Our Academy team of qualified teachers are committed to developing young swimmers.  They all have strong links to our Club and swimming, either as current or former competitive swimmers, or as parents of swimmers.  Swimmers achieving Swim England Stage 7, who have a passion for swimming and have strong stroke skills have the opportunity to move into our competitive squads.   

Emma Dodd - Learn to Swim Co-ordinator

Emma is a Level 1 swimming coach, and is also our Learn to Swim Co-ordinator.  Emma's three children swim at
Soundwell and she is a passionate supporter of the Club.  Emma's volunteering work was recognised in 2021
when she was awarded the South West Regional Engagement Innovation award for her fundraising activities
during COVID lockdown.  She can also be found poolside as co-coach for our Skills Development squad, as well as supporting our Head Coach with the senior squads.  Emma teaches our higher stage swimmers on a Thursday evening.

Simon Gale - Teacher

Simon has been teaching in our learn to swim programme since 2018, and is a Level 2 swim teacher. He was a western counties swimmer in his (much) younger days, and more recently has completed in long distance open water swims such as the Dart 10k and Brownsea island swim, alongside Iron-distance, and half iron-distance triathlons. He is a keen swim parent too, with a daughter within the squad system.   

Heather Witcombe - Teacher

A Level 2 swimming teacher, Heather also has extensive experience as a competitive swimmer, competing internationally and as a National medalist.  Having trained with Soundwell Swimming Club for many years, she now supports the Club on its Learn to Swim teaching team, combining this with her full-time job as a Sports Rehabilitation specialist.  She teaches our younger academy swimmers on a Wednesday evening.

Alison Dodds - Teacher

Alison is a familiar face supporting our Thursday evening higher stage swimmers.  As a Level 2 swimming teacher, she now also supports our younger swimmers on a Sunday evening.  As a parent of a former competitive swimmer, Alison is often poolside supporting our squad coaches.

Kate Andrews - Teacher

Kate is a Level 2 swimming teacher, who supports our Stage 1 beginners on a Sunday evening, and acting as cover for our other teachers.  She is also the parent of a competitive swimmer in our Regional Age squad, as well as a parent of a Learn to Swim swimmer.  

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Millie-Anne Davies - Teacher

Olalla Richard - Teacher

Bea Long - Teacher