Performance Pathway
Our Performance Pathway brings together the best swimmers in Derbyshire so that they train together in one of our three Performance squads. The top squad is our Elite squad, with 15 swimmers led by our Head Coach John Adye. We have a National squad, coached by Glenn Fisher. Our youngest members are in our Regional squad, typically aged 11-14 years old, coached by Glenn Fisher and David Pratt.
The swimmers in our Performance Pathway must be members of a Derbyshire club, and will retain membership of that club during their time with us (ie they have dual membership with their home club and Derby Excel). They are encouraged to retain links with and support their home club, and will continue to represent their club at the County Championships, and league events such as the Arena and Junior league competitions. They will swim for Derby Excel at Regional and National competitions over the age of 15, and for their home club if under 15 if their club has an MOU with us.
We have a written agreement (a Memorandum of Understanding) and close links with the following Derbyshire clubs:
Belper Marlins: Belper Marlin Swimming Club
Derby Phoenix: Derby Phoenix Swimming Club
Etwall Eagles: Etwall Eagles Swimming Club
Long Eaton: Long Eaton Swimming Club
How does a swimmer join our Performance Pathway?
Swimmers will mostly come to us via personal recommendation from the Head Coach of their home (pathway) club. Other criteria taken into consideration are county rankings, times achieved in licenced open meets, training attitude and their potential.
Swimmers will often start with our Regional squad on a part time basis, combining training at their home club with 1 or 2 sessions a week with us. This improves their fitness and swimming technique, and some will go on to be offered a full-time place in the most appropriate squad.
If you would like to be considered for our Performance Pathway, please speak to your own club coach first, who will contact our Head Coach John Adye.
If you would like more information about Derby Excel's performance programme, please email: [email protected]
Club Representation:
- All Part Time Swimmers represent their pathway club at all Open Meets/Championships/Leagues (except at Regionals/Nationals IF selected for a relay with Derby Excel).
- Full Time Swimmers aged 15/Over as of 31st December represent their pathway club at Arena League and County Championships. All remaining Open Meets/Championships will be entered under Derby Excel.
- Full Time Swimmers aged 14/under as of 31st December represent their pathway club at Regional Championships and English Nationals (unless selected for a relay with Derby Excel) as well as Leagues and County Championships. Regular Open Meets and British Championships to be entered under Derby Excel.
In May 2023, Derbyshire ASA circulated a document confirming their support of Performance Pathways within the county. To read this, please click here
