Diane Stafford
Office Manager
I have been involved in swimming in the North West Region since October 1986 when my children joined the local swimming and water polo club and supported them throughout their swimming and water polo career.
Never one to sit back and “do nothing” I became involved in the administration side of swimming and water polo at club; Central Lancashire SWPA; Lancashire County WPSA; Northern Counties and Swim England North West Region.
Aquatics is my passion, being involved as a volunteer as well as my paid employment. Over the past 30 years I have seen many changes within the Aquatic world and I am sure that there will be even more to come.
Gemma Reeves
Office Administrator
I joined Swim England North West regional team as an office coordinator in December 2016, having previously spent 13 years working for BUPA. Although the world of aquatics is relatively new to me, I have two children who are keen swimmers and I am enjoying understanding the world of swimming in more detail.
Having always lived locally, I attended Altrincham Girls’ Grammar School before moving on to Manchester Metropolitan University where I completed a degree in History of Film Photography and Graphic Media.
On completion of my degree I began my working life at an advertising agency in Manchester before moving to Bupa. Having worked in busy offices for numerous years, I have developed time management, planning and organisation skills which I bring to my role within the regional office.
I have always enjoyed participating in sports and am an active netball player for the past 11 years playing in a social league in Didsbury with my team Wednesday Wizards.
Football is also a passion and as an ardent red am lucky enough to hold a season ticket for Manchester United. Writing is a hobby and I have regularly produced match previews and reports for a fan website. I am also a keen reader and member of a local book group.
Karen Carter
Club Development Officer
Karen studied Sports Coaching and Development and has worked in Sport for many years. In 2001 she qualified as an ASA swimming teacher where she worked in Local Leisure Services providing swimming lessons from Adult and Child, Disability, School Swimming and Adult learn to swim. Prior to joining Swim England she has had a varied career; previously undertaking roles in Swimming and Cycling; including Leisure Facility Manager and NW Regional Development Manager.
In her day to day work Karen supports the regional board, regional staff and the discipline management groups and looks to contribute across all areas of work. She is a point of contact for clubs across Swim England’s North West Region with specific knowledge and expertise on SwimMark, Governance, Club and Volunteer Development and Partnerships.
More recently she has qualified as a Level 2 triathlon coach. Out of work Karen coaches at her club and is current acting Chair: she gives her time to coaching and supporting other athletes from a background of abilities. She trains regularly herself and competes in events, she can often be seen at open water venues and other events across the North West region.
Wendy McNeil
Regional Club Co-Ordinator
Wendy McNeil has been an active member of the swimming community since completing her ASA Level 1 Assistant Teachers in 1996. Prior to joining the team, she was employed by RBS for 34 years in which she held several positions culminating as a Regional Development Manager. She holds a wealth of knowledge and experience within Aquatics and can offer support and expertise to swimming clubs going through transition from Voluntary to Limited Company.
Wendy is well known in the North West for her delivery of both able bodied and Disability Swimming and she has held several head coach positions. Her voluntary time is currently spent coaching the Manchester & North West Disability Squad and as a British Swimming technical classifier. She has also recently qualified as a Swim England tutor delivering swimming teacher courses across the country in her spare time!
Kiera Hall
Regional Club Co-Ordinator
Kiera studied Psychology at Undergraduate Level before completing her Masters in Sport and Exercise Science (Biomechanics) in 2016. Having been active within swimming from a young age, Kiera qualified as a Level 1 and then Level 2 Swimming Coach in 2011. Through her time spent as a student, Kiera worked at her local development club and then as a Learn to Swim Teacher before starting her role as a Development coach at one of the squads within the Region.
In her day to day work, Kiera supports the process and delivery outlined by the Regional Board and Diving Management Group, whilst also being a point of contact for clubs across the region, particularly clubs within Greater Manchester. Alongside this Kiera organises coach and swimmer development opportunities, supports with the England Programmes County and Regional programme and takes an active lead on the SwimMark process and Regional Club Development Group. As part of the clubs team, Kiera is keen to continue the development and implementation of vital processes required in order to best support the members and clubs within the region.
Alongside Kiera full time role and coaching commitments, she can also be found volunteering at Lancashire Counties, Para-Swimming and Regional Events in a wide range of different roles.
