Through the Kellogg’s Swim Active fund the Swimming Trust and its partners the ASA are reviewing the application criteria for the next round of Swim Active grants.

We are very keen build on the success of previous rounds where more than £140,000 has been directed to 19 community swimming projects.

Whilst we are delighted to be able to help these projects they represent only 5% of the total number of applications made. This meant that so many well planned and potentially important projects, which could have made big differences to communities accross the country were not able to be supported.

Many of these unsuccessful applications focussed on school swimming. This is an area that the Swimming Trust is very keen to see develop and the entry criteria for the next round of Grants will focus on learn to swim projects.

The next round of Kellogg’s Swim Active Grants will open on 1 May 2012.

You can download the full criteria for this round of Grants together with notes on completing the application form here. An application form will be made available from 1 May 2012. Applications are invited from 1 May via email to swimactive@swimming.org

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Following the continuing success of a pilot project in Milton Keynes, running from January 2011 to December 2012, the national charity is hoping to deliver new projects across the country in a number of targeted areas.

The Young Teacher Development Programme is aimed at individuals aged 16 to 24 years and supports them through the Level 1 and Level 2 UK Coaching Certificate for Teaching Aquatics and Coaching Swimming.

Candidates are mentored by experienced and fully qualified swimming teachers or coaches, ensuring that they receive the high level of support required to develop their skills and experience.
The programme has been designed specifically for existing swimmers who would not otherwise have access to the resources required to begin a career in teaching. It predominantly targets young people from hard-to-reach, vulnerable, BME and disadvantaged groups, and is open to both able-bodied individuals and those with a disability.

Once qualified, the candidate will be fully equipped to support a qualified and licensed aquatic teacher or coach and provide much needed teaching assistance to their local swimming clubs and other groups. As this is the first step towards a career in swimming teaching and coaching, the programme offers the opportunity for individuals to develop their skills through further training.

Kris Hunt, a participant on the Level 1 course in Milton Keynes said, “The bursary scheme was crucial in allowing me to get involved with the programme. It offered additional opportunities, for example, Disability Continual Professional Development and mentored sessions. This quickly enhanced my confidence and ability to work with groups of children. It also opened the door to job opportunities.

“My swimming career is now taking a new route, I currently work two sessions a week, plus cover work, and I will shortly be attending the Level 2 course in order to be even more actively involved. I hope this scheme is able to continue, in order to give others the same opportunity it has afforded me.”

It is the Swimming Trust’s ambition to roll out the Young Teacher Development Programme nationally. To do this, and build upon the success in Milton Keynes, they require funding.

Working with Local Authorities, the ASA’s Regional Offices and local organisations, the Swimming Trust is aiming to recruit 20 young people aged 16 to 24 for each target area, from schools, swimming clubs and community groups. To fund 10 candidates for Level 1 and 10 candidates for Level 2 the Swimming Trust requires an investment of £11,825.

Donating towards this project would mean that you are making a positive contribution towards establishing career opportunities for a new generation of young people in the sport. The Young Teacher Development Programme provides quality training, experiences and skills that last a lifetime.

For details on how to donate please visit www.swimmingtrust.com or http://www.virginmoneygiving.com For more information on the programme please contact James Male: james.male@swimming.org or 07768 288014.