2014 – 2020

ABERDEEN AQUATICS STRATEGY Contents

1 Executive Summary 3

2 Forewords 4

3 Building a Plan for the City 5, 6 & 8 3.1 Water Management Principles 9-10 3.2 Aquatic Framework 12-16 4 Pathways 18-20 1 Executive Summary The direction and guidance from the strategy will Volunteers and Contributors 22-23 Welcome to the Aquatics Strategy 5 be helpful in ensuring the provision of aquatic which seeks to plan for the current and future activities meets the needs of all citizens. With a development of aquatic sport and activity stock of high quality facilities the city has some Local Heroes & City Athletes 7, 11, 17 & 21 between 2014 and 2020. This strategy is one of a 6 unique opportunities to offer users such as: suite of two associated documents namely:

• Aberdeen Aquatics Strategy • Improved access for disabled people • Action Plans for Aquatics – 2014-2016 and 2017-2020 (to be developed) • Access to participate and compete in aquatic disciplines such as Diving, Water The strategy provides detailed information on aquatic Polo, Swimming, Synchro and other sport and relates to the policy for the management aquatic activities of water in Aberdeen. It also contains a framework • Localised access to a world class 50m which has been created for delivering key objectives, swimming pool and captures what success will look like in the • Hosting high calibre aquatic events future. Action plans aligned to the framework will in the city be developed to guide and direct partners on implementing work plans for achieving key measurable • Attracting more visitors and students targets. To ensure this is a successful process, baseline to the city data must be collated across the city along with current key performance indicators (KPI). From this information, actions and additional KPI will be set for measuring progress in the future. 3 2 Forewords 3 Building a Plan for the City! From Council Leader, From Chief Executive Scottish The key objectives are taken from the already Below the key objectives are statements that explain Jennifer Laing Swimming, Forbes Dunlop established, ‘Fit for the Future’ – a Sport and how each objective will be met in relation to aquatic Physical activity strategy for Aberdeen City. activity. These statements also reflect anaquatic vision up to 2020 and a set of Water Management Aberdeen has a long Scottish Swimming Fit For The Future was launched in 2009. The Core Principles which were derived from the Water standing history and congratulates national overall vision for sport and physical activity is: Management Planning Group. tradition of people and local partners for their participating in aquatic vision, commitment and “More People, More Active, The group consists of representatives from the sport both recreationally collaboration in developing following groups: and competitively. This the outstanding new More Often” strategy reflects ‘Fit for the Aberdeen Sports Village • Aberdeen Sports Village Future’, a sport and physical Aquatics Centre. Critically, Fit for the Future identified five key areas of • Sport Aberdeen activity strategy for the city, partners have used this activity and set objectives to: and embraces the vision of ‘More People, More development as the catalyst to produce the • Scottish Swimming Active, More Often’. The strategy represents the Aquatics Strategy for Aberdeen, providing vision collaboration of key partners to provide a joint and direction for the development of aquatics 1 Promote and increase opportunities for • Disability Swimming approach and strategic direction for the across Aberdeen for years to come. participation in sport and physical activity • University of Aberdeen development and delivery of aquatic sport and for everyone in Aberdeen. • activities across our communities. Scottish Swimming believes passionately that every Provide a comprehensive and high quality 2 • Scottish Amateur Swimming child should be given the opportunity to learn to range of sports facilities in Aberdeen. Aquatic activities are highly popular to all ages swim, and this strategy makes a commitment to make Association – North District across the city and can improve, enhance and have this happen in Aberdeen. Again Scottish Swimming 3 Maximise the social, educational, health • sportscotland a positive impact on peoples’ social, physical and congratulates partners on this commitment and looks and economic benefits of sport and psychological wellbeing. By focusing on key areas such forward to working with them in years to come to make physical activity in Aberdeen. • as participation and programming, we will address this a reality. 4 Develop and sustain pathways which • Performance Swimming barriers that stop people from participating and nurture local, regional and national • Affiliated Clubs encourage changes from inactivity to activity. With the addition of the Aquatics Centre, Aberdeen sporting people to reach their potential. now has a suite of facilities which can provide for Learning to swim is a vital life skill and can lead to all user groups, from learn to swim to performance, 5 Raise the profile of sport in Aberdeen. increasing opportunities for people to enjoy health community access to major events. The management and wellbeing benefits. As a Council we are one of and programming of all facilities will be critical to the leading local authorities in to commit to delivering the ambitions within this strategy. continued investment in primary school swimming – ensuring every primary school pupil has the opportunity The development of the Aquatics Strategy has engaged to achieve Scottish Swimming’s Safe Swimmer Award. national and local stakeholders and critically the local Through the partnerships we will continue to identify aquatics clubs and the volunteers who run these clubs. needs within communities and provide opportunities The commitment and passion for aquatics has been for everyone to benefit from. With our ambitious plans clear from all those engaged, not surprising given the I look forward to seeing local citizens and visitors and the North in providing a rich enjoying their experience, reaching their potential, and source of athletes, volunteers, coaches and officials also an increase in attracting major events to the city. who not only make things happen locally but also contribute significantly to national developments.

In summary, this is an ambitious strategy which will require the continued support and commitment from all involved with aquatics to make it happen in the coming years – Scottish Swimming are committed to playing our part.

4 5 Partnerships & Investing In Aquatic Sport & Activity Local Heroes

The Water Management group is an example of effective partnership working from those associated NEIL COCHRAN DAVID CARRY with developing aquatic sport at national, regional Born in Torphins, Scotland in 1965, Neil Cochran “As a child I started and local levels. There are many benefits for all key had his greatest successes in the 200 Individual swimming and soon found partners working together. For example, without strong Medley (IM). Neil Cochran’s greatest achievement that I enjoyed being in the and effective partnership working the development of came at the 1984 Olympics where he won a bronze water. It was when I joined Aberdeen Sports Village’s world class Aquatics Centre medal in that event (the only individual medal for my local swimming club, would not have been possible. GB at those Olympics). He also gained another Aberdeen Dolphins that bronze medal at the same games when he swam enjoyment turned to love! I The partnership working is helpful in creating the opening leg of 4 x 200 freestyle relay. He went made so many new friends opportunities for funding current and future aquatic on to win the World Student Games 200 IM title in and that has always been programmes and projects. In April 2014, key partners 1987 and a silver medal in the 4 x 100 medley relay my constant drive to stay in the water. Following created a steering group for hosting the “Homecoming” at the 1987 European Championships. Cochran my experience in 2002 at the Commonwealth 3rd Commonwealth Water Polo Championships in also represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester I realised the opportunity to Aberdeen. The group comprised members of Aberdeen Games in 1982 and 1986 and was third in the 200 make a career from swimming. Sports Village, Aberdeen City Council, British IM on his home soil in Edinburgh and also won a Swimming, Scottish Swimming and Event Scotland. Aquatics Vision 4 x 200m freestyle relay bronze in 1982 in Once I committed to my new profession, I really Through partners collaborating, financial resources Brisbane. started to explore my boundaries and set goals were secured for the event and for Water Polo for 2020 that pushed me to become Double Commonwealth development programmes. Consequently, this major Neil set the British record of 2 min 3.20 seconds for Champion. event raised the profile of sport for the city, and brought Aberdeen’s aquatic facilities consist of 200 IM in January of 1988. He held the British record a positive impact on the local economy; with over an appropriate mix of high quality well for 12 years, until James Hickman broke it in 2000. Now that I have retired from competitive 6000 tickets sold and over 2000 beds booked through maintained facilities in suitable places. The He also held the Olympic record briefly in 1984. swimming, I have found a new love of recreational Visit Scotland and other agencies. facilities are accessible to all and include swimming. Swimming has a massive impact on a performance centre along with a range of Mr. Cochran currently resides in Boulder, my health and wellbeing and has given me huge Having a long standing history of supporting community facilities. Colorado, USA and has 3 children with his wife passion for my new role as a Board Member aquatic sport and activities in the city, Eileen. He owns a small manufacturing business for Scottish Swimming. We work on ensuring Aberdeen must remain ambitious in this Aberdeen’s core aquatics development with 10 employees. Scotland’s swimming from participation to elite area, and continue to keep aquatic sport pathways are a model of best practice in performance, is in the best possible shape, the UK/Europe. Through effective joined up and activities as key priorities for the future. Medal highlights 1984: Olympic Bronze 200 IM, sharing the message that ‘everyone can swim’. delivery and integrated planning, Aberdeen 1987: World Student Games Bronze 4x200 Freestyle relay delivers an appropriate balance of inclusive Gold 200 Individual Medley I am so excited that Aberdeen has gained such a (IM) 1982: Commonwealth recreational as well as competitive Games Bronze 4x200m fantastic world class facility and looking forward Defining Aquatics programmes, allowing all citizens of and 1987: European Silver Freestyle relay to seeing the world class events that it brings to visitors to Aberdeen to enjoy water based 4x100m IM relay Aberdeen. The recent Commonwealth Water Polo activities, maintain and improve their fitness 1986: Commonwealth Games Championships event was a fantastic example • Swimming levels and quality of life and realise their Bronze 200 IM of that and brought people from as far as South • Diving performance potential. Africa.” • Synchronised Swimming In Aberdeen, all young people are able to swim Medal highlights 2006: CG Gold 400 Freestyle, by the time that they move onto secondary • Water Polo 2010: Commonwealth Games Gold 400 IM, Silver 4x200m school. World class athletes stay in and Freestyle relay • Sub Aqua (CG) Bronze medallist 400m are attracted to come to Aberdeen to train Freestyle, Silver in 4x200m Freestyle relay 2006: European Silver 4x200m • Lifesaving/ lifeguarding and compete. Local people regularly enjoy Freestyle relay • Aqua Fit (and associated activities) participating in aquatics activities. 2008: World Short Course Silver medallist 4x200m • Under Water Hockey The facilities and their associated programmes Freestyle relay and activities are part of an economically sustainable water management infrastructure.

6 7 Aberdeen Pool Facilities Map 3.1 Water Management Principles A947 A90 A set of core principles has been developed • There are clear links between Active and grouped into: Communities and GP referrals and aquatics development. • Participation and Pathways • The swimming club level of the swimming A96 • Facilities and Programming development pathway is always delivered by 11 • Branding and Marketing swimming clubs. Dyce Bridge • Secondary School PE aquatics activities 18 of Don have clear links to the aquatics pathway. Participation and • There is a single performance programme 6 for swimming and a single performance Public Facility 22 4 Bucksburn 7 Pathways programme for diving in Aberdeen. Private Facility Northfield 1 • Performance programmes for aquatic sports 19 Every child in Aberdeen is supported to achieve are supported. the Scotland Safe Swimming award by the end Kingswells 10 5 A944 2 of primary school through an entitlement to 12 Aberdeen swimming in curriculum time. 25 13 14 20 Torry An appropriate aquatics pathway is in place: Cults 15 24 Bieldside 8 • There are clear and effective links between 9 16 learn to swim and aquatic sports clubs. Milltimber 21 Altens 23 • The transition between learn to swim and Peterculter 17 swimming club swimming development 3 Cove takes place at an appropriate level (the Bay appropriate level is currently identified as level 7). A93 • Experiences within learn to swim, clubs, A90 courses and activities are of a high quality. • Staff, coaches and volunteers have the appropriate level of skills and training, © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Aberdeen City Council – 100023401 – 2014 1 Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre supported by an appropriate educational 2 14 Hilton Aberdeen Treetops programme. 3 Ardoe House Hotel 15 International School • Different stages in the swimming 4 Bannatyne’s Aberdeen 16 Kincorth Academy development pathway (learn to swim through 5 Beach Leisure Centre 17 Kippie Lodge Sports and Country Club to performance swimming) are delivered by 6 Bridge of Don Academy 18 Marriott Dyce the appropriate delivery vehicle. 7 Bucksburn Swimming Pool 19 Northfield Swimming Pool • The aquatics development pathway is fully 8 Cults Academy 20 Nuffield Aberdeen inclusive where children, young people and 9 David Lloyd Aberdeen 21 Robert Gordon University adults with disabilities are supported and 10 Double Tree Hilton 22 Spindles Health & Leisure Club encouraged to reach their potential. 11 Dyce Academy 23 Thistle Hotel Altens • There are clear links between Active 12 DW Sports Fitness 24 Tullos Swimming Pool Schools and aquatics development. 13 Hazlehead Swimming Pool 25 The Warehouse Health Club

8 9 Water Management Principles Local Heroes

There is an appropriate amount of high ROBBIE RENWICK HANNAH MILEY Facilities & Programming quality water space in Aberdeen, which is appropriately programmed to meet the needs “Swimming is such a huge “I was very fortunate as a From 7am through to 9pm Monday to Friday of the population. part of my life and has been young child to participate and 8am – 5pm at weekends there is access from a really young age, in many activities such to the public for recreational swimming from surfing at Aberdeen as horse-riding, netball, and swimming for fitness at a community • Access to community pools (both beach to racing in the brownies, dancing and swimming pool in the north of the city and freestanding and linked to schools) is London 2012 Olympic final. piano. However, with a community swimming pool in the south of the arranged through an effective booking I began learning to swim swimming being a lifesaving city. process which maximises and effectively at the age of five when my skill, my dad wanted to balances the use of these facilities by parents took me to my local make sure that all of his schools and the wider community. pool in Aberdeen, for them it was about their kids children could swim for safety reasons and he • There is public access to the Aquatics • Every recognised community aquatics club learning a lifesaving skill, but for my sister and I it took us to the local swimming pool in Inverurie Centre for swimming during opening hours has a “home” pool. was all about having fun and playing in the water. where he taught us how to swim. I attended (apart from during major events.) • The “home” pool for the city’s swimming Things really developed for me, however, around swimming classes and progressed through their • Across the city there are a range of and diving performance programmes is the the age of nine when I joined a club and was able stages and when I was five years old, I joined specific sessions on a weekly basis, at an Aquatics Centre. to compete. I have always been a competitive Garioch amateur swimming club. Dad has always appropriate time, for the following groups: person and swimming became a fantastic outlet had an influence on my swimming and he has • Recognised clubs for swimmers with a for my competitive spirit, and really nurtured my helped to develop my technique. Ethnic Minority Groups disability have a fit for purpose “home” pool. drive and ambition for the sport. Physical Disability Groups • Aquatics clubs are allocated water space My training sessions are based at Inverurie, RGU Groups with Learning Disabilities linked to set criteria, including the number From the small North District competitions in and the new Aquatics Centre which is such an of swimmers, club accreditation and the Scotland, right through to finals at the Olympic asset for everyone. There are often occasions Young Mums performance of the club. Games, I always strive to be the best I can be. when I’m training in a lane during public sessions GP Referrals Swimming has given me so much throughout my and every Tuesday I share the Inverurie pool with career so far, I have travelled all over the world the local primary 4 pupils. I didn’t realise that Parents and Children to places I’d never otherwise have seen, I lead a people would pay particular attention, but children Women Branding & Marketing fit and healthy lifestyle and I have a community of and adults share their experience with me and the Older People other swimmers around me who will be my friends school children often learn skills by watching. There is an effective single portal (one stop for life. Masters shop) for information about aquatics provision I think swimming has so many benefits such as Pre and Post Natal and development in the city. I just hope that somewhere along the road I can relaxing, calming and various different water inspire the younger generations, and even the based activities to enjoy. Having a local 50m pool not so young, to get involved in swimming more to train in now means that the younger generation regularly. It’s an amazing sport and one which may have a fantastic opportunity to grow up with this just save lives in the future. And who knows, in training experience. When they stand behind the process of having fun in the pool, we may also the blocks I believe it will not be so daunting for discover a future generation of potential Olympic them to race for the first time in a 50m pool having or Paralympic stars.” benefited from attending training sessions.”

Medal highlights 2010: CG Gold 200m Freestyle, Medal highlights 2011: World Silver Medallist, 2014: Commonwealth Games Silver 4x200m Freestyle relay 2014: Commonwealth European Champion, British (CG) Silver medallist 4x200m Champion 400m Individual Champion Freestyle relay 2008: World SC Bronze Medley (IM) and Bronze 400m Freestyle Medallist 200m IM 2010: Commonwealth 2012: World Short Course Champion, British Champion (SC) Silver medallist 4x200m 2006: CG Silver 4x200m 2012: World SC Champion Freestyle relay Freestyle relay 400m IM, 200m IM bronze, 2009: European Gold European SC Champion and medallist 400m IM double silver, GB Olympic 2008: World SC Silver Team 400m IM 5th, 200m IM medallist 400m IM and 7th, British Champion Bronze 200 IM 10 11 Providing a comprehensive and high quality range of sports 3.2 Aquatic Framework OBJECTIVE 2 facilities in Aberdeen Promoting and increasing the opportunities for participation in sport OBJECTIVE 1 and physical activity for everyone in Aberdeen STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? Maintaining an appropriate amount of high quality A clear and flexible set of programming guidelines STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? water space in Aberdeen which is appropriately reflecting needs of local communities and programmed to meet the needs of the population. incentives for targeted groups Creating and supporting learn to swim programmes An increase in opportunities through a wider range Creating a clear set of programming guidelines that that will support participation in aquatic sports of aquatic activities will afford access to the public, including those with specialist requirements for recreational swimming Developing structures that will ensure every child A sustainable structure and finance in place to and swimming for fitness at local community in Aberdeen is supported to achieve the Scotland support the Scotland Safe Swimmer Award for all swimming pools Safe Swimming award by the end of primary pupils in local authority schools school through an entitlement to swimming in Creating and maintaining effective booking Effective booking process created and implemented curriculum time processes which maximise and effectively balance the use of community pools Engaging with schools, universities and health care Key partners collaborating to achieve shared goals providers to grow participation in aquatic sports and Increased awareness and benefits of participating Ensuring there is adequate public access to the Public access in line with provision that is create clear links into aquatic pathways in aquatic sport Aquatics Centre for swimming during opening hours appropriate to the needs of the public and (apart from during major events) frequently reviewed Developing, enhancing and promoting links between Behavioural change from inactivity to regular Active Communities, GP referrals, Active Schools active participation and aquatic staff to increase opportunities for Ensuring that every recognised community aquatics Home pools are allocated aquatic development club and performance programme has Identity and stability for clubs in the community a “home” pool that is fit for the needs of the Performance programme hosts appropriate athletes All providers remain committed to ensuring club/programme Maintaining a fully inclusive development pathway at Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre where children, young people and adults regardless everyone has the opportunity to participate in of ethnicity, age, background or ability are fully aquatic activities and no individual discriminated The needs of aquatics clubs are identified and Guidelines are identified and adhered to supported and encouraged to reach their potential against for reasons of gender, race, disability, age, religion, political belief, sexual orientation or promoted using a supportive system which allocates social background water space linked to set criteria. Creating a system whereby aquatics clubs are allocated water space linked to set criteria, Developing new partnerships in the public and Sustained and effective partnership working including the number of swimmers, club private sector and building on existing partnerships through understanding and accepting limitations accreditation and the performance of the club and opportunities where partners can support each other

Actively seeking investment through partnerships to Sustainability and growth in supporting existing support participation programmes participation programmes and providing support for new initiatives

Ensuring the range of experiences associated with Quality assurance process implemented aquatic activity is of the highest quality

12 13 Maximising the social, educational, health and economic benefit of Developing and sustaining pathways which nurture local, regional OBJECTIVE 3 sport and physical activity in Aberdeen OBJECTIVE 4 and national sporting people to reach their potential

STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE?

Engaging with partners in maximising potential Partnerships in place and delivery of suitable Identifying appropriate groups as deliverers for Clear roles and responsibilities at every stage of for promoting a diverse and exciting range of programmes that meet the needs in communities coaching and pool operators as deliverers of learn the pathway aquatic activities to swim programmes in local authority/partnership facilities Supporting young people and to motivate and An increase in young people becoming involved in Provide clear and effective links between learn to Strong partnerships evidenced between learn to inspire more young people to participate in aquatics aquatic activities swim and aquatic sports clubs with the transition swim deliverers and clubs. between learn to swim and clubs taking place at Agreed levels of transition attained Raising awareness of opportunities to participate in Stronger engagement from the workforce to level 7 aquatics through schools, clubs and healthy living encourage participation initiatives Creating and sustaining clear pathways for Retaining all athletes in their competitive pathway competitors in all aquatic sports through clubs and participants in various recreational activities Raising awareness and promoting major aquatic Successful marketing and teams to national representation in all aquatic events in the city Securing significant aquatic events disciplines Increased opportunities for recruiting and retaining volunteers Recognising a single performance programme for Support services and finances directed towards swimming and a single performance programme for both performance programmes New activities established through succession diving in Aberdeen, where performance for aquatic Successful implementation of marketing plans planning by partners sports is supported through opportunities and appropriate funding Collaborating on a regular basis with partners and A full and well balanced programme of activities in identified groups to maximise the benefits of aquatic facilities across the city Establishing and supporting education programmes An education programme that identifies and resources that encourage participation of teachers, coaches, meets the needs of people who wish to contribute officials and support staff at all levels towards the delivery of aquatic sport

Nurturing a high performance attitude from A recognised culture of excellence amongst peers competitive athletes, coaches, and officials

Implementing and monitoring quality assurance Sustainability through attainment of quality for National Governing Body endorsed pathways assurance at each level of the pathway across across the city the city

Increasing the number of athletes, coaches, Increased number of local coaches, athletes, and officials and support staff on national teams for all officials on national teams aquatic sports

Building and maintaining productive relationships Key partners collaborating to achieve shared goals between providers in Aberdeen City, club associations and national governing bodies

14 15 Raising the profile of sport in Aberdeen OBJECTIVE 5 Local Heroes

STATEMENT WHAT WOULD SUCCESS LOOK LIKE? MARK SPEED ANDREW McGOVERN

Attracting and delivering local, regional, national Support from local communities and increased “I started playing the Andrew developed and international competition to the highest participation in events mentally and physically his swimming with the standards challenging sport of Water City of Aberdeen Swim Promoting and encouraging participation and Polo for Dunfermline WPC in Team. Andrew studied spectator attendance at all aquatic events in the 1998 and have been a accountancy at Robert City of Aberdeen member of the Scottish Gordon University and as National Team since 2001. a sports bursar found his Promoting aquatic sports through the selection and Showcasing and supporting our local athletes In 2003 I moved to Aberdeen sporting abilities growing. promotion of local aquatic sporting ambassadors to study Geography at the University of Aberdeen and completed a PhD in Promoting participation in aquatic sports at every Implement a marketing plan successfully and Environmental Science. Since 2005, I have played Selection to the Scottish Universities teams opportunity through active marketing achieve targets for Caledonia, a composite Scottish team formed coupled with British University success in to compete in the British Water Polo League. the Backstroke events preceded Andrew’s There is identification for aquatics provision and The identity of ‘City of Aberdeen’ as a national breakthrough in Open competition. During his development in the city brand/logo for aquatic sport of the city I have enjoyed success at all levels and time at RGU Andrew won both the 100m and 50m competed in the Commonwealth Water Polo Backstroke Scottish Open championships as Create an effective one stop portal for information People gaining access to a user friendly portal Championships in Aberdeen in 2014. An excellent well as placing in the finals of both British and about aquatics provision and development in that communicates the range and availability of team performance was critical to the Scottish continental competition. Andrew competed at the the city aquatic activities and directs users to deliverers’ men beating South Africa in a robust third 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow qualifying booking systems place playoff. Winning the bronze medal in a for the semi-finals in the 50m backstroke. commonwealth year was some recompense for the trip to hospital to treat an eye injury sustained during the match! Now recovered, I remain in JACK NESS Aberdeen working as a senior business analyst in the oil and gas industry. Jack began swimming with COAST as a tenacious I’m committed to supporting grass roots water and wild 12 year old. Filled polo and contribute as a volunteer and coach with talent and ambition the University of Aberdeen water polo team. he was a handful for his Water polo relies heavily on volunteers – even coaches who with patience the Scottish coaching team do everything and care managed to on a voluntary basis. Volunteers from all nurture him through his over Scotland travelled to dedicate time and transitional teens. contribute significantly; making sure the recent Commonwealth Water Polo Championship was a Jack balanced both his academic and sporting huge success. Now we have raised the profile of ambitions, and during his time at Robert Gordon’s this exciting sport, I look forward to seeing more College he developed into a straight A student people involved whether playing or supporting and was accepted to study Chemical Engineering water polo.” at Edinburgh.

Jack broke the British Age Group record for 50m Backstroke in 2013 and in 2014 and lowered the Great Britain standard set by current world record holder Liam Tancock. He broke the national senior record in qualifying for the 2014 Commonwealth Games despite suffering glandular fever beforehand. 16 17 4 Pathways Diving Pathway Swimming Pathway Aims and Objectives

• Reintroduce diving to Aberdeen Performance • Provide developmental, recreational and competitive opportunities for all ages and abilities • Develop coaching network and expertise • Work with other diving facilities to develop the programme and ensure involvement in national programme development Performance Development

Flip n Fun Children’s Development Clubs Programme

Bronze / Silver / Gold Participation Programmes Supervised Diving TID Diving Diamonds Programme Sessions Learn To Swim Programmes Platinum Participation, Healthy Living Programmes Performers Adult & Child Early Years Programme

Adult Adult LTD Programme

Supervised Diving Sessions Experienced University Divers Club

Masters

18 19 Water Polo Pathway City Athletes Success continues for city athletes who FINLAY DEANS compete from local to international level “I started swimming with SULEMAN BUTT the Bridge of Don club after spending my younger years “Swimming is my passion at pools watching my sister and has allowed me to meet compete. I have made many many great people whilst friends through the sport

British and I enjoy the positive Senior Senior Level 3

Squads opening many doors for me University University Club Polo Swimming Swimming atmosphere in my training Water Polo Water Polo Water along the way. I’ve learnt Performance Performance that if you are willing to put group at COAST. Performance in the time and effort, you will succeed in life. I am just at the beginning of my journey as an athlete and am inspired by Andy McGovern and David Carry who visited us when he was home. My greatest achievements are breaking Mark I have won national age group titles, broken a Foster’s 15 year old 100m Freestyle Short Course number of district records and been part of some Record. In 2013 I was selected for the European great relay teams who took gold at the National British Junior Level 2

Squads Age Groups in 2014. It was also an honour to be National Club Polo Academy Academy Youth Olympics Festival in the Netherlands. Later, Swimming Swimming Waterpolo Waterpolo

Programme a recipient of the Aberdeen Sports Council Male Performance Performance in December of 2013, I broke 2 Scottish Junior Records for the 100m and 200m Backstroke at Junior Sports Personality of the Year award. the Scottish Gas National Short Course Open Championships. I was part of the World Class My ultimate goal would be to represent my Swimming Programme – Podium Potential Squad, country at the Commonwealth Games in 2018, and which provides training camp and competition qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.” opportunities, science and medicine services.” Development

Level 1 CAITLIN TOOTILL Club Polo City Junior Programme

Development Development KIRSTY SIMPSON “After falling in love with “I started swimming when swimming as a youngster I I was 10 years old after have enjoyed opportunities being encouraged by my and experiences not family. My Grandad closely available to many girls my missed out on swimming age. Since moving to COAST in the Olympics when he aged 14 I have achieved and was younger and I am keen experienced much more (Adult) than I could have imagined. Polo Skills Polo to take my journey a step (<16 years)

PHOTO: SIMON WRIGHT - GBSWIMSTARS I have competed in the UK School Games, W.I.S.E

Taster Sessions Sessions Taster further. I am originally from Taster Sessions Taster Dundee and chose to move to Aberdeen as the International, and had success in Spain and Italy. mix of swim programme, academics and facilities I’ve competed in British finals and achieved a give me a great balance in pursuing both my National Record along the way. studies and dreams of racing at a world level. I am currently focused on the Commonwealth Beginner I enjoyed competing at the 2012 and 2014 Olympic Games in Australia as well as trying to make and Commonwealth Trials. I am the 17/18 British European or World Championships teams. With Champion over 100m Backstroke and am a member the amazing facilities in Aberdeen these goals feel

Learn to Swim to Learn of the Scottish Swimming Senior Gold Squad.” well in reach.”

20 21 5 Volunteers and Volunteers Contributors In the background, a wide range of volunteers Sean’s unique way of coaching gets the best enjoy making a contribution at all levels out of the swimmers without them feeling they All sports benefit from and indeed rely on have worked hard. Swimmers have joined our the input from volunteers to enable them club, recognising the excellent morale of our to deliver opportunities for participants. KEVIN PATERSON swimmers and coaches and the continued Aquatic sports are no different. Within the success at competitions throughout Scotland Aberdeen City Aquatics Strategy there is Kevin Paterson has been and some further afield. Our numbers have more an expectation that there will be a cohort of volunteering with Bridge than doubled and we now have access to the willing volunteers supporting all the clubs and of Don Amateur Swimming new aquatics centre, which gives us access to societies. Without the dedicated commitment Club for over 12 years. He practice racing dives every week as Dyce pool and time from these volunteers, clubs and has been a coach and a has no diving facilities. Sean attends competitions other voluntary groups simply would not be technical official, spending with the swimmers most weekends as well as able to offer and sustain quality experiences four years as head coach at holding down a full time job and coaching 5 nights to members of the community. Bridge of Don. a week. We can’t thank him enough for all the work he does for us. Volunteering does not have to be about massive commitment, an hour or two a week He qualified as a referee in 2007 and has spent goes a long way to support the participants a number of years as the Swimming Technical LIZ KEMP and athletes in the clubs. It can be very Official Convenor for the North District. He rewarding and lots of fun helping out – had a very visible presence at the Glasgow “I’ve been volunteering in whether a busy mum giving an hour of time Commonwealth Games where he was one of the swimming circles for – it each week to help provide a newsletter, or two official starters at the swimming competition seems like forever! I’ve a grandma baking for a bring and buy sale at Tollcross International Swimming Centre. organised and taken part to raise funds, whether the club treasurer, in numerous fundraising or website guru, whether a qualified official His contribution to swimming in this area has events from bag packing in or the social event manager, the time, already been recognised by the awarding of the supermarket to jumping enthusiasm and expertise brought to the sport Scottish Swimming’s John Gunning Volunteer up and down at a fit-a- by volunteers is invaluable. Award. Kevin continues to play an active role at thon! I’ve helped out at and Bridge of Don and in the North District, with a helped run swimming galas, been a member of Aberdeen City is especially proud of this rich particular interest in the training of officials. and chaired various committees and groups I am resource and recognises the dedicated work proud to have been involved in the setting up of and contributions volunteers have made. Not the city’s swim programme, COAST. only is this recognised locally within the city SEAN BREEN but also at a national level where volunteers I’ve been involved as a coach for 25 years – from regularly gain roles at International events. Sean Breen, volunteer head my nervous beginnings as a club helper, to club These roles often lead to people gaining coach of Dyce Swimming coach, to COAST programme coach at various employment and developing careers in Club, joined when the club levels – from poolside helper to National grass aquatic sport. was suffering in numbers roots district coach – I’ve loved every minute. I due to a couple of years of love helping youngsters develop skills they didn’t Partners are committed to supporting clubs threatened pool closure and know they had and then watching them go on to and groups in developing their volunteer on-going equipment faults win Olympic Gold medals knowing I helped them workforce, and would like to thank people at Dyce Academy pool. become the athlete they are. who contribute tirelessly in supporting the aquatic community in the city. When I was a child I swam competitively and He was like a breath of fresh air for the club, getting the buzz of doing that was amazing but watching The partnership wishes to acknowledge stuck right in by assessing all the swimmers and those little boys and girls develop their skills and and sincerely thank Scottish Swimming, coaches, talking to them all individually. By finding achieve their goals is much more rewarding.” GBswimstars and Brian Battensby for out all the problems and liaising with the committee, permitting the use of photographs in this he went on to work on them all. document. 22 23 Aberdeen Aquatics Strategy 2014 – 2020