Stroke Of Genius

One of Sport Central’s biggest success stories has made a huge splash on the national swimming scene.

SwimNE scooped the Gold Award for Swim School Of The Year at the 2011 Kellog’s ASA Swimtastic Awards.

And a year after targeting Sport Central’s state-of-the-art 25m pool as its new city centre base, SwimNE’s brother and sister team are busier than ever.

“We started at Sport Central in October 2010 with just 40 children,” explained Phillip Groom (pictured with Team GB water polo stars Rosie Morris and Alex Rutlidge), who set up the bespoke learn-to-swim business with his sister Jill in 2006.


"We’ve now grown to teach more than 150 children, as well as Northumbria University staff, students and members of the public through the ‘Start, Develop, Advance’ programme.


“We employ 15 students from Northumbria University as well as taking placement students in Sports Development roles
.

“And we run family swimming days during school holidays allowing staff members at Northumbria University to bring the family for a swim free of charge.”

SwimNE received their Swimtastic award at a glittering awards ceremony at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge after polling 500-plus nominations for Swim School Of The Year.

Kellogg’s and the ASA reward outstanding non-elite achievements and unsung swimming stars across the country.

And Team Northumbria Media Manager Simon Rushworth explained there is no more deserving winner of the prestigious award.

“I took both of my daughters to SwimNE’s Whitley Bay classes when they were just a few months old and the business was only just starting up,” he said.

“Phil was a big hit with both of them and my elder daughter Katie is now flying through her Stage Five lessons at the age of six.

“Martha is only four and thanks to those early lessons with Phil she’s been able to swim unassisted and with confidence from the age of three.

“It’s great to see SwimNE working within Sport Central and everyone at Northumbria University is delighted that the partnership is blossoming.”

SwimNE is the largest independent Swim School in the North East and provides swimming lessons from babies up to adults.

The company rolls out swimming coaching across Newcastle, Wallsend and Whitley Bay.

And Phillip Groom added: “When SwimNE started we wanted to encourage children to have fun in the water and enjoy their swimming lessons.

“The swim school has grown to teach Baby and Toddler swimming with ‘Nemo Swimming’ (www.nemoswimming.co.uk) and also masters, open water and triathlon coaching through MVSport (www.MVSport.co.uk).

“We have a complete pathway from ‘learn to swim’ to participation and onto adult swimming, which we are really proud of.

“The award is a fantastic recognition of the whole team of teachers who, through dedication and enthusiasm, provide the best swimming lessons in the North East.”

For more information on SwimNE visit www.swimne.co.uk or contact Phillip Groom on 01912817678.

Back to News