Congratulations to all of the Regional Award Winners 2023

arlier this year nominations were opened for the South West Regional Awards 2023. These awards are part of the Swim England National Awards and link directly with one another. 
The Region had a panel of independent members who sifted through all of the excellent nominations to select the Regional Award Winners. 
In this bulletin we are going to identify all of those categories and the names of all of the nominees. 

Regional Award Categories

  • Swimming Coach of the Year
  • Artistic Swimming Coach of the Year
  • Diving Coach of the Year
  • volunteer of the Year
  • Technical Official of the Year
  • Swimming Club of the Year
  • Artistic Swimming Club of the Year
  • Diving Club of the Year
  • Water Polo Club of the Year

The criteria for each of the above award categories can be found on our website here: https://www.swimwest.org.uk/news/article/sw-awards-2023 

And our Regional Winners are...

Swimming Coach of the Year

Winner - Scott Garrett, Calne Alpha Four 
We are indebted to Scott. During Covid we lost 2 key coaches including the previous head coach, Scott took on the role without hesitation, motivating other coaches to keep the club going.  Coming out of Covid with hugely depleted numbers, the last year had been about rebuilding the club. Scott has built links with the learn to swim programme and Primary Schools and our Academy is now thriving with numbers reaching previous levels. He has motivated parents to become coaches and increased volunteering participation, so we can run galas in order to continue to subsidise the sport for our swimmers.  

Runners up - Kerry Rutherford, Swindon ASC and Jon Falco, Dursley Dolphins
Artistic Swimming Coach of the Year
 Winner - Sarah Pullan, Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club
Sarah took over main coaching responsibilities of the section when she was 17 and has never looked back. Over thirty years later she has developed and grown the club through her excellent coaching and ability to bring the best out of swimmers and other coaches, upskilling those around her. She has excellent teaching methods which have allowed swimmers at all levels to achieve their best. Without her, very simple, the club would have folded many years ago and I would like to see her efforts recognised. She is both the heart and head of the artistic swimming section of CSWPC. 

Runners up - Holly Miller, Team Bath Synchro Club and Cerys Hughes, City of Bristol AquaticsDiving Coach of the Year
 Winner - Sally Freeman, Plymouth diving
This nominee in the last year has worked hard to ensure the club stays open despite not being a Head Coach or having a Head Coach in the programme. They deserve recognition for their resilience through a tough re build whilst still achieving results with the divers throughout the pathway. 
Volunteer of the Year
 Winner - Hannah Coad, Carn Brae and Helston
Hannah is the glue which keeps our club together. As a small club Hannah gifts a great deal of her own time, often multi-tasking to ensure the club runs efficiently and swimmers are provided with the highest standard of training within a safe environment. She is the key to our clubs door and unlocks the potential of our club in her many roles as volunteer coach, communications, club treasurer, official, website and social media co-ordinator. Hannah is simply a 'force majeure' within our club.

Runners up - Martin Hooper, Yeovil and District and Laura Smith, Team Bath Synchro Club
Technical Official of the Year
 Winner - Jill Beard, Swim Bournemouth
A highly respected and hardworking Technical Official for far more years than many will remember, regularly working at all levels including participation in the Referee Development programme. This year seeing a massive milestone for Jill, having held the role of Dorset Officials Secretary for 25 years plus has just this year passed the baton to colleagues to allow her to ensure an Officiating/Life balance. Jill has this year been recognised by the County for the valuable contribution   made to not only the County but also the Region where she still maintains the title of Regional Officials Training and Development Coordinator.  

Runners up - Paul Robbins, Trowbridge and Glenys Lock, Swindon ASC
 Swimming Club of the Year
 Winner - Trident Swimming Club 
They have amazing coaches,  amazing team spirit.  The club offers a wide range of levels to all swimmers. They support the Duke of Edinburgh and other schemes the members take part in. Living in the area they are based, it is hard for children to find a place to be there selves, and this is a great way to meet others with the same passion. The level of commitment is obvious to anyone visiting.  They are growing in numbers and strength as a club. 

Runners up - Seagulls Swimming Club and Swindon ASC
 Artistic Swimming Club of the Year
 Winner - Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club
The Club is a highly deserving candidate for the Award, thanks to their remarkable inclusive approach, exceptional membership growth, and dedication to volunteer engagement.  Regardless of age, gender, or disability, the club passionately believes that everyone should have the opportunity to try artistic swimming. Due to their welcoming environment and dedication to inclusivity, the club has experienced a remarkable 23% growth in membership numbers. They have actively recruited and trained volunteers, recognizing their pivotal role in creating a positive club experience for all members. In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments, the club was awarded the Walsall Trophy for 2022/23.   

Runner up - City of Bristol Aquatics
 Diving Club of the Year
 Winner - Plymouth Diving
Plymouth Diving has battled back from the pandemic and extended pool closure to increase membership, train new coaches, develop existing coaches, recruit and train new volunteers from judging to team managing. The Club has had success at Junior Elites level resulting in 3 divers being selected for GB Team and 2 selected for Team Y. Provided the bulk of the Southwest team at ESSA 2022 (winning the ESSA trophy) and won best Club at the Armada Cup and best Club at National Age Groups 2023. They have also recruited 17 new skills divers with 16 qualifying for National Skills Finals. 
Water Polo Club of the Year
 Winner - Devonport RSA
Despite loosing members and gaining them we have still created a strong team environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
 

Congratulations to all of the winners! 
We will be in touch with you to arrange your presentations by the Regional President in due course. 

Posted by Swim England South West on September 14th 2023

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