training camp in Romania in October 2023 which provided them with amazing opportunities to develop their skills (in my view he should get an award simply for taking a group of teenage boys away for a week!) John’s influence extends beyond the regional level; the boys at RTC bring the skills that they have developed with John back to their clubs.”
“I think John deserves this award because he is a dedicated coach who has the ability to bring out the best in all his players. He creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone, giving every player equal time and therefore building their confidence. He has given me the opportunity to play in numerous tournaments and attend training camps, life experiences that I will always remember.”
Well done John!
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.