Merger talks gather pace (From Bournemouth Echo)

Merger talks gather pace

10:34pm Wednesday 18th August 2010 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

The long-discussed merger of Dorset’s two leading swimming clubs is firmly on track following majority votes “in favour” from both clubs’ members.

The combined Bournemouth Dolphins-Ferndown Otters squad is set to start joint training sessions early next month as part of a six-month transitional phase.

The squad also plans to start competing under a new name, Swim Bournemouth.

Dolphins’ head coach Sam Woodward described the plans as “really exciting”.

“We have great support from the ASA and we have six months to prove that this is the right thing for swimming in this area,” he said.

“I believe it will give every swimmer more opportunity to achieve their potential.

“It will give them a high standard of training with better pools and better coaches.

“It’s a coach-driven programme in the best interests of the swimmers.

“We are looking to build from the grassroots up, working with the local authority swim schemes and developing links with Bournemouth University.”

The six-month transition will include applications for affiliation to Dorset ASA and South West ASA.

“The two clubs will still exist side by side but under the Swim Bournemouth banner,” he said.

At the top end, the squad will have two groups with Woodward coaching distance-based swimmers (200m and above) and Otters’ head coach Emma Hirst focusing on the sprint programme.

Most of these sessions will be at the Canford School pool, already used by Ferndown.

A third group will cater for youth swimmers who don’t wish to commit to the performance level or don’t meet the criteria.

Most swimmers aged 14 and under will continue to swim in Bournemouth and Ferndown hubs.

The ASA nationally have pledged support and expertise from their Beacon programme, based at Portsmouth’s 50m pool.

As last year, three combined teams will be fielded under the old names in the National Arena League, which starts in October.

For the first time a joint team or teams will be entered for next year’s Southern Junior League, defending a title won by one or other club in each of the last five years.

The historic merger, first discussed more than 20 years ago, will finally bring an end to decades of intense local rivalry, although the clubs have been on vastly improved terms during talks over the past year or so.