Inspire | Connect | Learn | Celebrate

Swim England South West invites you to join us for Connected Aquatics & Awards 2026 — a day dedicated to bringing our aquatics community together to share ideas, develop knowledge, strengthen relationships and celebrate success across our region.

Whether you are a coach, club committee member, volunteer, teacher, parent, pool operator or Local Authority representative, this event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with others, learn from experienced professionals and explore how we can work together to create a stronger future for aquatics.

With a packed programme of practical workshops, expert discussions and networking opportunities, followed by our Regional Awards, there is something for everyone.

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Featured speakers and contributors

We are delighted to welcome a range of experienced speakers and contributors from across the aquatics community, including:

• Matt Puddy – Head of Swimming at Millfield School

• Cameron Kurle – Olympic and International Swimmer

• Jo John – Swim England Coach and Coaching Developer

• Claire Coleman – Head of Aquatic Clubs and Membership, Swim England

• Swim England Safe Aquatics Team – Supporting our focus on safeguarding and keeping everyone safe.

Alongside our featured speakers, we will welcome additional Swim England staff, club representatives, coaches and industry professionals contributing to workshops and panel discussions throughout the day.

Connected Aquatics – Morning Programme

The morning will focus on sharing best practice, developing knowledge and exploring how clubs, coaches and partners can work more effectively together.

9:00am–9:30am | Arrival and Networking

Join us for refreshments, networking and some engaging activities to get the day started.

9:30am–9:45am | Welcome – Regional Chair/Board

An opportunity to reflect on the achievements of Swim England South West over the last year and look ahead to our future plans and priorities.

9:45am–9:55am | Connected Aquatics

An introduction to Connected Aquatics, exploring best practice and ways for clubs and coaches to connect, setting the tone and intent for the day. Delegates will also receive a supporting handout.

10:00am–10:55am | Workshop Session One

Delegates will be able to choose one of the following three workshops:

Workshop 1: Developing Positive Coaching Behaviour

Delivered by Jo John, Barry Aldrich and Rachel Aldington.

Explore positive coaching behaviours and consider how these can support the development of swimmers, coaches and clubs.

Workshop 2: Getting More from Your Membership System

Delivered by Claire Coleman.

Discover ways to make more effective use of your club membership system and explore opportunities to improve how your club manages and supports its members.

Workshop 3: Supporting Clubs, Stronger Together – Collaborating in a Challenging Economy

A panel discussion exploring the challenges and solutions faced by clubs, pool operators and Local Authorities.

Hosted by Andy Jack, with contributions from pool operator, Regional Manager, Local Authority and club representatives.

11:00am–11:15am | Refreshment Break and Networking

An opportunity to grab refreshments, meet other delegates and continue conversations.

11:15am–12:10pm | Workshop Session Two

Delegates will be able to choose one of the following two workshops:

Workshop 4: Building Confidence in Your Swimmers and Creating Team Culture

A panel discussion featuring Matt Puddy, Cameron Kurle and Rich Blackshaw.

Explore how we can build confidence in swimmers and develop positive, supportive team cultures.

Workshop 5: Working Together – Coaches, Committees & Parents

A practical workshop covering vision, values, culture, roles and effective communication.

Co-delivered by Andy Jack, Ben Mullen, a club committee representative, a parent and Richard Smith (Coach).

Afternoon Programme

12:15pm–12:45pm | Safe Aquatics: Keeping Everyone Safe

Delivered by the Swim England Safeguarding Team, including Richard Ball, Millie Stewart and Libby Bell, with potential support from Active Partnerships.

An important session exploring safeguarding and our shared responsibility to create safe environments for everyone involved in aquatics.

12:45pm–1:15pm | Futureproofing Aquatics

A panel discussion led by Mike Coles, Swim England South West Board Chair.

Bringing together perspectives from coaching, safeguarding, clubs and the wider aquatics community, this session will explore the opportunities and challenges facing our sport and how we can work together to secure its future.

The session will conclude with a short thank you and farewell.

1:15pm–2:00pm | Lunch

An opportunity to relax, enjoy lunch and continue networking with colleagues from across the aquatics community.

Swim England South West Regional Awards

2:00pm–5:00pm

The day will conclude with our Swim England South West Regional Awards, celebrating the outstanding individuals, clubs and teams who make such a positive difference to aquatics across our region.

Join us as we recognise the dedication, commitment, achievements and contributions of those who help our sport thrive.

A tea and coffee refreshment break will take place at 3:30pm.

Who should attend?

Connected Aquatics & Awards 2026 is open to everyone involved in supporting and developing aquatics across the South West, including:

• Club committee members

• Coaches and coaching teams

• Teachers

• Pool operators

• Local Authority representatives

• Parents

• Volunteers

• Anyone with an interest in the future of aquatics.

Whether you are looking for fresh ideas, opportunities to develop your club, connections with other professionals or simply inspiration from others working across our sport, we would love you to join us.

Booking Information

Date: Sunday 29 November 2026
Venue: Taunton Rugby Club
Connected Aquatics: 9:00am–1:15pm
Lunch: 1:15pm–2:00pm
Regional Awards: 2:00pm–5:00pm

When booking, delegates will be asked to select one workshop from each of the two workshop sessions.

BOOK YOUR PLACE – CONNECTED AQUATICS & AWARDS 2026

We look forward to welcoming you for a day of inspiration, collaboration, learning and celebration.

Let's connect our aquatics community and shape the future together!