Chairman - 2022 Year Close-Out
As we settle for Christmas with our families and friends, it’s time to give thanks, reflect, and look forward.
You will have seen Harvey’s post about our ever-growing success in the pool this year, which is down to sheer hard work and determination from swimmers, coaches, and parents/carers alike. Huge kudos to parents for rushing round, getting athletes to training and galas, sitting poolside for hours and being their first stop support system.
Our coaching team, headed up by Harvey and Rob, are always looking for new ideas to improve our athletes training experience which can lead to success in the pool on competition days. In the autumn we were given the opportunity to try out headsets which our coaches instantly fell in love with as they were able to coach our swimmers whilst they continued to train, talking them through tweaks in their strokes and giving them instant feedback. They immediately went onto the infamous Williamson/Taylor Wish List…. And this was a HUGE wish which the club could never grant. However, due to an overwhelming donation from the Parkin family, we have been able to secure a set of headsets, which have already been used in training and will form part of session planning now for the next cycle of coaching. Parkins… what can I say…. Thank you from everyone at the club!
The start of this year was a very testing period for us, we were up against some difficult times financially, which immediately turned into some hard conversations with Wakefield Council. We had to quickly form a strong team to work together and provide a solution to make sure the future of the club was safeguarded. This included officers, committee members and Swim England, but also the unwavering support from Russ Barber. Russ… thank you for your continued contribution to the club, we look forward to working with you further in 2023.
I am pleased to say the agreement we have with the council will see the club move forward in confidence. The officers of the club have regular meetings with the council aquatics team and these are proving successful. Even in the difficult times leisure centres are facing, the council have agreed, and ordered, a full set of new diving blocks for Normanton Leisure Centre. We will sit tight and look forward to their arrival.
Our coaching team also grew this year. Firstly with the arrival of Terry Raddings…. The experience and energy you bring to poolside, your hard work and dedication… is flawless, thank you.
A recent addition to our team is Martin Wilson. Martin has a strong coaching background with Doncaster Dartes and has volunteered to become part of our team… Thank you Martin, and we look forward to your support in 2023 and beyond.
This alongside our talented coaches and assistant coach volunteers, can only mean that the club will continue to go from strength to strength. Your volunteer work gives our children extra attention, and they can all learn from your experiences in the pool and you knowledge of teaching. Thank you to: Jennie, Harrison, Izzy, Mia and Grace.
The committee has also changed and grown this year. I am so proud of the team we have become. We are so lucky to have such a supportive group of officers and committee members. They are hardworking, dedicated volunteers who give up so much time for the club.
As we move forward into a new year, I thank you all as we continue to learn and grow. Our club is what it is because of a huge team effort. May I take this opportunity to wish you the happiest of Christmases and a peaceful New Year.
Karen
Chairman
City of Wakefield SC
