Name

Lisa Atkinson

Position

Head Coach

Responsibilities

National Youth, Regional Youth and Age (Whole Club)

About

Hometown - Istead Rise, Kent (to 14)

Middlewich, Cheshire (post 14)

Education:

A Levels: Biology, Psychology, Sport and PE

Uni: BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science at Swansea Uni, MSc Sport and Exercise Science, Physiology at MMU

Coaching History:

First started coaching at Swansea Uni. Was made Captain of the Swansea Uni Swim Team and provided the Coaching for the Competitive Section. In 3^rd Yr at Uni was Treasurer of Swansea Uni Athletic Union, and HC of Amman Valley Swim Club, a small local club. Have since been HC at Satellites of Macclesfield and Maxwell Swim Club (Aylesbury) before moving to Bristol.

Highlights are coaching first National qualifier at Amman Valley as it was a very small club, coaching first National Medalists at Satellites (one of whom went on to qualify for EJ’s) and developing a system at Maxwell that developed and produced many swimmers who are now excelling in their sport.

Favouriite Music Genre:

Punk Rock and Ska, but also known to be partial to some Musicals!

Hobbies/Interests:

Spending time on the beach with my wife, and walking and playing with my two dogs Max and Skye. We’re also fostering a rescue dog Marcy at the moment.

ASA/UKCC Level 3 Coaching (Swimming)

SEQ Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming

ASA Teachers Certificate for Swimming

E-mail

[email protected]

Name

Position

Assistance Head Coach

Responsibilities

National Youth, Regional Youth and Age

About

Hometown - Bristol

Coaching History:

Marc started his coaching career volunteering as an assistant coach for Bishopsworth Swimming Club in 2006. Later progressing on to become a squad coach and then Head coach from 2014-2016 all the while continuing to swim himself in the City of Bristol Performance Programme. In 2016 Bishopsworth SC was amalgamated into City of Bristol Aquatics where Marc was appointed Full Time Assistant Head Coach. Over the years at City of Bristol Aquatics Marc has taken many swimmers from Promising County/regional swimmers into National Qualifiers and Medallists.

Favourite Music Genres:

Drum & Bass, Reggae, Ska, 90’s Dance

Hobbies/Interests:

Swimming, Climbing, Gym, Cycling, live music events

ASA/UKCC Level 3 Coaching (Swimming)

IQ L3 Personal Trainer

Level 2 Gym Instructor

L3 Sports Massage Therapy

Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist

E-mail

[email protected]

Name

Position

National Youth, Regional Youth

Responsibilities

National Youth, Regional Youth and Age

About

Jen has a background in competetive swimming, with a career highlight swimming for Wales at the commonwealth games in 2010.

She has spent much of her career teaching ands coaching swimming and having relolated to the area joined the City of Bristol Swimming Coaching team towards the end of 2024.

SE Level 2 Coach

SE Level 1 Teacher

BSc In Sports Performance

E-mail

Name

Position

Lead Coach County Youth

Responsibilities

County Youth/Club Lead

Performance/Development/Academy Support

About

I started swimming at my local club at age 9, and discovered a passion for competitive swimming. I continued to swim for NBSC until I was granted lifetime membership in my mid-20s. In 2017 I moved to Bristol and therefore stopped swimming with NBSC, although I occasionally stop by for a swim when I’m in the area.

During my time with NBSC I competed for Warwickshire in many competitions against other counties. I obtained a number of club records at NBSC, won the 50m Butterfly at the Midlands Championships twice and was Captain of NBSC for several years.

Whilst swimming for NBSC I also took both my Level 1 and Level 2 Swimming Teacher Qualifications (provided by the Amateur Swimming Association).

I went on to swim at university and became the swim team Captain. Throughout I continued to coach and teacher.

Following the covid pandemic, I reconsidered my career and moved to coach part time on a professional basis. This lead me to City of Bristol Swimming club where I have coached since the end of 2024.

SE Level 2 Coach

ASA/UKVV Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Aquatics

E-mail

[email protected]

Name

Position

Lead Coach County Age

Responsibilities

About

Awaiting summary

SE Level 2 Coach

ASA/UKVV Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Aquatics

E-mail

Name

Simon Thorne

Position

Lead Skill Development Coach

Responsibilities

Skill Development

About

Away from the poolside Simon's day job is in accounting.  He currently works as a finance director for a fire & security company in Bristol.

Simon is married to the best women in the world, has three children and one grandchild.

Simon never swam competitively, but as an adult enjoyed to race Triathlons from sprint distance through to the Ironman.  His crowning glory being 4th place (in his age group) at a sprint distance.

Coaching History:

Simon was introduced to coaching when his daughters finished swim lessons and they joined Bristol Central Swimming Club.  Not one to "sit on the sidelines" or in this case the seats, he quickly volunteered and joined in. It was one of the best decisions he made.  His daughters no longer swim, but the boy still does. Simon has played a pivotal role in developing young City of Bristol Swimmers many of which have gone on to become County, Regional and National swimmers.  

Hobbies:

Cooking, home DiY, riding his bike and running (all with varying degrees of enthusiasm), but overall he loves to read and learn "stuff".

Name

Pip May

Position

Academy Lead

Responsibilities

Academy - Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze inc recruitment

About

E-mail