Meet our Coaches!
Introduction
Apart from the swimmers themselves, the most important people at any swimming club are the coaching staff. Here at Sutton Swimming Club we can count ourselves very lucky indeed as we benefit from some of the most experienced and dedicated individuals in club swimming... in our humble opinion! It is important to say at the outset that none of our coaches receive any payment of any kind from the club... quite the reverse in fact. Most of our coaches annually incur costs in order to maintain their qualifications and choose not to seek reimbursement from the club; quite simply, it is their belief that the club is run for the benefit of the children not for the benefit of the coaching staff!
Gren Greaves
Our Head Coach is Gren Greaves. Gren has many years experience in swim coaching and knows what it takes to produce an international swimmer; his daughter Wendy went on to achieve international honours! Gren has a wealth of experience at all levels of competitive swimming and has high standards, commanding great respect from swimmers and parents alike. Gren takes primary responsibility for the training and development of our older swimmers but is also keenly involved in the coaching of our younger members. He lists among his qualifications: A.S.A Teacher Coach; National Pool Lifeguard; N.C.F.E.Diploma in Sports Psychology; N.C.F.E Sports Coaching Certificate; Sports Medicine & First Aid. He is also a recognised County Time-keeper/Judge/Starter and Referee.
Allen Urch MBE
Allen Urch is our longest serving coach and can boast to having been a Sutton Swimming Club regular for over 30 years, bringing a wealth of experience to the club. Alan's enthusiasm is contagious and his smiling face and down to earth manner make him a popular figure at poolside, particularly with our younger swimmers for whom he ordinarily takes responsibility. Alan too has experience of family involvement in competitive swimming - his daughter Judith was a Nova 'A' Squad member and swam at national standard. He lists among his qualifications: A.S.A.Club Coach; County Referee and National Judge/Starter/Time-keeper.
On 5th February 2010 Allen was inducted into the Sport Nottinghamshire Roll of Honour, sponsored by Nottingamshire County Council. The Sports Review of the Year was hosted at the Nottingham University Conference Centre. Allen's award was in recognition of his 42 year contribution to swimming at the Sutton Swimming Club, his participation in regional committees and for officiating at all levels of the sport.
2012 began with the tremendous news that Allen Urch has been recognised in the New Year's Honours List, becoming a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to swimming in Nottinghamshire. Congratulations to Allen from all at Sutton Swimming Club for this well deserved honour, recognising his contribution to swimming over many years.
Christine Greaves
Christine Greaves is one of our squad coaches. Christine has many years of experience in coaching to the highest level. Chris has also been the girls team captain for around 20 years; she brings to the poolside vast experience of gala's and what it takes to perform and achieve, as her own daughter Wendy went on to achieve international honours! Christine was, until recently, our club Chairperson, a position she held for almost 15 years. Christine is highly qualified and amongst other qualifications is an A.S.A Teacher Coach and is a recognised County Time-keeper.
Pam Hosgood
Pam Hosgood is the mother of a Sutton Swimming Club swimmer (Emma - more in minute). Pam has enjoyed attending club sessions and galas for over 12 years, primarily in support of her daughter. During this time Pam has become increasingly involved in the running of the club. As a committee member she has contributed hugely over the years fulfilling various roles during that time. Gradually she has extended this contribution to helping out on the poolside and at galas, prior to becoming the boys' team captain last year. Over the last couple of years Pam has taken the relevant qualifications and become a coach for the club. Pam is a welcome and much valued recent addition to the club's coaching staff.
Emma Hosgood is Pam's daughter. She started swimming with the club at the age of 6 and went on to become a Nova swimmer at the age of 10. She became interested in working poolside when she did her poolside helpers award at the age of just 14. Since then she has gone on to pursue the relevant qualifications to also become a coach for the club. Emma is extremely popular with the other swimmers at the club, able to use her experience to help them to achieve their potential. The club's swimmers look up to Emma as one who has "been there and got the T-shirt". When she is not coaching Emma trains with the squad and continues to compete in open events at galas when needed. Emma is now at University, studying a BA (Hons) in Sports Coaching and Sports Development. She still gets back to the pool at every opportunity, demonstrating her committment to the club and all its swimmers.
Brian Hinson is another of the longstanding coaches at the club. He attends the club (beginners) training sessions, focusing on taking those swimmers whom Alan has furnished with the necessary skills and developing their stamina and strength before they progress to Gren's group, before ultimately being considered for promotion to the Advanced swimmers' group. Brian does not court the limelight, but makes a vital contribution to the progression of the younger swimmers at the club. He can also be found poolside at galas throughout the season performing the role of Official Starter.