Talent pool’s boost from Gold Coast stars
Club president praises Games team from Perth
The next generation are being inspired by Perth City Swim Club’s Commonwealth Games stars.
That was the view of president Carol McPartland after giving medal-chasing Stephen Milne and coach Ann Dickson an Australian send-off.
The Perth pair jetted out for the Gold Coast last week ahead of the high-profile event in April but their influence remains close to home.
“We have a big squad heading to the Nationals next week, and around 140 swimmers in total in the club at present,” Carol explained.
“They’re all at different stages of the pathway and we need to look after all their needs.
“Seeing their team mates, past and present, competing for their country in Australia will be a huge inspiration to them all.
“Everyone at the club will be cheering on all of the Team Scotland athletes out in the Gold Coast.
“The chance to compete for Scotland doesn’t come around very often and it’s quite special for everyone.
“The club had a wee surprise party for Ann and Stephen before they left, but we made sure training went ahead as usual on the night.
“After the Scottish National Age Group Championships is over next
Scott McLay, Ann Dickson and Stephen Milne week, we’ll all be glued to the TV for “She and Stephen have worked the swimming out in the Gold Coast. together now for over 15 years in the
“But it’s still business as usual for the club and that hard work has been club while they’re away.” rewarded with success at senior level.
Former Perth City Swim Club “But we can’t forget about the other stalwarts Scott McLay and Camilla swimmers on the team who spent their Hattersley are also in the Scottish team early years with Perth City. for the Commonwealth Games. “Olympian Camilla will also be at
Carol continued: “Ann has dedicated her second Commonwealths, and a huge amount of her life to sport Scott is with them this time round too. and we are delighted her skills and “Although they now swim with achievements have been recognised City of Glasgow swim team and the again with her second selection to University of Stirling, their roots are in Team Scotland aquatics as a coach. Perth and they have loads of support here.”
Plenty of Perth swimmers are rising through the ranks of the club.
Carol said: “At the recent British Championships, former Perth City swimmers Tobermory MacKayChampion and Emily Horne also took home medals.
“There is a clear pathway to performance swimming within Perth City for those who choose it, but the club is also about fun and participation.
“Dedicating everything to the chance of success in one individual sport isn’t for everyone.
“Our aim as a club is to support all our swimmers to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.”
The next trial for Perth City Swim Club’s new swimmers is on Saturday, May 12 at 8am at Perth Leisure Pool.
The trial is suited to swimmers aged 10 and under.
They will be asked by head coach Ann Dickson to swim a length of front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke and then attempt half a length of butterfly.
If successful in being offered a place in Perth City Swim Club, training will take place on Friday evenings from 6-7pm. There are no alternative evenings offered.
For further information on the trial, or to book a place, email membership@perthcityswimclub. com