Bangor Swimming Club
Development Plan 2009-2012
In the run up to the completion of the new 50metre pool in Bangor there are a number of areas within the club that will require to continually improve to place Bangor SC in a position to be able to utilise the new facilities to allow each and every swimmer within the club to reach there potential within swimming.
Facilities
- The current facilities are in a good state of repair and allow access to both adequate pool time and dry land training facilities for the squad swimmers and teaching programme.
- The new pool (2010) will provide additional water time and enhanced swimming specific land training opportunities to allow more of the clubs swimmers to benefit from specialised training at an earlier stage in their development.
Administration and Governance
- Working towards the achievement of the Club Mark accreditation from Swim Ireland is a major step towards improving the professionalism of our club. We aim to achieve this high standard by April 2010.
- The logical merging of, initially, the High Performance Squads at Bangor and Ards will create an elite squad the will be a dominant force in Irish swimming. This North Down Team is already cross training which is providing additional water time and a new blend of coaching which will be an enhancement to are already high quality programme.
- The creation of a cross club working group will allow a sensible coming together of both the committees and the coaching teams of both clubs to create a better training and competition programme.
- Lessons will leave us and go to NDBC and we will work closely with the council to allow a smooth transition and cement a pathway for swimmers to progress into the club.
- On-line payment system for membership fees, gala fees, trips etc is a progressive step as the cheques system is phased out.
Club Links
- We aim to continue and improve our relationships with:
- Swim Ireland, NDBC, Ards SC, Swim Ulster HP programme, ND&AI, Sports Institute of Northern Ireland (SINI), UUJ & Queens universities
Communication and Social
- Re-launch to clubs social calendar to create a more inclusive and enjoyable environment for the volunteer parents of the club to get to know one another and to fund raise while having fun.
- To review previous club plans and consider the outcomes
- Continue to update the club website from both an information and functionality perspective.
- Utilise the notice board constructively
Workforce
- The structure of the club will change when the new pool is completed and we will ensure that all staff are adequately qualified for their roles and have annual reviews.
- The clubs is currently looking for new coaching staff
- CPD is now a requirement so a confirmation for individuals on an ongoing basis.
- The licensing of all staff is now a requirement and will continue going forward
- Provision of swimmer support programme to ensure the health and wellbeing of our competitive swimmers, this will be in conjunction with SINI and Queens University
Swimmers
- Continue and potentially expand the cross training between the top end of Bangor and Ards.
- Develop working relationship with Ards coaches and committee to allow for a potential full merger of clubs post new pool.
- Clubs identity at galas is to be encouraged especially hat and team colours for all swimmers
- Continue to monitor each swimmers attendance and metreage and the potential to enhance all squad structures into a more cohesive structure under the supervision of the head coach.
Competition and Training
- Continue with our open age group series and aim to expand into opens
- Provide Long Course training for national age group and open swimmers until available at home in 2012.
- Provide increase opportunities to higher level of competition both withi Ireland and overseas.
Funding
- Increase fundraising initiatives as costs continue to rise. Utilise grants where ever possible.
- Seek to achieve new membership structure in conjunction with NDBC to maximise value for money for swimmers
Equipment
- Purchase Group Heart Rate Telemetry System to allow swimmers understand their training capabilities and maximise their potential. Grant aid is likely for this equipment and will put us at the forefront of technology in swimming.
- Ensure purchase of FINA approved starting blocks and ideally for new pool but a number now to allow starting techniques on new style blocks.
- Update our Hytec software for coaches to current version
- Provide storage for our pool equipment
The Club welcomes constructive feedback on the above Development Plan and will consider potential enhancement that can be made.
Please send correspondence to Eileen Hoal – Honorary Secretary C/O Bangor Castle Leisure Centre
