Diving is on the way up

There are high hopes for a major revival in diving in South Wales, thanks to an initiative by Swim Wales in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taff council with support from Kellogg's Swim Active Wales programme.

Investment has led to a refurbishment of facilities in Aberdare and the appointment of Ben Fox by Swim Wales as diving coach and development consultant.

With free school holiday sessions funded through the Welsh Assembly Free Swim Initiative, regular classes and a talent ID programme getting under way, the sport is receiving a significant boost.

"There hasn't really been a structured programme in Wales since the Empire Pool in Cardiff closed, and there are just four centres in Wales with boards," said Ben.

"RCT and Swim Wales have been fantastic in seeing the potential that exists and putting the resources in place to revive diving."

Within a few months, more than 60 young people have taken up diving and numbers continue to grow, through the development programme and recreational diving sessions for adults.

Improved facilities at Aberdare have been important, with a refurbished 1m board, new 3m spring board and resurfaced 5m platform, as well as improved dry training facilities.



The enhanced provision is also a boost for those who were already diving - 11-year-old Elliot Brace from Swansea, for instance, used to have to be driven to Plymouth at weekends and in school holidays in order to train.

Now plans are under way for Ben to visit schools to identify potential diving stars around the county.

"We have contacted around 100 schools in RCT to see if they are interested," said Ben. "We'll run some gymnastic classes at participating schools, which will help us to spot those with the talent for diving."

Ben hopes this will speed up the process of building a squad of potential competitive divers, and says they could be taking part in novice competitions before the end of the year.

There are even tentative plans for Aberdare to host a competition involving athletes from the other Welsh centres as well as visiting English teams.

"The progress we've made in such a short time has been very exciting," said Ben. "And the signs are very encouraging that diving in this part of Wales and throughout the country is going to become more and more popular in the years to come."

Information about diving and all aquatic sports in Wales is available from Swim Wales on 01792 513623 or at www.welshasa.co.uk