COSSS Selected as a British Swimming Podium Club

British Swimming has unveiled a select group of Podium and Development clubs as part of a strategic plan to provide a world-leading daily training environment. Three clubs will be endorsed at podium level, including that of double Olympic champion Becky Adlington, with a further five being awarded development status following analysis of club performances at major long course events and a review of world-class athletes training within a
programme.

The podium clubs are City of Sheffield Swim Squad, Nova Centurion (Nottinghamshire), and Gallica (Lancashire) while the development clubs are Plymouth Leander, City of Leeds, City of Newcastle, City of Birmingham and Derventio Excel (Derbyshire). National performance director Michael Scott said: "The purpose of the scheme is to add value to the existing club performance environment by providing a range of services and support.

"This may be in terms of financial assistance, delivery of sports science and medicine to world-class athletes and coach development through mentoring support. This is the level that clubs should be looking to aspire to. These clubs selected have set the standard and we want to see others competing for the chance to become podium and development clubs."

Podium clubs will receive funding from British Swimming to build on the good work shown by offering additional services and support to athletes and coaches. Levels of club funding will be determined on points earned for medallists and finalists at major senior and junior international events. It will help with assistant coaches and salaries, camps, equipment and support services.

Head Coach Russ Barber said “I’m really pleased and proud that we have received this support from British Swimming. Not only does it add to the great support that we already receive from Sheffield City Council/S.I.V. but also validates the hard work that the swimmers, coaches and club have put in over the years.

“I’m also thrilled to have Mark Lappin join us as Assistant Head Coach. The future is looking very positive now, and I want to challenge all involved to carry on the hard work, not be satisfied to rest on our laurels, and lets see lots more success in the future!”