ABERDEEN AQUATICS STRATEGY 2014 - 2020 - SASA North District
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2014 – 2020 ABERDEEN AQUATICS STRATEGY
Contents
1 Executive Summary 3
2 Forewords 4
3 Building a Plan for the City 5, 6 & 8
3.1 Water Management Principles 9-10
3.2 Aquatic Framework 12-16
4 Pathways 18-20 1 Executive Summary
5 Volunteers and Contributors 22-23 Welcome to the Aberdeen Aquatics Strategy
which seeks to plan for the current and future
The direction and guidance from the strategy will
be helpful in ensuring the provision of aquatic
activities meets the needs of all citizens. With a
development of aquatic sport and activity
6 Local Heroes & City Athletes 7, 11, 17 & 21 between 2014 and 2020. This strategy is one of a
suite of two associated documents namely:
stock of high quality facilities the city has some
unique opportunities to offer users such as:
• Aberdeen Aquatics Strategy
• Improved access for disabled people
• Action Plans for Aquatics – 2014-2016
and 2017-2020 (to be developed) • Access to participate and compete in
aquatic disciplines such as Diving, Water
The strategy provides detailed information on aquatic Polo, Swimming, Synchro and other
sport and relates to the policy for the management aquatic activities
of water in Aberdeen. It also contains a framework • Localised access to a world class 50m
which has been created for delivering key objectives, swimming pool
and captures what success will look like in the
• Hosting high calibre aquatic events
future. Action plans aligned to the framework will
in the city
be developed to guide and direct partners on
implementing work plans for achieving key measurable • Attracting more visitors and students
targets. To ensure this is a successful process, baseline to the city
data must be collated across the city along with current
key performance indicators (KPI). From this information,
actions and additional KPI will be set for measuring
progress in the future.
3
2 Forewords
From Council Leader, From Chief Executive Scottish
3 Building a Plan for the City!
The key objectives are taken from the already Below the key objectives are statements that explain
established, ‘Fit for the Future’ – a Sport and how each objective will be met in relation to aquatic
Jennifer Laing Swimming, Forbes Dunlop Physical activity strategy for Aberdeen City. activity. These statements also reflect an aquatic
vision up to 2020 and a set of Water Management
Aberdeen has a long Scottish Swimming Fit For The Future was launched in 2009. The Core Principles which were derived from the Water
standing history and congratulates national overall vision for sport and physical activity is: Management Planning Group.
tradition of people and local partners for their
participating in aquatic vision, commitment and “More People, More Active, The group consists of representatives from the
sport both recreationally collaboration in developing
and competitively. This the outstanding new More Often” following groups:
strategy reflects ‘Fit for the Aberdeen Sports Village
• Aberdeen Sports Village
Future’, a sport and physical Aquatics Centre. Critically, Fit for the Future identified five key areas of
activity strategy for the city, partners have used this • Sport Aberdeen
activity and set objectives to:
and embraces the vision of ‘More People, More development as the catalyst to produce the • Scottish Swimming
Active, More Often’. The strategy represents the Aquatics Strategy for Aberdeen, providing vision
collaboration of key partners to provide a joint and direction for the development of aquatics 1 Promote and increase opportunities for • Disability Swimming
approach and strategic direction for the across Aberdeen for years to come. participation in sport and physical activity • University of Aberdeen
development and delivery of aquatic sport and for everyone in Aberdeen.
• Robert Gordon University
activities across our communities. Scottish Swimming believes passionately that every
child should be given the opportunity to learn to
2 Provide a comprehensive and high quality
• Scottish Amateur Swimming
range of sports facilities in Aberdeen.
Aquatic activities are highly popular to all ages swim, and this strategy makes a commitment to make Association – North District
across the city and can improve, enhance and have this happen in Aberdeen. Again Scottish Swimming 3 Maximise the social, educational, health • sportscotland
a positive impact on peoples’ social, physical and congratulates partners on this commitment and looks and economic benefits of sport and
psychological wellbeing. By focusing on key areas such forward to working with them in years to come to make physical activity in Aberdeen. • Aberdeen City Council
as participation and programming, we will address this a reality. • Performance Swimming
barriers that stop people from participating and
4 Develop and sustain pathways which
nurture local, regional and national • Affiliated Clubs
encourage changes from inactivity to activity. With the addition of the Aquatics Centre, Aberdeen sporting people to reach their potential.
now has a suite of facilities which can provide for
Learning to swim is a vital life skill and can lead to all user groups, from learn to swim to performance, 5 Raise the profile of sport in Aberdeen.
increasing opportunities for people to enjoy health community access to major events. The management
and wellbeing benefits. As a Council we are one of and programming of all facilities will be critical to
the leading local authorities in Scotland to commit to delivering the ambitions within this strategy.
continued investment in primary school swimming –
ensuring every primary school pupil has the opportunity The development of the Aquatics Strategy has engaged
to achieve Scottish Swimming’s Safe Swimmer Award. national and local stakeholders and critically the local
Through the partnerships we will continue to identify aquatics clubs and the volunteers who run these clubs.
needs within communities and provide opportunities The commitment and passion for aquatics has been
for everyone to benefit from. With our ambitious plans clear from all those engaged, not surprising given the
I look forward to seeing local citizens and visitors history of Aberdeen and the North in providing a rich
enjoying their experience, reaching their potential, and source of athletes, volunteers, coaches and officials
also an increase in attracting major events to the city. who not only make things happen locally but also
contribute significantly to national developments.
In summary, this is an ambitious strategy which will
require the continued support and commitment from all
involved with aquatics to make it happen in the coming
years – Scottish Swimming are committed to playing
our part.
4 5
Partnerships & Investing In Aquatic Sport & Activity Local Heroes
The Water Management group is an example of
effective partnership working from those associated
NEIL COCHRAN DAVID CARRY
with developing aquatic sport at national, regional
Born in Torphins, Scotland in 1965, Neil Cochran “As a child I started
and local levels. There are many benefits for all key
had his greatest successes in the 200 Individual swimming and soon found
partners working together. For example, without strong
Medley (IM). Neil Cochran’s greatest achievement that I enjoyed being in the
and effective partnership working the development of
came at the 1984 Olympics where he won a bronze water. It was when I joined
Aberdeen Sports Village’s world class Aquatics Centre
medal in that event (the only individual medal for my local swimming club,
would not have been possible.
GB at those Olympics). He also gained another Aberdeen Dolphins that
bronze medal at the same games when he swam enjoyment turned to love! I
The partnership working is helpful in creating
the opening leg of 4 x 200 freestyle relay. He went made so many new friends
opportunities for funding current and future aquatic
on to win the World Student Games 200 IM title in and that has always been
programmes and projects. In April 2014, key partners
1987 and a silver medal in the 4 x 100 medley relay my constant drive to stay in the water. Following
created a steering group for hosting the “Homecoming”
at the 1987 European Championships. Cochran my experience in 2002 at the Commonwealth
3rd Commonwealth Water Polo Championships in
also represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester I realised the opportunity to
Aberdeen. The group comprised members of Aberdeen
Games in 1982 and 1986 and was third in the 200 make a career from swimming.
Sports Village, Aberdeen City Council, British
Swimming, Scottish Swimming and Event Scotland. Aquatics Vision IM on his home soil in Edinburgh and also won a
4 x 200m freestyle relay bronze in 1982 in Once I committed to my new profession, I really
for 2020
Through partners collaborating, financial resources
Brisbane. started to explore my boundaries and set goals
were secured for the event and for Water Polo
that pushed me to become Double Commonwealth
development programmes. Consequently, this major
Neil set the British record of 2 min 3.20 seconds for Champion.
event raised the profile of sport for the city, and brought Aberdeen’s aquatic facilities consist of 200 IM in January of 1988. He held the British record
a positive impact on the local economy; with over an appropriate mix of high quality well for 12 years, until James Hickman broke it in 2000. Now that I have retired from competitive
6000 tickets sold and over 2000 beds booked through maintained facilities in suitable places. The He also held the Olympic record briefly in 1984. swimming, I have found a new love of recreational
Visit Scotland and other agencies. facilities are accessible to all and include swimming. Swimming has a massive impact on
a performance centre along with a range of Mr. Cochran currently resides in Boulder, my health and wellbeing and has given me huge
Having a long standing history of supporting community facilities. Colorado, USA and has 3 children with his wife passion for my new role as a Board Member
aquatic sport and activities in the city, Eileen. He owns a small manufacturing business for Scottish Swimming. We work on ensuring
Aberdeen must remain ambitious in this Aberdeen’s core aquatics development with 10 employees. Scotland’s swimming from participation to elite
area, and continue to keep aquatic sport pathways are a model of best practice in performance, is in the best possible shape,
and activities as key priorities for the future. the UK/Europe. Through effective joined up Medal highlights 1984: Olympic Bronze 200 IM, sharing the message that ‘everyone can swim’.
delivery and integrated planning, Aberdeen 1987: World Student Games Bronze 4x200 Freestyle relay
delivers an appropriate balance of inclusive Gold 200 Individual Medley I am so excited that Aberdeen has gained such a
1982: Commonwealth
Defining Aquatics recreational as well as competitive (IM)
Games Bronze 4x200m fantastic world class facility and looking forward
programmes, allowing all citizens of and 1987: European Silver Freestyle relay
to seeing the world class events that it brings to
visitors to Aberdeen to enjoy water based 4x100m IM relay
Aberdeen. The recent Commonwealth Water Polo
activities, maintain and improve their fitness 1986: Commonwealth Games Championships event was a fantastic example
• Swimming levels and quality of life and realise their Bronze 200 IM of that and brought people from as far as South
• Diving performance potential. Africa.”
• Synchronised Swimming In Aberdeen, all young people are able to swim
Medal highlights 2006: CG Gold 400 Freestyle,
• Water Polo by the time that they move onto secondary 2010: Commonwealth Games Gold 400 IM, Silver 4x200m
school. World class athletes stay in and (CG) Bronze medallist 400m Freestyle relay
• Sub Aqua
are attracted to come to Aberdeen to train Freestyle, Silver in 4x200m
2006: European Silver 4x200m
• Lifesaving/ lifeguarding and compete. Local people regularly enjoy Freestyle relay
Freestyle relay
• Aqua Fit (and associated activities) participating in aquatics activities. 2008: World Short Course
Silver medallist 4x200m
• Under Water Hockey The facilities and their associated programmes
Freestyle relay
and activities are part of an economically
sustainable water management infrastructure.
6 7
Aberdeen Pool Facilities Map 3.1 Water Management Principles
A set of core principles has been developed
A947 A90 • There are clear links between Active
and grouped into: Communities and GP referrals and aquatics
development.
• Participation and Pathways
• The swimming club level of the swimming
A96 • Facilities and Programming development pathway is always delivered by
11 • Branding and Marketing swimming clubs.
Dyce • Secondary School PE aquatics activities
Bridge
18 of Don have clear links to the aquatics pathway.
6
Participation and • There is a single performance programme
Public Facility Bucksburn 7
22 4 Pathways for swimming and a single performance
programme for diving in Aberdeen.
Private Facility Northfield 1 • Performance programmes for aquatic sports
19 Every child in Aberdeen is supported to achieve are supported.
the Scotland Safe Swimming award by the end
Kingswells 2 10 5
A944 of primary school through an entitlement to
12 swimming in curriculum time.
Aberdeen
25
13 14 20
Torry An appropriate aquatics pathway is in place:
Cults 15 24
Bieldside • There are clear and effective links between
8 9
21 16 Altens learn to swim and aquatic sports clubs.
Milltimber
• The transition between learn to swim and
Peterculter 23
17 swimming club swimming development
3 Cove takes place at an appropriate level (the
Bay appropriate level is currently identified as
level 7).
A93 • Experiences within learn to swim, clubs,
A90 courses and activities are of a high quality.
• Staff, coaches and volunteers have the
appropriate level of skills and training,
1 Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Aberdeen City Council – 100023401 – 2014
supported by an appropriate educational
2 Aberdeen Grammar School 14 Hilton Aberdeen Treetops programme.
3 Ardoe House Hotel 15 International School
• Different stages in the swimming
4 Bannatyne’s Aberdeen 16 Kincorth Academy
development pathway (learn to swim through
5 Beach Leisure Centre 17 Kippie Lodge Sports and Country Club to performance swimming) are delivered by
6 Bridge of Don Academy 18 Marriott Dyce the appropriate delivery vehicle.
7 Bucksburn Swimming Pool 19 Northfield Swimming Pool
• The aquatics development pathway is fully
8 Cults Academy 20 Nuffield Aberdeen inclusive where children, young people and
9 David Lloyd Aberdeen 21 Robert Gordon University adults with disabilities are supported and
10 Double Tree Hilton 22 Spindles Health & Leisure Club encouraged to reach their potential.
11 Dyce Academy 23 Thistle Hotel Altens
• There are clear links between Active
12 DW Sports Fitness 24 Tullos Swimming Pool Schools and aquatics development.
13 Hazlehead Swimming Pool 25 The Warehouse Health Club
8 9
Water Management Principles Local Heroes
Facilities & Programming There is an appropriate amount of high
quality water space in Aberdeen, which is
ROBBIE RENWICK HANNAH MILEY
appropriately programmed to meet the needs “Swimming is such a huge “I was very fortunate as a
From 7am through to 9pm Monday to Friday
of the population. part of my life and has been young child to participate
and 8am – 5pm at weekends there is access
from a really young age, in many activities such
to the public for recreational swimming
from surfing at Aberdeen as horse-riding, netball,
and swimming for fitness at a community • Access to community pools (both
beach to racing in the brownies, dancing and
swimming pool in the north of the city and freestanding and linked to schools) is
London 2012 Olympic final. piano. However, with
a community swimming pool in the south of the arranged through an effective booking
I began learning to swim swimming being a lifesaving
city. process which maximises and effectively
at the age of five when my skill, my dad wanted to
balances the use of these facilities by
parents took me to my local make sure that all of his
schools and the wider community.
pool in Aberdeen, for them it was about their kids children could swim for safety reasons and he
• There is public access to the Aquatics • Every recognised community aquatics club learning a lifesaving skill, but for my sister and I it took us to the local swimming pool in Inverurie
Centre for swimming during opening hours has a “home” pool. was all about having fun and playing in the water. where he taught us how to swim. I attended
(apart from during major events.)
• The “home” pool for the city’s swimming Things really developed for me, however, around swimming classes and progressed through their
• Across the city there are a range of and diving performance programmes is the the age of nine when I joined a club and was able stages and when I was five years old, I joined
specific sessions on a weekly basis, at an Aquatics Centre. to compete. I have always been a competitive Garioch amateur swimming club. Dad has always
appropriate time, for the following groups: person and swimming became a fantastic outlet had an influence on my swimming and he has
• Recognised clubs for swimmers with a for my competitive spirit, and really nurtured my helped to develop my technique.
Ethnic Minority Groups disability have a fit for purpose “home” pool. drive and ambition for the sport.
Physical Disability Groups • Aquatics clubs are allocated water space My training sessions are based at Inverurie, RGU
Groups with Learning Disabilities linked to set criteria, including the number From the small North District competitions in and the new Aquatics Centre which is such an
of swimmers, club accreditation and the Scotland, right through to finals at the Olympic asset for everyone. There are often occasions
Young Mums performance of the club. Games, I always strive to be the best I can be. when I’m training in a lane during public sessions
GP Referrals Swimming has given me so much throughout my and every Tuesday I share the Inverurie pool with
career so far, I have travelled all over the world the local primary 4 pupils. I didn’t realise that
Parents and Children
to places I’d never otherwise have seen, I lead a people would pay particular attention, but children
Women Branding & Marketing fit and healthy lifestyle and I have a community of
other swimmers around me who will be my friends
and adults share their experience with me and the
school children often learn skills by watching.
Older People
There is an effective single portal (one stop for life.
Masters I think swimming has so many benefits such as
shop) for information about aquatics provision
Pre and Post Natal and development in the city. I just hope that somewhere along the road I can relaxing, calming and various different water
inspire the younger generations, and even the based activities to enjoy. Having a local 50m pool
not so young, to get involved in swimming more to train in now means that the younger generation
regularly. It’s an amazing sport and one which may have a fantastic opportunity to grow up with this
just save lives in the future. And who knows, in training experience. When they stand behind
the process of having fun in the pool, we may also the blocks I believe it will not be so daunting for
discover a future generation of potential Olympic them to race for the first time in a 50m pool having
or Paralympic stars.” benefited from attending training sessions.”
Medal highlights 2010: CG Gold 200m Freestyle, Medal highlights 2011: World Silver Medallist,
2014: Commonwealth Games Silver 4x200m Freestyle relay 2014: Commonwealth European Champion, British
(CG) Silver medallist 4x200m Champion 400m Individual Champion
Freestyle relay 2008: World SC Bronze Medley (IM) and Bronze
400m Freestyle Medallist 200m IM 2010: Commonwealth
2012: World Short Course Champion, British Champion
(SC) Silver medallist 4x200m 2006: CG Silver 4x200m 2012: World SC Champion
Freestyle relay Freestyle relay 400m IM, 200m IM bronze, 2009: European Gold
European SC Champion and medallist 400m IM
double silver, GB Olympic 2008: World SC Silver
Team 400m IM 5th, 200m IM medallist 400m IM and
7th, British Champion Bronze 200 IM
10 11
3.2 Aquatic Framework OBJECTIVE 2 Providing a comprehensive and high quality range of sports
facilities in Aberdeen
OBJECTIVE 1 Promoting and increasing the opportunities for participation in sport
and physical activity for everyone in Aberdeen STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Maintaining an appropriate amount of high quality A clear and flexible set of programming guidelines
STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? water space in Aberdeen which is appropriately reflecting needs of local communities and
programmed to meet the needs of the population. incentives for targeted groups
Creating and supporting learn to swim programmes An increase in opportunities through a wider range Creating a clear set of programming guidelines that
that will support participation in aquatic sports of aquatic activities will afford access to the public, including those with
specialist requirements for recreational swimming
Developing structures that will ensure every child A sustainable structure and finance in place to and swimming for fitness at local community
in Aberdeen is supported to achieve the Scotland support the Scotland Safe Swimmer Award for all swimming pools
Safe Swimming award by the end of primary pupils in local authority schools
school through an entitlement to swimming in Creating and maintaining effective booking Effective booking process created and implemented
curriculum time processes which maximise and effectively balance
the use of community pools
Engaging with schools, universities and health care Key partners collaborating to achieve shared goals
providers to grow participation in aquatic sports and Increased awareness and benefits of participating Ensuring there is adequate public access to the Public access in line with provision that is
create clear links into aquatic pathways in aquatic sport Aquatics Centre for swimming during opening hours appropriate to the needs of the public and
Developing, enhancing and promoting links between (apart from during major events) frequently reviewed
Behavioural change from inactivity to regular
Active Communities, GP referrals, Active Schools active participation
and aquatic staff to increase opportunities for Ensuring that every recognised community aquatics Home pools are allocated
aquatic development club and performance programme has Identity and stability for clubs in the community
a “home” pool that is fit for the needs of the
club/programme Performance programme hosts appropriate athletes
Maintaining a fully inclusive development pathway All providers remain committed to ensuring
at Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre
where children, young people and adults regardless everyone has the opportunity to participate in
of ethnicity, age, background or ability are fully aquatic activities and no individual discriminated
The needs of aquatics clubs are identified and Guidelines are identified and adhered to
supported and encouraged to reach their potential against for reasons of gender, race, disability, age,
religion, political belief, sexual orientation or promoted using a supportive system which allocates
social background water space linked to set criteria.
Creating a system whereby aquatics clubs are
allocated water space linked to set criteria,
Developing new partnerships in the public and Sustained and effective partnership working
including the number of swimmers, club
private sector and building on existing partnerships through understanding and accepting limitations
accreditation and the performance of the club
and opportunities where partners can support
each other
Actively seeking investment through partnerships to Sustainability and growth in supporting existing
support participation programmes participation programmes and providing support for
new initiatives
Ensuring the range of experiences associated with Quality assurance process implemented
aquatic activity is of the highest quality
12 13
OBJECTIVE 3 Maximising the social, educational, health and economic benefit of
sport and physical activity in Aberdeen OBJECTIVE 4 Developing and sustaining pathways which nurture local, regional
and national sporting people to reach their potential
STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?
Engaging with partners in maximising potential Partnerships in place and delivery of suitable Identifying appropriate groups as deliverers for Clear roles and responsibilities at every stage of
for promoting a diverse and exciting range of programmes that meet the needs in communities coaching and pool operators as deliverers of learn the pathway
aquatic activities to swim programmes in local authority/partnership
facilities
Supporting young people and to motivate and An increase in young people becoming involved in
Provide clear and effective links between learn to Strong partnerships evidenced between learn to
inspire more young people to participate in aquatics aquatic activities
swim and aquatic sports clubs with the transition swim deliverers and clubs.
between learn to swim and clubs taking place at Agreed levels of transition attained
Raising awareness of opportunities to participate in Stronger engagement from the workforce to level 7
aquatics through schools, clubs and healthy living encourage participation
initiatives
Creating and sustaining clear pathways for Retaining all athletes in their competitive pathway
competitors in all aquatic sports through clubs and participants in various recreational activities
Raising awareness and promoting major aquatic Successful marketing
and teams to national representation in all aquatic
events in the city Securing significant aquatic events disciplines
Increased opportunities for recruiting and retaining
volunteers Recognising a single performance programme for Support services and finances directed towards
swimming and a single performance programme for both performance programmes
New activities established through succession diving in Aberdeen, where performance for aquatic
planning by partners Successful implementation of marketing plans
sports is supported through opportunities and
appropriate funding
Collaborating on a regular basis with partners and A full and well balanced programme of activities in
identified groups to maximise the benefits of aquatic facilities across the city Establishing and supporting education programmes An education programme that identifies and
resources that encourage participation of teachers, coaches, meets the needs of people who wish to contribute
officials and support staff at all levels towards the delivery of aquatic sport
Nurturing a high performance attitude from A recognised culture of excellence amongst peers
competitive athletes, coaches, and officials
Implementing and monitoring quality assurance Sustainability through attainment of quality
for National Governing Body endorsed pathways assurance at each level of the pathway across
across the city the city
Increasing the number of athletes, coaches, Increased number of local coaches, athletes, and
officials and support staff on national teams for all officials on national teams
aquatic sports
Building and maintaining productive relationships Key partners collaborating to achieve shared goals
between providers in Aberdeen City, club
associations and national governing bodies
14 15
OBJECTIVE 5 Raising the profile of sport in Aberdeen
Local Heroes
STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? MARK SPEED ANDREW McGOVERN
Attracting and delivering local, regional, national Support from local communities and increased “I started playing the Andrew developed
and international competition to the highest participation in events mentally and physically his swimming with the
standards challenging sport of Water City of Aberdeen Swim
Promoting and encouraging participation and Polo for Dunfermline WPC in Team. Andrew studied
spectator attendance at all aquatic events in the 1998 and have been a accountancy at Robert
City of Aberdeen member of the Scottish Gordon University and as
National Team since 2001. a sports bursar found his
Promoting aquatic sports through the selection and Showcasing and supporting our local athletes In 2003 I moved to Aberdeen sporting abilities growing.
promotion of local aquatic sporting ambassadors to study Geography at the
University of Aberdeen and completed a PhD in
Promoting participation in aquatic sports at every Implement a marketing plan successfully and Environmental Science. Since 2005, I have played Selection to the Scottish Universities teams
opportunity through active marketing achieve targets for Caledonia, a composite Scottish team formed coupled with British University success in
to compete in the British Water Polo League. the Backstroke events preceded Andrew’s
There is identification for aquatics provision and The identity of ‘City of Aberdeen’ as a national breakthrough in Open competition. During his
development in the city brand/logo for aquatic sport of the city I have enjoyed success at all levels and time at RGU Andrew won both the 100m and 50m
competed in the Commonwealth Water Polo Backstroke Scottish Open championships as
Create an effective one stop portal for information People gaining access to a user friendly portal Championships in Aberdeen in 2014. An excellent well as placing in the finals of both British and
about aquatics provision and development in that communicates the range and availability of team performance was critical to the Scottish continental competition. Andrew competed at the
the city aquatic activities and directs users to deliverers’ men beating South Africa in a robust third 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow qualifying
booking systems place playoff. Winning the bronze medal in a for the semi-finals in the 50m backstroke.
commonwealth year was some recompense for
the trip to hospital to treat an eye injury sustained
during the match! Now recovered, I remain in JACK NESS
Aberdeen working as a senior business analyst in
the oil and gas industry. Jack began swimming
with COAST as a tenacious
I’m committed to supporting grass roots water and wild 12 year old. Filled
polo and contribute as a volunteer and coach with talent and ambition
the University of Aberdeen water polo team. he was a handful for his
Water polo relies heavily on volunteers – even coaches who with patience
the Scottish coaching team do everything and care managed to
on a voluntary basis. Volunteers from all nurture him through his
over Scotland travelled to dedicate time and transitional teens.
contribute significantly; making sure the recent
Commonwealth Water Polo Championship was a Jack balanced both his academic and sporting
huge success. Now we have raised the profile of ambitions, and during his time at Robert Gordon’s
this exciting sport, I look forward to seeing more College he developed into a straight A student
people involved whether playing or supporting and was accepted to study Chemical Engineering
water polo.” at Edinburgh.
Jack broke the British Age Group record for 50m
Backstroke in 2013 and in 2014 and lowered the
Great Britain standard set by current world record
holder Liam Tancock. He broke the national senior
record in qualifying for the 2014 Commonwealth
Games despite suffering glandular fever
beforehand.
16 17
4 Pathways
Swimming Pathway
Diving Pathway
Aims and Objectives
• Reintroduce diving to Aberdeen
Performance
• Provide developmental, recreational and competitive opportunities for all ages and abilities
• Develop coaching network and expertise
• Work with other diving facilities to develop the programme and ensure involvement in national
programme development
Performance
Development
Flip n Fun Children’s
Development
Clubs Programme
Bronze /
Silver / Gold
Participation
Programmes Supervised Diving TID
Diving Diamonds Programme
Sessions
Learn To Swim Programmes
Participation, Healthy Living Programmes Platinum
Performers
Adult & Child Early Years Programme
Adult Adult LTD
Programme
Supervised
Diving
Sessions
Experienced University
Divers Club
Masters
18 19Water Polo Pathway City Athletes
Performance Success continues for city athletes who
compete from local to international level
FINLAY DEANS
“I started swimming with
SULEMAN BUTT the Bridge of Don club after
spending my younger years
Performance
at pools watching my sister
Water Polo
Water Polo
Swimming
“Swimming is my passion
Club Polo
University
Squads
Level 3 compete. I have made many
Senior
Senior
and has allowed me to meet
British
many great people whilst friends through the sport
opening many doors for me and I enjoy the positive
along the way. I’ve learnt atmosphere in my training
that if you are willing to put group at COAST.
in the time and effort, you
will succeed in life. I am just at the beginning of my journey as an
athlete and am inspired by Andy McGovern and
David Carry who visited us when he was home.
Performance
Programme
Waterpolo
Swimming
Club Polo
I have won national age group titles, broken a
Academy
National
My greatest achievements are breaking Mark
Squads
Level 2
Junior
British
Foster’s 15 year old 100m Freestyle Short Course number of district records and been part of some
Development
Record. In 2013 I was selected for the European great relay teams who took gold at the National
Youth Olympics Festival in the Netherlands. Later, Age Groups in 2014. It was also an honour to be
in December of 2013, I broke 2 Scottish Junior a recipient of the Aberdeen Sports Council Male
Records for the 100m and 200m Backstroke at Junior Sports Personality of the Year award.
the Scottish Gas National Short Course Open
Championships. I was part of the World Class My ultimate goal would be to represent my
country at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and
Development
Swimming Programme – Podium Potential Squad,
Programme
City Junior
qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.”
Club Polo
which provides training camp and competition
Level 1
opportunities, science and medicine services.”
CAITLIN TOOTILL
KIRSTY SIMPSON “After falling in love with
“I started swimming when swimming as a youngster I
PHOTO: SIMON WRIGHT - GBSWIMSTARS
I was 10 years old after have enjoyed opportunities
being encouraged by my and experiences not
Taster Sessions
available to many girls my
Taster Sessions
family. My Grandad closely
(5 Volunteers and
Contributors
Volunteers
In the background, a wide range of volunteers Sean’s unique way of coaching gets the best
enjoy making a contribution at all levels out of the swimmers without them feeling they
All sports benefit from and indeed rely on have worked hard. Swimmers have joined our
the input from volunteers to enable them club, recognising the excellent morale of our
to deliver opportunities for participants. KEVIN PATERSON swimmers and coaches and the continued
Aquatic sports are no different. Within the success at competitions throughout Scotland
Aberdeen City Aquatics Strategy there is Kevin Paterson has been and some further afield. Our numbers have more
an expectation that there will be a cohort of volunteering with Bridge than doubled and we now have access to the
willing volunteers supporting all the clubs and of Don Amateur Swimming new aquatics centre, which gives us access to
societies. Without the dedicated commitment Club for over 12 years. He practice racing dives every week as Dyce pool
and time from these volunteers, clubs and has been a coach and a has no diving facilities. Sean attends competitions
other voluntary groups simply would not be technical official, spending with the swimmers most weekends as well as
able to offer and sustain quality experiences four years as head coach at holding down a full time job and coaching 5 nights
to members of the community. Bridge of Don. a week. We can’t thank him enough for all the
work he does for us.
Volunteering does not have to be about
massive commitment, an hour or two a week He qualified as a referee in 2007 and has spent
goes a long way to support the participants a number of years as the Swimming Technical LIZ KEMP
and athletes in the clubs. It can be very Official Convenor for the North District. He
rewarding and lots of fun helping out – had a very visible presence at the Glasgow “I’ve been volunteering in
whether a busy mum giving an hour of time Commonwealth Games where he was one of the swimming circles for – it
each week to help provide a newsletter, or two official starters at the swimming competition seems like forever! I’ve
a grandma baking for a bring and buy sale at Tollcross International Swimming Centre. organised and taken part
to raise funds, whether the club treasurer, in numerous fundraising
or website guru, whether a qualified official His contribution to swimming in this area has events from bag packing in
or the social event manager, the time, already been recognised by the awarding of the supermarket to jumping
enthusiasm and expertise brought to the sport Scottish Swimming’s John Gunning Volunteer up and down at a fit-a-
by volunteers is invaluable. Award. Kevin continues to play an active role at thon! I’ve helped out at and
Bridge of Don and in the North District, with a helped run swimming galas, been a member of
Aberdeen City is especially proud of this rich particular interest in the training of officials. and chaired various committees and groups I am
resource and recognises the dedicated work proud to have been involved in the setting up of
and contributions volunteers have made. Not the city’s swim programme, COAST.
only is this recognised locally within the city SEAN BREEN
but also at a national level where volunteers I’ve been involved as a coach for 25 years – from
regularly gain roles at International events. Sean Breen, volunteer head my nervous beginnings as a club helper, to club
These roles often lead to people gaining coach of Dyce Swimming coach, to COAST programme coach at various
employment and developing careers in Club, joined when the club levels – from poolside helper to National grass
aquatic sport. was suffering in numbers roots district coach – I’ve loved every minute. I
due to a couple of years of love helping youngsters develop skills they didn’t
Partners are committed to supporting clubs threatened pool closure and know they had and then watching them go on to
and groups in developing their volunteer on-going equipment faults win Olympic Gold medals knowing I helped them
workforce, and would like to thank people at Dyce Academy pool. become the athlete they are.
who contribute tirelessly in supporting the
aquatic community in the city. When I was a child I swam competitively and
He was like a breath of fresh air for the club, getting the buzz of doing that was amazing but watching
The partnership wishes to acknowledge stuck right in by assessing all the swimmers and those little boys and girls develop their skills and
and sincerely thank Scottish Swimming, coaches, talking to them all individually. By finding achieve their goals is much more rewarding.”
GBswimstars and Brian Battensby for out all the problems and liaising with the committee,
permitting the use of photographs in this he went on to work on them all.
document.
22 23Aberdeen Aquatics Strategy 2014 – 2020
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