Head coach reveals exciting changes to training programme
It’s been a busy few months for Watford Swimming Club’s new Head Coach Jamie Irvine. Along with new Assistant Head Coach Tom Sullivan, Jamie has been working closely with existing coaches Josie Hoare and Claire Houchin to map out his plans for the club. Here he outlines his vision and details a number of the key changes to the club’s training schedule.
“Over the past two months, we have been planning on how we can build on our current programme with more pool hours, land training and a more aligned pathway through the club. We are delighted to announce that we have managed to secure new pool time at St Margaret’s, St Helen’s, an extra 50m lane at Luton as well as Studio time at Woodside.
We have added the following for each squad to commence next week beginning the 22nd May:
- Junior Development - Additional session of 6-7pm on Wednesday to take the squad to 4 hours of training per week.
- County 6 Squad - Additional session of 7.30- 8.30am on Saturday Mornings to take the squad up to 5 hours of training per week.
- County 8 Squad - Additional session of 7.30am- 8.30am on Saturday Mornings to take the squad up to 6 hours of training per week. Land Training commencing from Friday 9th June at 6pm.
- Junior Competitive Squad- Wednesdays 7-8pm in the pool followed by 8.15- 9pm in the studio. We will also be offering
a fifth lane for Long Course Training on Sundays at Luton to some swimmers within the squad. Details to follow..
- Senior Competitive Squad - New Land Training on Wednesdays from 6- 6.45pm, before going in the pool.
- Performance Squad - New Land Training on Wednesdays from 6-6.45pm before going in the pool. An additional session on Fridays from 7-9pm at St Helens, Northwood taking the squad up to 14.5 hours pool time.
- Club Squad - Club Squad hours will remain the same for the time being.
All of these changes and additional sessions, build on what we currently have and better define the clubs pathway as the swimmers go through the squads. The land training is a great addition that will help give swimmers better core strength and power in the water. Please find attached the new timetable.
We hope to develop our current programme even further so that we can be more competitive with some of the best clubs in the region. Part of this is developing a strategy so that there is room to sustainably grow our current numbers and create a squad system to cater for all our members who want to be competitive swimmers. Please bear with us as we continue to develop our strategy including areas such as squad criteria and squad system."
