Mid Sussex Marlins Swimming Club focus turns towards the junior or 'Teaching Groups' this week with internal Development Gala's being held at the Dolphin on the 6th and at the Triangle on the 9th March. 80 swimmers took to the water at the Dolphin and 150 at the Triangle competing in all strokes from 25 meters through to 100 meters. Head Coach Beth Ross explains 'these development meet's are designed to give our young swimmers vital gala experience but in the relaxed environment of their home pool' 

 

There are over 300 Marlin Teaching Group members representing the largest and most labour intensive section of the club. Stalwart, Judy Gilley has the task of looking after the administration including new member intake and maintaining the swimmer database.  Processing such a large number of swimmers through the demanding weekly schedule is a difficult task and as Ross points out 'can only be achieved with the help of many helpers and volunteers'.

Principle Teachers Stuart Ward (Triangle) and Jonathan Vernon (Dolphin) look after operations including teacher cover, promotions, gala organisation and making sure that the appropriate level of service is maintained.

The Teaching Groups start at level 1 (entry level) and end at level 10 or 'Mini Squad'.  Vernon suggests 'that 60% of swimmers progress at 1 level per term but advancing 2 levels is not uncommon. Some swimmers even produce County times while with us'.  Ward goes on to say 'every Junior Marlin has the chance to progress to a very high standard at this club'. Both saying that all this wouldn't be possible with out the services of around 25 motivated and highly trained teachers in their teams.

Dolphin based teacher Sarah Duffield and Triangle based teacher John Boydon both agree that 'perfecting stoke technique is the key to progression'  

 

 

10 year old Georgina Gratton (Burgess Hill School for Girls) is proof of this progression. Rising through the ranks she is a newcomer to the Mini Squad'.  Speaking on poolside 'joining mini squad has been hard work in the water but I am now getting used to it and enjoy the sessions. My ambition is to be picked for the exciting Marlin team Gala's later in the year and to progress to the senior squads' 

 

There are 3 Development Gala sessions in 2010 culminating in the 'Invitational Champs' in December where medals and trophies will be up for grabs.

 

Asked if there could be a future Olympic swimmer in this group today Ross smiles and says 'why not, with desire and determination anything is possible !'