Age Group Coaching Development Across the Americas

Cali, Colombia hosted the World Aquatics Swimming Coaches’ Certification Course for Age Group Coaches, bringing together coaches working with athletes aged 8 to 12.

Representing nine countries across the Americas, participants took part in a programme focused on age-appropriate coaching methods, skill development, and the long-term growth of young athletes. As with all courses within the Coaches’ Certification Programme, the course combined online learning with an immersive face-to-face component, providing opportunities to apply theory through practical coaching experiences.

World Aquatics Lecturer James Richards reflected:

“We welcomed coaches from nine different countries, all highly motivated to learn and eager to take new ideas back to their athletes and programmes. The energy and openness in the group made for a fantastic learning environment, and the support from the host federation, along with excellent facilities and excited young athletes, helped create the ideal setting for growth and collaboration. Every participant left with a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and practical tools to drive their coaching forward.

Fellow lecturer Jose Lobo highlighted the quality of the environment in Cali:

“This World Aquatics Age Group course was about giving coaches structure, clarity, and a wide range of practical tools they can actually use in their daily work. Here in Cali, we had excellent facilities and a great, strong group of swimmers to work with, which really supports the quality of the practical sessions – and that makes a real difference because we can connect the concepts directly to what happens on deck and in the water,” Lobo said.

The participants welcomed the practical, collaborative learning opportunity, with Juan Albaraccin of the Colombian Swimming Federation highlighting the power of the programme's structure.

“The way the programme is structured encourages coaches to step out of their individual routines to work as a team, sharing insights and learning from each other's unique backgrounds. Observing fellow coaches in action and engaging in professional dialogue has accelerated our growth significantly. This synergy, combined with the rigorous technical standards of the course, ensures a lasting impact on our federation's coaching standards and the future performance of our athletes,” Albaraccin said.

Jose Morales (Chile) reflected on how the course challenged and expanded his coaching toolkit.

“I have enjoyed most the feedback from our lecturers – it makes you notice aspects you need to improve. I have learned different drills and ways to teach children, even when the language is different. Discussions with coaches from different countries gave me new perspectives and challenged me to better understand and articulate my own methods. I would totally recommend the course to others. It gives you very useful tools for coaching age groupers – planning, stroke theory, nutrition and more – and really good foundations to improve your coaching skills,” Morales said.

Building the Future of Youth Coaching Across Oceania

The inaugural edition of the World Aquatics Swimming Youth Coach Coaches' Certification Course – was held at the Damodar Aquatic Centre in Suva, Fiji, representing a landmark moment for the programme and for coach development across the Pacific region.

Designed for coaches of athletes aged 12 to 17, the course delivered targeted education to support holistic athlete development and optimise performance through sport-specific training strategies. It was attended by coaches from seven countries in Oceania, and combined e-learning preparation with an engaging face-to-face programme.

Course Lecturer Horst Miehe reflected on the experience:

“What a privilege to be involved in the World Aquatics Certification Course held at the Damodar Aquatic Centre in Fiji. The course brought together 14 deeply impressive coaches from across the Pacific with a wealth of varied experiences. It created an engaging and highly collaborative learning environment. We explored youth swimming, athlete development, communication, and coaching within Oceania environments. The discussions were thoughtful, honest, and practical. One of the real strengths of the programme was the willingness of coaches to openly share ideas and challenges. The peer learning was outstanding,” Miehe said.

“It reinforced the value of Pacific coaches learning, growing, and connecting together through World Aquatics initiatives. Thank you to World Aquatics for your support and expertise in designing what is a great new course and for supporting our islands to learn together.”

Charissa Panuve (TGA), a former World Aquatics Scholarship holder who is transitioning to coaching, spoke to how the course deepened both her knowledge and her connections across the region:

“The recent World Aquatics Course in Fiji was an incredible learning experience – not only did it deepen my knowledge, but it was invaluable to connect with coaches across Oceania. A powerful reminder to coach the human behind the goggles just as intentionally as the swimmer behind them,” Panuve said.

Hannah Bates (NZL) highlighted the value of the community built through the programme:

"The World Aquatics Swimming Coaches' Certification Course in Fiji was an incredibly valuable experience that brought together passionate coaches from across Oceania.

"I am grateful for the friendships, memories, and lessons that I will continue to carry throughout my coaching journey,” she said.

With each new course, the World Aquatics Coaches' Certification Programme builds stronger aquatics communities and connects passionate coaches around the world, giving athletes everywhere a better chance to thrive.

The programme continues to grow, with further courses planned across all aquatic sports and coaching levels.