CLUBS AWARDED SWIM 21 STATUS
The number of clubs now accredited under the Amateur Swimming
Association's (ASA) Swim21 scheme has risen to 334.
The national governing body for swimming is well on its way
to achieving its target of accrediting 800 clubs to its Swim
21 scheme by 2009 after fourteen more clubs made the grade
at the May panel meeting.
Swim 21 is the ASA's club development model and has been
in operation since 2002. Reviewed and amended at the beginning
of 2006, the application process is now more straightforward
and the scheme has opened up to all disciplines.
Swim 21 is recognised by Sport England as a Clubmark accredited
scheme and therefore all clubs gaining Swim 21 accreditation
will automatically receive Clubmark status.
Based on the principles of Long Term Athlete Development
(LTAD), Swim 21 encourages clubs to specialise in one of four
areas; Teaching, Skill Development, Competitive Development
and Performance. It recognises nationally and regionally the
clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and
quality services for the benefit of their members.
Swim 21 National Chair Dave Flack is encouraged by the number
of clubs applying for Swim 21 accreditation.
"Swim 21 is important for clubs," he said. "It
provides a springboard to launch your club to higher goals
and even greater achievements at all levels."
"It has now been running for four years and the number
of clubs receiving accreditation is promising, we are on our
way to achieving 800 clubs accredited by 2009 and this figure
is achievable. Since amending the scheme in 2006 we have seen
an increase in the number of clubs working towards accreditation."
Flack sees Swim 21 as a way for clubs to develop the service
that they provide and the skills of everyone working at the
club.
"There are many benefits of being accredited through
the Swim 21 scheme but the main one is it gives clubs a clear
focus on how to move forward and help develop their athlete's
skills further. Also the whole process holistically develops
the whole club including volunteers and chairman. It is the
ASA club development model and so gives everyone at the club
the chance to progress."
Clubs interested in working towards the Swim 21 accreditation
should contact their Regional Development Officer.
The next panel meeting will be held on 15th August, and submissions
should be made by 1st August.
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