Crystal Palace Beacon Programme

The Programme

The ASA have set up a number of Beacon Training Centres around the regions, specifically to provide its athletes the opportunities and support mechanisms to develop from learn to swim through to performance, whilst also embracing swimmers who do not wish to commit to the performance pathway.

The programme includes the aquatic disciplines of:

• Swimming
• Water Polo (Water Polo Academy)
• Masters
• Competitive Disability Swimming
• Triathlon
• Modern Pentathlon
  

The Concept

Until now, English swimming programmes have been varied by the support given in each region. This has led to inconsistencies in the opportunities available to athletes and coaches at local and regional level.

The Crystal Palace Beacon initiative aims to address the inconsistencies by enhancing support to the regional and surrounding clubs and particularly the network of clubs embracing the 'beacon programme' concept by providing a training programme using a full range of land and pool facilities and sports science in a single location.

Who is Eligible?

Athletes who fulfil the criteria can be considered for a place (criteria supplied on request).

Structure of the Programme

1. Learn to Swim -- London Swim School & School Swimming Programme at Crystal Palace.
London Swim School is London's largest swim school with thousands of classes held across the capital each week, covering all ages and abilities. Its the starting point for the pathway at Crystal Palace. To book or for more info www.sportscourses.org

2. Talent identification -- Teach to Train (Skill Development) -- Crystal Palace London Swim School and Regional Clubs fast tracked swimmers making up 3 groups.
Training 1-3 times per week.
Talent 1: Swimmers selected from Crystal Palace London Swim School.
Talent 2: Developing swimmers from Crystal Palace London Swim School, talent one and recommended swimmers from surrounding clubs.
Talent 3: Selected swimmers from talent two and surrounding clubs.

3. Train to Train -- Crystal Palace Training Group developed by London Swim School and Regional Squad selected swimmers from our regional clubs.

4. Train to Compete -- Hub A & B Squads: age group swimmers specially selected to train in the programme who have the ability to fulfi l their potential. Possible 8.5 hours per week including land based exercises, with the same support as the performance group.

5. Train to Win -- Performance Squad: this will be a group of swimmers which will have full support including the benefits of a 50m training pool. The Beacon Programme will provide athletes with a daily training environment which includes 20+ hours of dedicated pool time training per week, based on two sessions daily over six days per week (depending on programme structure) A full range of land conditioning is available within the programme i.e. core body strength, free weights and cardio options with programmes designed for individual athletes needs.

The Training

The programme will provide enhanced opportunities for participants and includes:

• Long course training
• Strength and conditioning support
• Access to underwater filming
• Sports science support
  

The Coach

The programme is led by experienced international coach Ron Philpot, who has coached athletes to the Olympic Games.  Over the last 20 years he has coached more than 20 senior and junior international swimmers.

Ron was a member of the Great Britain coaching staff from 1996 to 2004 and has coached international biathletes, triathletes, modern pentathletes and disability swimmers.

Contact for More Information

Ron Philpot - Head of Aquatics, GLL
Email: ron.philpot@gll.org
Telephone: 07772223279
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Ledrington Road
London
SE19 2BB