This week we are literally doing to be jumping into something which will be swimming. So we are going to take a journey, literally into the life, work, pleasure, achievement and offer to all from City of Norwich Swimming Club and Clacton Sharks where we will have a focus on the Masters section.
Some of the members, coaches, parents and swimmers will share their special memories of their incredible clubs. Whilst we focus in on the unique offer and investigate the impact of their work on their communities. Both have been established and evolved overtime and are steeped in history.
However, we are talking David Verus Goliath, Mega versus Small… So which is best? Which has the bigger impact? We’ll revisit that as we explore the offer these clubs put forward and we celebrate their success…
So let’s begin with an introduction to these two amazing clubs, gain an insight from the people who make the sessions happen and those who give their time tirelessly as volunteers, coaches, officials and chaperones.
I am lucky to have both of these clubs by my side for many reasons and they have both showered me with some very pleasurable experiences, perhaps one more than another but in different ways. The one thing you’ll never have to worry about is being accepted. No matter what health condition or disability you have they will accept you and support you to achieve your goals. Let’s compare and contrast….
City Of Norwich
In the swimming world and in particular the Para-Swimming world this club is extremely well recognised and talked about for many reasons and rightly so. Not only is it the home of Paralympic S14 Champion Jessica-Jane Applegate (MBE) ( read her incredible story here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica-Jane_Applegate) but it has as its leader one of the top award winning coaches Alex Pinniger at it’s helm since 1991. However, it can be traced back as far as 1930! Based at the Sportspark within The University of East Anglia the club has access to both long and short course pools, they cater for numerous abilities through from beginners to world and Paralympic Champions within numerous age and ability squads, with every person being treated as an individual.
They are well known for having amazing coaches, structured pathways, retention of swimmers, support on poolside, the use of technology to track and support training, slick running of gala’s, highly tailored swimming programmes, significant land training opportunities and their professional and positive environment. Squad reps keep both swimmers, parents and squads up to date with relevant club information.
With Pinniger being so successful and producing swimmers of the highest level he can be away at frequent Para-Swimming GB training camps for weeks at a time with Applegate and fellow S14 Jordan Catchpope ( See his impressive profile at this link; https://www.britishswimming.org/athlete-swimming-profiles/para-swimming-profiles/jordan-catchpole/) He is also present for those National Level events that are special and earns the right to your best poolside coach. However, the rest of his squad remain behind and next in line is wife and the clubs Head Age Group coach Karen Pinniger who takes up the slack and keeps everything moving back home. She is also the head coach of the 3 Swim England Talent Phase 1 camps.
‘These camps are for 13-to-14 year old swimmers selected by their performances at national championships including our swimmer Olivier Vedrenne. This is a reflection on the high priority Karen places on skill development and acquisition and we are very proud that this is being recognised nationally’.(https://www.cityofnorwichsc.co.uk/karen-pinniger-swim-england/)
‘I am delighted to have been asked to lead this programme for Swim England. I have really enjoyed the camps and personally developed through leading a team of different coaches from different backgrounds to work together for the swimmers’ Karen Pinniger (Saturday 23 November, 2019,Alex Pinniger, Head Coach (https://www.cityofnorwichsc.co.uk/karen-pinniger-swim-england/)
My first affinity with the club was through Para-swimming. I won my first National Titles in 2013 and was looking for some competitive challenges beyond where I was competing with my club at the time. That quest lead me to Norwich. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first time that I competed there in 2014 I broke a British Record and remember the excitement at the Union Jack suddenly being flashed up on the big screen’. In addition this enabled me to qualify for The British International Championships where I placed 3rd behind two Paralympic Champions. I went on to set many British Records (many set at Norwich!), remain ranked number one in the country as an S4 Swimmer and compete in the 2016 Paralympic Trials.
As it happened I have now been a member of the club since 2016 and trained with the squad monthly. This supported my programme and helped me achieve so much. Now I have a ‘long distance’ relationship. This works well for me, especially now I am ‘semi-retired’ from swimming with my coach sending detailed plans to adapt and utilised and then dipping my toes into some competition again every once in the while. I feel so welcomed whenever I return and supported and accepted by the whole team. It always feels like my ‘swimming home’ and the draw of long course training and competition is great!’ So many of my happy memories in para-swimming have been associated with this club with galas, competitions, achievements, support at major championships from top coaches and of course the people I competed with and against’.
Someone who took me under her wing was club secretary Tracey Spinner. Right from the first time I entered the Norwich arena she supported my needs and made me feel so welcome. Starting off as the Mum of a highly talented daughter her route through this club has been incredible and without her the club would be ‘strapped’ to find anyone else who would be prepared to go to the lengths that she does, putting in time that just doesn’t exist in order to be with her ‘family’ and ensure the smooth running of the gala’s produced, from entries, to organising officials, to officiating herself, working behind the scenes and welcoming everyone and anyone to compete and swim. Even with her daughter now at University and training with the club over holidays if anything she has taken on more workload and especially over the pandemic. A truly inspiring person and someone I am lucky enough to have as a friend and supporter.
You can also read about Masters swimmer Mel and her Channel Swim from this link.
Clacton Swimming Club
This club is much smaller but offers an Academy, Artistic swimming, a Masters squad and two levels of swimming squads within a club that has been running for over a 100 years! Their aim is to support people in all groups to enjoy their sport and allow those who wish to to compete up to Regional level.
My first affection for the club was through a complete coincidence, when carer was sat watching me swim / coach and a masters member spoke to her about the club. I jumped at the chance to give it a go and couldn’t have been made more welcome. As a para-swimmer at that time I was swimming in high level galas so it was great to be given the chance to train my own sets but in amongst others. You soon learn to adapt to the speed of the others and everyone has their own reason to be there and can choose the best option for them. With training sets put up and used and utilised, swimming lessons, people finding their ‘swim feet’ again and those swimming for speed and fitness to support their open water swimming and the numbers triathlons, Duathlons and Iron Man challenges. Someone that has been instrumental in working towards her own swimming goals but also the development of the club is Gill Cook and this is her story…
‘I joined masters in 2015. Prior to this I hadn’t swum properly for some 25 years! Boys were swimming with squads and I was sitting poolside so thought, why not! I was Scottish Age group champion and represented Scotland at a number of international meets as a junior and trained with the Scottish squad. I entered the English championships, my best finish being 6th.
Since joining masters it has grown considerably. On joining there were about 10 regular members. Now we have around 25 active members (well prior to covid) and it is very much a collective effort. Swimming with the squads has helped provide lifeguard cover as we no longer have a coach / someone poolside. A few volunteers research sets to keep us focused and we regularly have time trials to assess fitness and have a target. I have improved greatly; not long after joining (purely for fitness and overall health) I caught the open water bug and swam in the Great East Swim at Alton Water. Last year I finished 2nd overall in the 1 mile distance but was first in my age group and gender. The year before I finished 3rd female in the 3.8km River Arun swim (1st in age group!). I have also completed 3 marathon swims (10km).
Gill puts her success down to the support of the masters team and she has certainly impressed with her achievements!
With Gina (Clarke), she has experienced the real benefits of swimming and the devastating effects of having it taken away through the corona virus;
‘My first competitive swimming when I was about 8-9 years old for a swimming club and went on to be near national standard and gave up. After 36 years I come back to train to perhaps start competing when I get a lot better. I've improved such a lot and my fitness greatly improved all round..until covid came along..now I'm back to square one again as I was last August having near 5 months off..I can't wait to get back swimming again..mentally and fitness wise’.
This kind of reaction shows how she has felt the warm welcome you get and the desire to return as soon as possible. It’s amazing to think that after all those years not only the swimming itself but ‘competition bug’ can always return and that’s what the masters section at Clacton is so important for. The group is made up of competitive swimmers, open water, Duathlons, Masters Games, para-swimmers and beginners.
Now for Angela (Hastings) and her journey through the sport and in particular Clacton Sharks! This shows how diverse the offer is to people who join the squad and the level of achievement that is possible.
’My sister Kay and I joined CSC in the late 70’s early 80’s as 12/ 13 year olds we swam in squads for a couple of years and then moved to water polo .. As Clacton ladies water polo team we played in the first National ladies water polo competition and were runners up . We played regularly in competitions in Holland and once in Malta .... my sister went on to become European champion in triathlon for her age group when she was in her 40’s. I moved away from Clacton and on returning in early 2000 I had two boys who both swam and competed for Clacton swim club squads ... as I was taking the boys to training I offered to become a poolside helper I think in 2009. I then qualified as a level 1 and then level 2 swim teacher and swam with the masters which were run by Mick Rodwell, predominantly for the water polo men’s team. I took over the masters section for about five years ago and the aim was to train swimmers and triathletes. We even had novice adult swimmers who have progressed amazingly to compete in iron man events all over the world . I love CSC as I am still great friends with people I swam with as a child and have taught their children too. In the last few years I have taken up open water swimming which is a totally different experience ... the saying swimming a sport you can do from the cradle to the grave is very true and along the way you make friends for life’
Linda Hargreaves is something on a different scale but very impressive at the same time as is her husband David Hargreaves! Their story is fantastic!
‘I joined CSC at 8 years old, my brother Nick Westlake and David (my husband to be) were already members as 13 year olds. It was an amazing family club and all ages were great friends, we would train together and socialize together for many years.Nick helped with the teaching of young swimmers, water polo players and ran the masters group for a while. He played polo to Essex level well into his 50’s and still competes in triathlons. He trained the Ladies water polo team to win many tournaments and more recently helps many Clacton triathletes encouraging them to swim with Clacton Masters.David switched to triathlons in his 30’s and has gone from strength to strength coming 8th in the World in the 60 to 64 age group in Australia in 2018. I loved pool swimming and water polo I was part of the first England Ladies water polo team playing in Germany many years ago, like my brother I gave back to CSC by coaching the youngsters, but my true love was open water where I was fortunate to represent GB in 3k river swim and then Ireland in the 10.5 mile Lake Windermere swim’.
However, the impact of COVID-19 on the two clubs has produced two very different responses in order to support the members of the club and ensure they stay ‘connected’. So impressed with the speed and efficiency of City of Norwich to produce a comprehensive land training programme through Microsoft Teams. Added extras included social meetings, quizzes, competitions to produce the best smoothies and ice-creams.
Returning to the pool guidance in detail, picking up the finest details about kit being ready and checking the size of kit in case members have grown, offering advice for daily exercise and links to nutritional sites all in regular emails from Pinniger himself. Supporting the swimmers and their families through difficult financial times, producing scientifically proven advice at every step of the way. Encouraging questions and supporting the parents as well.
However, they also have to bear the huge loss of income created by having to cancel all swimming events run so smoothly and sought after by swimmers far and wide. Reaching those both able bodied or para-swimmers who are seeking professionally run events that allow qualifications to major championships throughout the year. Utilising the time to up skill young volunteers for the first step to qualifications and the training again of future officials. Significant in keeping things moving and having faith and confidence that the club is supporting everyone from far and wide to get back to where they want to be.
With Clacton Masters there’s the closed facebook group and of course emails, outdoor swimming sessions planned as groups or individuals as and when safe, alongside some actual lessons in open water. But not the capacity or ability to produce significant programmes that are sustainable without the pool.
Both clubs have looked at ways to coax their swimmers back with every member being sent a detailed survey to complete, as per swim England Guidance so they can share their concerns about returning and allow them to be placed in the suitable training groups with the pools being set up differently. A mammoth task for a club like City of Norwich with multiple training sites, a high volume of swimmers and coaches, the complexity of meeting the needs of all athletes in the pool and on land.
Moving forward………… How COVID_19 has interrupted these moments being created with no competitions for the rest of this year at least, will swimmers return if competition is what drives them on? Will they feel safe? Have they found other hobbies like the suggested bike and running programmes encouraged when only one exercise session allowed? Having more time to study and be in contact and then meet with friends? Will those vital surveys allow an insight to the swimmers meaning coaches, volunteers, parents and peers can return as and how they feel they want to? What about those with long term medical cpondutitons and the shielder’s. How do we keep them involved since they are likely to be affected more mentally as they return to normal. Not to mention the fact that shielders are still on lockdown and may be worried about returning and also team mates getting a ‘head start’. It will be a lot of trial and error and every level of swimming will be essential. An added pressure may be felt by swimmers who have either had the virus themselves or have sadly lost someone a relative or friend. How can they be supported?
I am amazed at what these clubs have both achieved and how they are still up and running. Listening to the stories of those who have explored and loved their clubs and to the extent with which they have ventured else where and traversed their way back through the labyrinth of provision, but the fact that they also come back ‘home’ is heart warming and shows the impact they have and the way there is always something that is there on offer to catch the attention of new and old members. The Hargreaves are possibly the stand outs as they haven’t lived in Clacton for 40 years but they venture back from America frequently and train and socialise with members in their return. Makes my long distance relationship with Norwich look a bit different!
Now we have to get around to that question again, David or Goliath? Is bigger better or does smaller have more of an impact?
At the end of the day it’s not about the size, coaching qualifications and facilities, it’s about having a ‘best fit’ that’s the most important thing. What you want to achieve, what you are prepared to do. Take all opportunities you get and grasp onto the ones you love….
Both of these clubs have a significant impact on their local communities, they are led by people who are passionate about the sport and are both family orientated despite the difference in size. Long term friendships and the long affinities people have with the clubs are what makes them special. It’s about the swimmers having the drive to succeed and the environment that allows that to happen. Both clubs have that but in their own ways. Parents and carers are also important here and sitting watching their children for up to 5 hours a day could well create long friendships pf another kind.
Both set out their remit and are realistic about what they can offer. One a high performance centre and the other a regional offer, the logistics of running such a large club are obviously more difficult with the number of people involved, the numerous pathways that swimmers follow but smaller clubs also need great coaches. Plus they are teaching life skills, swimming is essential especially when the clubs have sea and open water opportunities locally but also the time management, commitment and dedication that being instilled.
So now we all move forward beyond COVID-19 into a new pathway of swimming. We can only wonder if the next generation will follow the same route as swimmers gone by. There is no choice though right now as guidelines have to be met and safety has to come first. What can we learn from these clubs and how do we consider the return to the pool that we have loved and lost. There are so many worries, concerns and changes so a few top tips!
Utilise the sport psychology videos from Swim England to help you to prepare for the transition back to the pool. The links are all below.
Go at your own pace, whatever level you swim at you are likely to feel anxious about returning to something that was special and unique to you. This is especially important for those with long term health conditions and those who have been shielding (or are still shielding).
Be as knowledgeable as possible about how your sessions will work so you feel more in control. Talk with your coach and go easy! No jumping back in and trying to replicate your old standards. As my coach John Digby stated in his Masters Update ‘As there are no races in the calendar for 6 months it is an ideal opportunity for us to hone technique and build aerobic fitness’.
So for now good luck and enjoy being back in that pool!!
As always we conclude with some links that you may find useful.
Clacton Swimming Club
Here you can all about the club and request a free swim trial.
City Of Norwich Swimming Club
Where do you fit? This shows the levels of development for swimmers and how they can move through the club.
Want to Join? Click here!
Fantastic achievements From The British Summer Camps in 2019 highlight the talent that the club is producing at all levels.
Swim England
Swim England is especially important at the moment as they are at the forefront of producing the guidelines for a safe return to swimming.
Detailed documents can be found here, there are 5 to cover the different levels and type of swim.
Processing emotions in times of uncertainty is a great Swim England resource. It’s the most recent in a long line of sports psychology resources they have produced during lockdown.
Fancy doing some CPD? A great idea whilst we are still limited on pool time etc.
This Swimming Publication was produced and is based on my own experience of para-swimming and with some handy guidance on getting involved. Not an expert but this is my own journey and I hope you will find it useful!