Swim England North West, in partnership with The University of Greater Manchester (Bolton Campus), is thrilled to launch a brand‑new block of three Disability Swimming Development Sessions, and registration is now live!
These sessions have been created to offer athletes with intellectual or physical disabilities a high‑quality, inspiring, and supportive training experience that will help them grow in confidence, develop their skills, and progress on their aquatic journey.
Registration for all sessions is at Bolton One, between 11.15am – 11.30am, with the actual sessions running from 11.30am – 4.00pm on the following dates:
📍 Venue: Bolton One & The University of Greater Manchester, Bolton Campus One Moor Lane, Bolton, BL3 5BN
Pool sessions will be delivered by fully qualified, highly experienced coaches from across the Region, including Phil Balcombe, former development coach to Paralympic Gold Medallist and S14 100m Butterfly World Record Holder Poppy Maskill.
We are also hoping to welcome a well‑known para swimmer to at least one of the sessions to share their journey and inspire our athletes. Discussions are ongoing, and details will be announced once confirmed.
Each session focuses on a key development area:
Athletes and coaches, will also benefit from classroom‑based workshops delivered by University Tutors and Masters/Degree Students, covering topics including:
Alongside individually tailored dry‑land work, group sessions will include:
Phil will also be delivering a dedicated session on:
The Classification Process Helping parents and coaches understand timelines, requirements, and providing time for any questions.
We warmly encourage athletes with intellectual or physical disabilities who want to train alongside others with similar needs to join this exciting new programme. Athletes can be either classified, unclassified or have an impairment which they wish to explore possible classification options.
Coaches are invited to volunteer and gain hands‑on experience in adapting sessions for athletes with a wide range of abilities. To keep poolside safe and organised, coaches will be asked to confirm which dates they can attend so a rota can be created. Coaches must hold an in‑date DBS and Safeguarding qualification and be current Swim England Members with coaching qualifications.
Parents and carers are welcome to attend the classroom sessions to deepen their understanding and ask questions. They are also able to watch from the spectators’ gallery while their athletes train, providing a great opportunity to connect with other parents in similar situations.
Athletes are required to bring:
Please ensure you:
Please email clubdevelopment@swimnorthwest.org with:
This is a brand‑new, exciting opportunity for athletes with either an intellectual or physical impairment, their coaches, and families from across the Region and we want as many people as possible to benefit.
Please share this information with your club members, networks, and anyone who may be interested. Spaces are limited so don’t leave it too long!
Deadline for booking: 9am on Friday 6th November 2026
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