Summary
We were contacted by West Midland Swimming, the West Midlands regional ASA to support the development of a new talent development framework to increase the level of success that swimmers from the region are having on the national and international stage. There was no framework in place previously and there had been limited top level success.
Approach
We set up two online surveys, one for the clubs and one for the coaches, to invite their thoughts on a range of factors affecting swimming in the region. We also set up club interviews with 6 clubs, worked closely with the regional and national team at the ASA, analysed regional performance data and consulted with the board and other key stakeholders in the region.
Outcome
From the research we found the issues that face clubs, coaches and volunteers in the region, as well as the major limiting factors that are inhibiting progression and the maximising of swimmers potential. The results of the performance data provided an opportunity for future bench marking to track the progress of swimmers over the next few years. We identified 6 key recommendations. The first two outlined the need for action by the regional board in order to effect a change on talent performance, as well as calculating the financial investment required. We stated the need for a robust MOU backed up by both reward for adherence and consequence for operating outside of its terms. This enabled us to identify the need for a clear club structure naming performance environments at the heart. A coach mentoring process is vital in the region to bring coaches together and to up skill them at all levels. The final recommendation demonstrated the need for an advocacy role, for the regional staff and volunteers to increase the demand for national guidance on competition, particularly for young swimmers.