Meet Our Coaches
Head Coach - James Cameron
Email: [email protected]
James oversees the coaching programme across the club, and has responsibility for coaching our Senior Performance, Senior Competitive, Senior Sprint and Youth Compete squads.
Hobbies
I don’t really have enough time for hobbies with both jobs but Coaching is my biggest hobby, love every second! I like going out for food, visiting new places, walks and I suppose watching football when it’s not work!
Why you Coach?
To help anyone develop in the pool and off the pool to reach for their aims and goals regardless of where they want to get too. Enable people to succeed in the sport whilst having fun and the feeling of being cared about and being wanted to do well. I was never the best swimmer and I want to help everyone get to there aim rather than a minority! In short I love coaching and the challenge!
Past Experiences
I have coached at many different clubs and successful clubs and moved due to life reasons essentially. I started when I was 15 as part of DoFE at Hatfield, then became a Junior Comp and Performance coach at COSTA. I then moved down to Dorset for Uni, I was appointed as Age Group Potential coach at Poole SC by GB coach Barry Alldrick before moving to Youth Potential. In that year when I was 18 I was a County Skills Coach and a South West Skills Coach. At the end of the season I left University to join full-time at Wycombe District Swimming Club, I oversaw four programmes and coaches across competitive and performance. I also went to Para Camps and coached at The British International Meet with my swimmer Katie, who later became Para Commonwealth Champion.
I returned to University to study sport, I coached at Chesham before moving to Watford SC as Assistant HC. I also started my career at Football at the same time as I was part of the Media Team at St Albans City FC before become Assistant Club Secretary. Very shortly after I was approached by Stevenage FC and became Club Secretary. In that season we achieved promotion to League One whilst beating Aston Villa in the FA Cup. I returned to coaching to be Assistant Head Coach at Hatfield SC as well as becoming the Academy Secretary at Brentford Football Club & also now I am here as Head Coach! I did also graduate with a first class in Sport Business Management.
Fun facts about James
I know every flag in the world, I’m a geography nerd! I also own a EFL League Two promotion medal, and I worked with heavily with Steve Evans at Stevenage FC and have have met Sir Alex Ferguson (two people you wouldn’t have in the same sentence.
Inspiring Quotes
These are more coaching but ‘A man with new ideas is called a mad man until his ideas triumph’ Also ‘you can’t expect your athletes to be consistent if you’re not consistent yourself’
I’m very heavily inspired by Marcelo Bielsa and all the amazing people I’ve worked with!
Coaching Philosophy
By having a clear focus and purpose whilst thinking outside of the box. Normally sessions are split into Focus Based, Time Based and Race simulation based. Every swimmer should be prepared for any given situation that may arise, due to rehearsing. Knowing how to fight to the end and not giving up whilst holding technical fatigue. Also that quote again ‘you can’t expect your athletes to be consistent if you’re not consistent yourself’
Assistant Head Coach - Alan Coldwell
Email: [email protected]
Alan our Assistant Head Coach. Alan is responsible for coaching across a number of squads at Watford and is directly responsible for coaching the Junior Competitve and Junior Performance squads.
Hobbies
Football, cycling and cricket in the summer
Why you Coach?
Got involved as a parent/helper but I asked to be qualified to do the role. Loved it......and the rest is history
Fun facts about Alan
Entered Open water Champs in 2015, as a way to encourage more of my swimmers to get involved. Had one practice session, and came away as County Champion (4th in East region).
Inspiring quotes
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
"Great things never come from Comfort Zones”
"Its not about making mistakes, and failures. Its about how you handle those, and move forward”
Coaching Philosophy
To work hard, but to keep it enjoyable. People always work harder and do better at things they enjoy.
Head of Skills Development - Clive Pritchard
Email: [email protected]
Clive is our Head of Skills Development Coach. He coaches the Young Olympians squad.
Hobbies
Cycling, running, cooking. I’m also a Cinnamon Trust Volunteer.
Why you Coach?
I enjoy working with young people and I believe swimming (or any activity that requires ongoing commitment) benefits them over the long term.
Past Experiences
I was a swim parent for 18 years and a swim coach since 2015, teacher for 2 years. I started out as a kids Tri coach with Tri-Force ; “Hey, you run...don’t you? Would you like to help out? “.
Fun facts about Clive
I’m very proud of my county marathon (team) winners medal from 2004 Luton Marathon. It was first 3 from each club to score and although I was 5th Hertfordshire veteran it was enough for the team win.
Coaching Philosophy
“Hard work beats talent, when talent stops working hard.” You can have that extra quote for nothing. Seriously though, the combination of solid technique and hard work cannot be beaten. I’m very fortunate to have a really solid pipeline of good swimmers coming through in WSC. Much gratitude to my colleagues and those that have gone before me.
Lead Skills Coach - Cheryl Lee
Email: [email protected]
Cheryl is our Lead Skills Coach. She coaches the Skills 2 and 3 squads.
Hobbies
Why you Coach?
Past experiences
Fun facts about Cheryl
Inspiring quotes
Coaching Philosophy
Athlete Preparation Coach - Daniel Lush
Email: [email protected]
Dan is our Athlete Preparation Coach. He joins the club with a comprehensive knowledge of sports with previous experience as a highly levelled competitive swimmer in Hertfordhsire.
Hobbies
I’m passionate about hiking, spending time outdoors, and lifting heavy weights. When I’m not training, I enjoy quality time with family and friends, exploring new challenges both physically and mentally.
Why you Coach?
I coach because my experience in competitive sports taught me the importance of the things that were often overlooked in my journey. I want to offer athletes the guidance, support, and knowledge I wish I had when I was competing.
Past experiences
I bring a unique perspective from my time working in the Metropolitan Police Service, where I learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with other sports teams, enhancing my approach to coaching and teamwork.
Fun facts about Dan
I have a metal rod in my leg, so I guess you could say I’m basically Wolverine.
Inspiring quotes
“You’re only limited by the rules you live by. Only you can change your path—your journey is yours to create.”
Coaching Philosophy
I believe in fostering a growth mindset, where hard work, consistency, and adaptability drive success. My approach focuses on helping athletes overcome mental and physical barriers, empowering them to reach their full potential while enjoying the process.
Open water swimming coach - Jeremy Irvine
Email: [email protected]
Assistant Coaches
We also are proud to have enthusiastic and knowledgeable assistant coaches at Watford. These coaches give up their own time to support our squad coaches in delivering quality and productive training sessions. All of our assistant coaches are currently pursuing their Assistant Coaching course.
James Irvine is a qualified swim teacher who supports Cheryl with our Skills2 and 3 squads
Luke Martell
Prisha Tapre
Arthur Coldwell
Jeffrey Gill
Poolside Helpers
In addition to our qualfiied coaches, we have a team of poolside helpers who assist with coaching sessions, all of whom have DBS and Swim England Safeguarding qualifications.
