Swim Wales has officially launched the brand-new Swim Wales Coaching Certificate (Swimming), marking a major milestone in the National Governing Body’s commitment to developing the next generation of aquatic professionals in Wales. Officially unveiled on October 25th at the Swim Wales National Squad Day, the new course was launched in front of coaches from across Wales and marks the first-ever stand-alone coaching certificate designed specifically for the Welsh swimming community.
Endorsed by 1st4Sport (UK Coaching), an awarding organisation recognised and regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, and CCEA, the Swim Wales Coaching Certificate (SWCC) replaces the previous Swim England Assistant Swim Coach and Swim Coach courses, creating a clear, Wales-focused coaching pathway.
“The Swim Wales Training & Development Team is extremely excited and proud to announce the launch of our very own Swim Coaching Certificate, officially endorsed by 1st4Sport,” said Barrie Swift, Training and Development Manager.
“This bespoke course has been carefully designed to reflect the unique swim coaching landscape within Wales, ensuring it is fit for purpose and fully aligned with Swim Wales’ long-term aspirations. Our goal is simple yet ambitious, to raise the standard of coaching and swimmer development across our club programmes, ultimately driving a positive and lasting impact on competitive swimming in Wales.”
The SWCC (Swimming) is designed to equip coaches with the skills, knowledge and confidence to plan, deliver and evaluate high-quality training and competition experiences. Whether coaching at club level or leading athletes towards elite performance, learners will benefit from a flexible hybrid learning model combining:
- Brightspace e-learning for self-directed study
- Educator-led online sessions for guided exploration
- On-pool practicals and assessments at Swim Wales-affiliated clubs
Brightspace is an award winning Learning Management System that helps give learners the best experience.
The qualification is structured around five key units:
- Being a Swimming Club Coach – The Person (self-directed online)
- The Coach and the Organisation (self-directed online)
- The Coach and Technical Requirements (educator-led)
- The Coach in Action – Training and Competition (club-based and competition assessment)
- Practical Assessment (at a Swim Wales member club)
“High-quality coaching is essential for both athlete development and athlete experience,” added Ross Nicholas, National Performance Director at Swim Wales.
“By equipping coaches with the right skills, knowledge and practical experience, we’re building a stronger future for Welsh Aquatics, from grassroots to podium.”
The first full SWCC (Swimming) course will begin on 25th November 2025, with an upskilling course for existing coaches scheduled for 27th November 2025.
Find out more details and book onto a course here:
Start Date 25th November – Weekends
Start Date 25th November – Weekdays
Coaching Certificate (Swimming) Upskilling
