At CoCSC, we warmly welcome disabled swimmers who would like to train and compete as para swimmers. We currently have a large squad of around 20 para swimmers across most classifications, training and competing at a wide range of levels.
Once swimmers have been classified, we offer opportunities to compete both at our own club meets and at events further afield. Swimmers and parents receive full support throughout the classification process.
Our para programme is aligned with Swim England’s Athlete Development Support Pathway and integrates closely with the main CoCSC club structure, giving our faster para swimmers the opportunity to train and compete across both parts of the club.
Our coaching team has extensive experience in para swimming teaching and coaching. Among our staff, we have a Level Water swim teacher, a Regional Para Coach, and a National Para Talent Coach. We believe in delivering high-quality technical coaching while ensuring swimmers learn, progress, and have fun in a supportive team environment.
Contact us for more information or to arrange a trial. Please see the entry requirements below.
Email us: [email protected]
https://www.eastswimming.org/disability/
Para Programme
Comprising four squads to cover each area of para swimming:
Para Performance
This squad is for those swimmers who have been through classification, aiming to compete at or already competing at Counties or above.
- These swimmers have access to four training sessions a week and a land training session.
- Some swimmers may also be invited to swim in conjunction with the A-B (Able Bodied) club sessions.
- Focus will be on improving competitive skills and performance appropriate to impairment.
- Medley based training.
- Minimum standards:
- Able to swim distance and strokes appropriate to their classification.
- Attending regular training sessions.
- Attending regular competitions short and/or long course.
- May be on a Swim England or GB Aquatics performance pathway.
- Have good athletic skills and understand the need for: appropriate nutrition, rest & recovery, a variety of training loads, work with their coaches to improve their swim & competition skills.
Para Academy
This squad is for those who may have a certificate of exception (CofE) and are anticipating being classified. They will have started taking part in small competitions such as disability meets and mini meets. Swimmers may be invited to Regional training days.
- These swimmers have access to three training sessions per week and may be introduced to land training.
- Focus will be on learning competitive skills and introduction to competitive swimming
- Medley based training.
Minimum standards:
- Able to swim at least three swim strokes to a good level within the limits of their physical or intellectual impairment/s.
- Comfortable entering and exiting the water with/without assistance.
- Willing to develop and try new aquatic skills.
Para Club
This squad is for swimmers who have finished Para Pathway and may or may not wish to be competitive. Who enjoy swimming, and want to continue for fitness and fun. The sessions provided will be coach-led and allowing swimmers to complete distance challenges, multi-stroke practices, fun aquatic skills and games, where appropriate for age and level.
Minimum standards:
- Able to swim 50m non-stop without aids.
- Follow coach instructions.
- Be comfortable in the deep end.
- Enjoy swimming for fitness and fun.
Para Pathway
Swimmers will generally enter the club at this point, some may still be considered being in the FUNdamentals stage and still attending external lessons (swim school or Level Water).
They will not yet be classified or hold a Certificate of Exception.
Minimum standards:
- Able to swim 25m non-stop without aids.
- Be comfortable in the deep end.
- Enjoy being in lessons and show pleasure in being in the water.
- The minimum level we would expect at entry would be stage three or equivalent from a swim school.
