We are excited to welcome back and announce our New Director of Coaching appointment is Platinum and Olympic Coach – Ian Pope.
I am happy to announce on behalf of the Committee that the Club’s New Director of Coaching, is Platinum and Olympic Coach – Ian Pope, who returns home to Surrey Park after 16 years at Melbourne Vic Centre.
Ian started his career at Surrey Park in 1983 and over the next 18 years developed the swimming program from learn to swim through to National level squads. He was instrumental in building the program from 40 swimmers in 2 lanes to over 200 swimmers in 5 training locations before his move to MVC.
Ian has been Victorian Coach of the year 13 times and has coached 50 + Olympic and World team swimmers including ; Matt Welsh, Giaan Rooney, Michael Klim, Grant Hackett, Kotuki Ngawati and Daniel Cave. He has also been an Australian representative Coach on 2 Olympic and 6 World teams.
Ian has a strong record in building successful swim schools such as Surrey Park and Korowa Anglican Girls School. He has the knowledge and relationship building skills necessary for developing, improving and expanding learn to swim and competitive swim programs.
His appointment also provides an exciting opportunity, not only for our swimmers, but the coaching team. Ian has a strong record in mentoring and developing the coaches who work alongside him and currently works with a team of 10 Coaches. His vast technical knowledge and experience is a wonderful opportunity for our coaches to develop their skills to the highest level. Coaches that have previously worked with Ian are now having their own success nationally and internationally. His technical competency was described to us as being comparable to the best coaches in the world.
Ian was referenced as being someone who believes learning is a lifetime process and seeks to engage and learn from those around him finding ways in which to improve – something I hope the swimmers, coaches and support staff at Surrey Park Swimming will embrace.
It is with great excitement (yes maybe even a Toyota jump!) I welcome Ian back to Surrey Park. He’s already a life member of the Club, it’s wonderful to see him back professionally as Director of Coaching.
Shannon Clarke
President – Surrey Park Swimming Club
