Matt Usher

My daughter has been a member of the local swimming club for a couple of years and during that time my wife & I have dropped her off and waited with all the other parents. The Personal best and giving back web site opened shortly before a development session that the club had and they made a passionate plea for volunteers. As an ex swimmer I had something I could give back and that just sitting on the side watching was not supporting the hard work of the other trainers. I felt that getting involved was a more fulfilling way of supporting the club rather than just bringing my daughter along. I have progressed from casual poolside support to assisting in and taking training session and this has been recognised by the club by paying for me to become a qualified swimming coach. Completion of this course will give me the tools to support the youngest swimmers and help them see the benfits and enjoyment that can be had through swimming and who knows maybe I might have some small involvement in an olympian of the future. My volunteering now sees me spend 2-6 hours a week with the club and has had an added benefit to my own fitness. As a consequence of supporting the club through the training i decided to join as a swimmer and try to participate in the events and training.