Bristol Beacon Programme Selection Policy

The City of Bristol Beacon programme is funded by the City of Bristol Aquatics Swimming programme. They secure the water time (6 x 50m lanes, 08:00 – 10:00 on Saturday mornings) through their agreement with Parkwood Leisure. Swimmers selected to attend the programme therefore pay the swimming programme directly.

The Beacon programme is endorsed by the Swim England Talent team who are responsible for selecting swimmers and overseeing the management of the programme to ensure that a quality performance environment is maintained.

The selection policy does intentionally favour the older swimmers and primarily aims to provide a developmental opportunity for Youth and Senior swimmers in the local area by giving them the opportunity to train alongside some of the region’s best swimmers on a weekly basis in a long course facility.

This opportunity (due to the reasons highlighted above) should aim to enhance the swimmer’s weekly programme. We do however respect any coach’s decision not to support their swimmer’s attendance. Likewise, we want to ensure that the swimmers attending are already making a full commitment to their home training programme, otherwise this opportunity may be better used by another swimmer who is.

There is an open door policy for any coaches from the region to attend these sessions. Coaches who have swimmers selected are asked to try and attend a minimum of one session per term to support the programme delivery.

The Beacon Head Coach, Matt Puddy is responsible for distributing session plans each Thursday, prior to the Saturday am session. During September there will be a technical focus at the sessions. From October onwards, swimmers will be split into three groups: Sprint, Middle Distance and Distance to ensure that they are undertaking ‘quality’ work that is specific to their main event. There is of course flexibility to move swimmers within these groups for those who multi eventers. Home coaches are asked to communicate where necessary with Matt to ensure that the session provided can most effectively meet the needs of each individual swimmer.

The selection policy is availabe to view here - City of Bristol Beacon Progamme Selection Policy - September 2017

Should you have any queries about the above please contact either Lindsay Dunn (lindsay.dunn@swimming.org) or Matt (mjpuddy@hotmail.com) and we will be happy to answer any questions.