The Dive West Midlands project is ‘moving in the right direction’ as another instalment of the Assistant Diving Coach course is to be run in the region.
This will be the second course of its kind in the region after the first was run in October 2019 – which saw 15 new learners successfully passing the course.
Delivering the Assistant Coach course is the first phase of the project, which was initially launched in 2019 and aims to grow the number of people diving in the West Midlands.
It is being led by Olympian and Swim England West Midlands diving development officer, Sarah Barrow, who said previously that creating a ‘passionate workforce’ in the region would be key to the success of the project.
‘Moving in the right direction’
Speaking on the course and the progress of Dive West Midlands so far, Sarah said: “Previously, we’ve seen a lot of enthusiasm for the Assistant Coach course so we are delighted to be delivering it once again.
“The pandemic halted the progress of this project, as it did with many other things within the aquatics community.
“However, we are definitely moving in the right direction again and are keen to upskill and create a strong diving workforce in the West Midlands.
“Coaches play such a crucial part in the foundation of any sport and we have already seen a number of individuals go on to become confident teachers.
“The course is open to anyone and everyone with an interest in becoming a diving coach.”
‘Becoming a stronghold’
There are currently two ‘Learn To Dive’ programmes being delivered at two sites in the region: Everyone Active’s Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Solihull and Serco’s Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield.
Walsall Gala Baths is another venue in the region that is due to host some diving taster sessions on 12 and 19 April 2022.
In addition, plans to deliver another course of this kind in October 2022 are already underway.
The construction of the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games means that the region will soon have access to one of the best diving facilities in the country.
The prospect of this is one that Sarah is excited about, as she said: “This project is rooted in creating a diving pathway for people who may want to take up diving after watching the Commonwealth Games.
“With help from the Swimming Trust, who have funded this entire project, we know that this goal is within reach.
“Our aim is to see the West Midlands not only growing the sport now but becoming a stronghold for it in the future.”
Candidates from the West Midlands with a strong desire to become a diving coach are encouraged to undertake the course which can be accessed via this link.
There are 16 places available on the course which begins on 25 March 2022. Sign-up is open until 20 March and full details are available via the link above.
You can read more about the progress of the Dive West Midlands project so far by clicking here.