Meet the West Midland Regional Team

Started in the region: 2014

Education and work experience: Amanda has worked in various roles for the Region since joining the team in 2014, and now occupies the role of Regional Operations Manager as of early 2023. Amanda has a wealth of knowledge and experience in clubs, development, and governance. Within this role, her focus is leading on the development and progression of the Regional Strategy, oversight of all operational work, and management of the staff team. Amanda works closely with the Regional Management Board and maintains a lead on the current Coach Development work.

Background in sport: Amanda was a competitive swimmer. She is a qualified Level 2 Swimming Teacher and Team Manager.

Likes: Chocolate, the gym and being active, podcasts, spending time with family and watching Netflix.

Dislikes: Onions, poor communication, running.

amanda.swan@swimming.org

Started in the region: July 2025

Education and work experience: Zoe graduated from The University of Birmingham with a degree in Sport Science. Then went on to do her PGCE and become a PE Teacher. In 2023 she joined the Duke of Edinburgh Award as an operations Officer.  

Background in sport: Zoe was a competitive swimmer until aged 21, having swam her whole life to national level. Zoe now enjoys a hybrid lifestyle, competing in Hyrox events and running events whilst also being part of her local hockey team and the committee. Zoe enjoys teaching swimming and lifeguarding on the side.

Likes: Anything sporty, walking her dogs, spending time with family, socialising, cooking/baking and working hard.

Dislikes: Being cold.

zoe.foster@swimming.org

Started in the region: 2024

Education and work experience: Laura worked at Welsh Rowing for 8 years as Rowing Development Manager leading on the organisations Development and Coach Education across all rowing disciplines. Laura joined the team in 2024 to provide administrative support to the Regional Management Board, delivery of the AGM, communication to the Regional membership and day to day operations. As of August 2025 she has stepped into the role of Regional Operations Manager as maternity cover.

Background in sport: Laura swam at county and regional level as a junior!

Likes: The outdoors, walking the dogs, sport, spending time with her young family and coffee!

Dislikes: Brussel sprouts and people that hog the middle lane on the motorway!

laura.hood@swimming.org

Started in the region: August 2025

Education and work experience: Jen completed her degree in Sports Studies (BSc) before going on to set up her own business providing PE and Sports Provision in Primary Schools. From there she worked in a variety of admin and ecommerce roles.

Background in sport: Jen used to play and coach hockey and also play cricket. In addition, she holds a variety of coaching qualifications across a range of sports.

Likes: Camping, walking the dog, sport, spending time with her young family and watching Netflix.

Dislikes: Coffee and poor customer service.

jen.peniket@swimming.org