Coaching Team

I have been North Tyneside ASC's Head Coach since 2010 and I am very proud of what we have achieved, not only in terms of pure competitive results but also how we have developed and grown as a Club for all, over this period of time. My coaching philosophy is simple and is heavily based on focussing on the process, not the end result. I am a great believer in treating a swimmer as to what they could become - which may be more than even they could imagine possible - and take great pride when this comes to a realisation.

I am a volunteer Coach within the Stroke Development programme at North Tyneside Swimming Club. 

I am also an experienced British Swimming Official/Judge and Team Manager. 

I have been with the Club for a number years. I started as a Parent Helper which I enjoyed so much it led to me train as a Level 1 Assistant Coach. I havealso trained and qualified as a British Swimming Level 2 Official and you will regularly see me on poolside at galas!

I love being part of the Club, it's like having a second family! I've made some good friends over the years and I love coaching the children, watching them as they improve and ultimately achieve their goals. I believe in positive reinforcement and encouraging them to do their absolute best.

As a parent of 2 swimmers in the Club and a keen swimmer myself, I have taken great pleasure in volunteering my time to become a Level 1 Assistant Coach and British Swimming Official. I have learnt a huge amount about the technical side of swimming and I’m in awe of the effort our swimmers put in to their training. I love to see how they progress and continually improve and I am proud to be part of the North Tyneside ASC team.

I am a Swim England level I am a Swim England level 2 swimming coach and I have been in and around the sport for 8 years and got hooked on coaching. The enjoyment from developing swimmer’s skillset and seeing them achieve what they thought was impossible is the ‘buzz’ I get. There is nothing better than pushing the swimmer to become the best swimmer they can possibly be. Every swimmer has their own Olympics and there is nothing better than getting them to their own ‘top step’. I would say my favourite stroke would be backstroke. When a swimmer is in full flow it’s such a great stroke and is almost swam blind. It is very much a swim that relies on body position in the water, timing and stroke counting. Turn to early and it’s a dreaded DQ, turn too late and it’s a missing turn, or a bang on the head!

I'm a Swim England Level 2 Swim England Coach and a certified Team Manager (Levels 1 and 2). I champion inclusion and focus on motivating swimmers to reach their potential and have completed a UK Anti Doping course to promote swimming as a clean sport. I bring a multifaceted background in sports coaching as I also have experience as a qualified dance teacher. I empower swimmers to refine their technique, hit their fitness or competitive goals, and maintain a strong balance between physical and mental well-being. Ensuring each swimmer is fully equipped to reach their personal best in a positive learning environment is top of my agenda—whether that means swimming faster, farther, or with greater enjoyment. I love being part of this team – our very own Purple Army!

Hi I’m Ian and became a level one coach in April 2025.

Many moons ago I was a swimmer myself and have always enjoyed the sport. When my daughter joined the club I was immediately engaged by the energy and passion of the environment. So, when the opportunity came along to become a coach, it was a no brainer.

My favourite stroke is fly, although I was never very good at it, when the rhythm and power come together it really is a sight to see.

One of my favourite things about coaching is watching it all come together for a swimmer. In training and particularly in competitions, seeing a swimmer know they’ve achieved their best is incredibly rewarding.