Over the last week and into the next, 23 swimmers are representing Ferndown and Bournemouth at the National Championships showing the achievements that our two clubs could have if combined. Working together, we will be able to provide far greater opportunities at all levels than we are presently doing as individuals. The coaching staff are very motivated by the opportunity of creating a training environment that enables every swimmer to achieve their full potential.

On Sunday 8^th August you will have the opportunity to have your say. We hope that you take this time to support the coaching teams' vision by voting on the new constitution (proposed merge of the two Clubs to be named Swim Bournemouth). This will take place at a Special General Meeting between 1700 - 1900 at the Littledown Centre. If for any reason you are unable to attend Littledown on the 8^th, then you will still be able to vote via email; Ferndown members are to email Paul Grubb, and Bournemouth members are to email Julie Allen via the Bournemouth Dolphins email address. Votes can only be made via the registered email addresses held by the Clubs. Confirmation of receipt of any vote and its eligibility will be sent to the member. The votes will be counted and the results announced on the evening, hopefully being a positive outcome where both Clubs can start the merge process and work together for the future of swimming in Dorset. Votes made by email obviously cannot be anonymous but they will be kept private.

Remember you are not voting on the squads and pathways but the merge process for Swim Bournemouth and the new constitution.

This is your Club, make sure you use your vote to enable the progression, and raise the profile of the sport within the County.

The coaching staff have every swimmers best interest at heart and strongly believe this is the best way forward for swimming in the area and anticipate your continued support.

Following the Club statement from Adam earlier this week, I have received some concerns from parents, and thought you would appreciate a little background to the timing of this recent decision. The appointment of Mark and Mitch at the start of last season was always a temporary measure until the Club was in a position to appoint a new full time Age Group Coach. Mitch was in his final year at university, and Mark was able to take up such a position on a temporary basis, but needed a full time position sooner rather than later. Both of the concerned are professional coaches and wish to pursue full time positions within the sport. Whilst the Club was in merger talks with Ferndown we were putting all appointments on hold. As with schools the appointment of teachers and coaches usually coincides with the start of the new school year, which happens to be the start of the swimming season as well, and now is the time that positions are advertised. Both Mark and Mitch were being approached by other Clubs and if we did not move now we could have lost both of them, and in fairness they deserved to know what the position would be for next season. I and the Committee appreciate that we have had outstanding coaching over the last season, and we thank both Mitch and Mark for that, as well as all our other volunteers coaches, and we endeavour to continue with outstanding coaching in all squads from Novice to Performance and District in the next season and beyond. Mitch has been offered a part time position with the Club, if we could afford 3 full time coaches that of course would have been the ideal outcome, but we are not in that position. However, if we can assist Mitch in finding another part time position which would also enhance his career within sports management or the like, we will do so, but it is not fair on Mitch to hold him back in his career. None of us like change, but the status quo could not remain, I have an excellent coach in Mark and working together with him I will ensure that the Club will continue to move forward and none of the squads need to be concerned, our coaching levels will remain at least the same. With regard to the Performance Squad being used as the test session for the external candidates, Performance has age group and youth swimmers from 12 to 18 years, and they need coaching with confidence and knowledge, also we did not think it would be fair to put A Squad in the position to have to judge external candidates against internal coaches they knew well.

I hope this goes some way to explaining our reasoning behind recent decisions. None of them have be taken lightly and the future and welfare of the Club and swimmers has always been put first. If you have any further concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sam Woodward, Head Coach of Bournemouth Dolphins is one of ten proactive, talented, developing south west coaches selected for the Advanced Coaching Offer, a four year programme designed to expand skills and advance careers. We caught up with Sam at the British Gas ASA South West Region Youth Championships 2010 and asked him about his involvement in the programme to date and the impact it is having on Club and personal development (1m 26s flashplayer required to view). Read more...