My last final post...

I've been trying to build up the excitement for this final round of the Junior League for some time now, and I have to say it couldn't have gone any better.

Results:

6th Evesham 143
5th Oldbury 154
4th Boldmere (B) 155
3rd CampHill 158
2nd Cheadle186
1st ORION 244!!!

With outstanding performance after outstanding performance, we led from start to finish by miles. It just goes to show how much all of the hard work is paying off, and was by far the best I have seen everyone swim! 

The atmosphere and team spirit was electric, especially during the final race. In fact I think my ears are still ringing slightly...

Next stop is the final on the 13th September. This gives everyone 2 months to keep working, and keep improving. Now you have a taste of victory, it should be even easier to motivate yourselves! All going well, next year will see us in a much tougher Division 1, so keep that in the back of your minds... 

Thank you to all the parents for their support - it wouldn't be possible without you! 

Finally, thank you all for the cards and gifts. It mans a great deal to me, and it is starting to hit home how many people will be removed from my life that never fail to put a smile on my face, or who make me love coaching so much.

The very best of luck to everyone for the future, and I hope to see you all around April next year when I plan to visit.

A very emotional, 

Coach Rob 

I'd like to allow myself to introduce myself

Thank you to everyone that attended tonight's session, my first as Head Junior Coach. The children worked really hard and I couldn't have wished for a better start.

I feel very proud to be welcomed into this club, and I look forward to helping develop the swimmer's talent for the future. For those that were not at the AGM; here's a little about me.

I started my swimming career in a very similar club to Orion, called the Daventry Dolphins.  I then progressed through the squads before moving onto Northampton swimming club. My main stroke was/is breastroke, where I won Midland Regionals numerous times, broke midland junior records, became National Age Group champion and swam for England at an international schools swim meet. As I went to University, I became a more casual swimmer whilst concentrating on my studies. I swam for the City of Leeds and City of Sheffield, working under some of Britain's top coaches. Upon finishing university, whilst training to be a teacher, I progressed as a swim teacher, being mentored by a tutor who helped write the current ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming. I taught in a Daventry swim scheme whilst supporting the junior squad of my old club, the Daventry Dolphins. My philosophy is to ensure that swimmers have the technical skills to be able to have the best chance of achieving their potential in the future. I was successful in having former swimmers of mine move through the club, competing under the Head Coach at Regional and National level.

For consistancy,  there will not be any sweeping changes made by myself. Land training will begin straight after the swimmers have got changed, ready for a prompt finish at 8 o'clock. I shall be carrying this on through the summer until we start to lose daylight in the autumn. The children that attend really benefit from the focus on swimming specific core skills,  to help them hold the best body position in the water and technique to be able to carry the exercises on their own.

I will be carrying on with morning training, until King Edward's girls school shuts for refurbishment.  I hope to see as many swimmers there as possible!

My final post...

Thursday AM will be my last training session with Orion, and after a weeks cover by your new Junior coach, Darren, I will leave my position as your coach following the final round of the Junior League (only 9 days away!).

Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the AGM and BBQ but I am sure it will be a great evening, discussing the future of the club, and a chance for you all to meet Darren properly. 

Please keep an eye out for details regarding the Junior League, such as transport and where we plan to go for a little celebratory food afterwards. Please do your best to wear lots of purple, including face paint and any other things you can think of! I think we are also getting some Orion tattoos!

I am also now handing over the blog duties to Darren, so be sure to keep up to date with all new developments.

Thank you all for such a touching and memorable experience. I am extremely sad to leave, but there comes a time every so often that you must begin the next chapter of your life. No great book was written in 1! I hope you all look at this in the same way, and maintain the same attitudes and discipline that can only take you from strength to strength. 

Good luck for the future, and feel free to keep in touch with your progress, and maybe some of our paths will cross again in the future. I can be reached at  guest.rmg@gmail.com

Coach Rob

My last week!

Next week will be my last week of coaching before Darren takes over! I will be back for the Junior League, don't worry!

It would be great to see as many of you as possible. I will (third time lucky) remember to take a photo this Monday, and will also be asking you all to sign my Orion shirt. 

Its been an absolute pleasure, and I am very sad to see it end.

Coach Rob

17 Days and counting!

Just 17 days remain until the final round of the Junior League!

Please see Pippa Sibbald to ensure you're checked in for the coach journey. Please do your best to travel on the coach for both journeys - we may be stopping off somewhere for a little treat on the way home!

Training went extremely well last night, but there weren't many faces. Please keep up your sessions in this hugely important time!

If you are interested in having your stroke analysed then please let me know ASAP. I will need to have filmed it by the end of next week as my last session is next Thursday!! You can then view the video online once it has been completed at a later date.

See you tonight!

Rob

Team Photo

I know we have attempted a few of these, but given I forgot to take the last one when I meant to a few weeks ago, I shall take a few next Monday the 9th of June. 

It would be great if as many of you could make it as possible! You won't need any team t-shirts as I'm going to take it of you all in the pool. 

Cheers, 

Coach Rob

A snap from land training...

Don't miss out on land training next Monday! Remember sports kit and a good pair of trainers please. 

Update

With just 24 days to go until the final round of the Junior League, it was great to see such a great turn out to both swimming and land training last night! It's so important we keep this up. I want everyone to try and make an extra session that they wouldn't usually go to for the next few weeks and really push themselves. 

In particular.... Yes you guessed it - MORNING TRAINING! Its the same few people making the effort, and only they will see the rewards - not the ones snoring away in bed! 

Please take a look at the Splash and Dash event coming up this Sunday. It promises to be a great event with lots of fun and entertainment! 

Don't forget lanes 5 and 6 train until 1930 tonight, and lanes 3 and 4 get out at 1900. 

See you later,

Coach Rob