Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the Academy includes a refurbished 25-metre, six-lane heated swimming pool and diving boards, alongside the Fitness Suite in the School’s Keyes Building, ensuring a comprehensive and safe learning environment.
Launching in September, the Academy will offer specialist swimming coaching sessions for pupils. In October, the first-ever Swimming Camp will take place, inviting elite swimmers from the county and beyond to hone their abilities further.
The Academy will be led by the newly appointed Head of Swimming, Chris Jenkinson, who will also champion the Morning Swimming Sessions at King’s Worcester Prep Schools, King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford. Chris is a very keen athlete, who has a thorough background in swimming, having competed at County, Midland, National and International level in swimming for Droitwich Swimming Club, Worcester Swimming Club, Worcestershire County Swimming Association and Great Britain’s Masters’ Team at the European Swimming Championships.
His Coaching Team includes professional, qualified, and passionate swimming coaches and a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Coach. Their focus will not only be on developing fundamental techniques but also on building endurance and strength, which are crucial for competitive swimming.
Mr Jenkinson expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, explaining, “This is an incredible opportunity for pupils to increase their swimming ability and overall fitness. As well as physical training, the King’s Worcester Swimming Academy will promote mental discipline, teamwork, and goal setting. Regular swim meets and competitions will be organised to provide opportunities to showcase progression and gain valuable experience in a competitive setting.”
The King’s Worcester Swimming Academy will also be home to the School’s Scuba Diving, Water Polo and Swimming School. Outside of school hours, community access will see many local clubs, such as Worcester Swimming Club and Worcester Crocodiles Water Polo Clubs, using the incredible facilities.
Headmaster Gareth Doodes added, “This is an exciting time for swimming at King’s. We are fortunate to be the city’s only mainstream school with an on-site swimming pool. The investment in our coaching team and facilities will provide pupils from across the Foundation and the wider community with access to first-class swimming within the city.”
The launch of the King’s Swimming Academy marks a significant step in enhancing the sporting infrastructure at King’s Worcester, promising to nurture the next generation of swimming talent.