Council has confirmed one of its former swim coaches will take over the coaching of competitive squad swimmers at EA Networks Centre from the end of June.

Group Manager of People and Facilities Sarah Mosley said Councillors approved the change from Council-employed coaches to an external provider at their meeting this week.

“From July, swimming will be treated like other sports that use Council facilities, in that we provide the venue and the sports manage their own coaching.

“It’s great that Jeff Gould, one of the coaches that Council currently employs, is keen to step up and coach in his own right as a private business. Not only is this a fantastic opportunity for him, it provides consistency for the squad swimmers.”

The current swim squad has about 60 swimmers, aged between 10 and 17, and 12 submissions were received during community consultation about the proposed change.

Ms Mosley said the two squad coaches employed by Council have been positive about the changes ahead, with the council decision this week confirming the future.

“EANC will continue to run our big learn-to-swim programme for schools and individuals, but the squad programme which focuses on taking swimmers to the next level will be managed externally by Jeff. It is pleasing to have reached such a great outcome for all parties.”