Paul Anthony Costello

Name:   Paul Anthony Costello

 

Job role:  Tyldesley Swimming & Water Polo Club Management Committee. Ladies Water Polo Team Manager/Coach, School link water polo coach for Tyldesley

 

Course attended: Level 1 Teaching Aquatics  

 

Location of course: Broughton, Salford

 

What is your background, i.e. are you new to aquatics or have you been involved for a number of years?

I was always involved in sport, football mainly, and did not really have any knowledge about aquatic sports. I have two daughters who started to swim at Tyldesley ten years ago. I was a parent on poolside watching my children swim.  I was amazed at the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the coaches involved considering what I had seen in other sports. They were totally committed, reliable and passionate about their sport and weren’t even being paid . I joined the management committee to assist the coaches/teachers so they could get on with the important roles of teaching and coaching.

 

Over the years I’ve arranged swim camps, activity days, fund raising events, social events and galas so the club and swimmers can achieve their full potential.

 

Approximately two years ago the club decided to start up a school link for swimming & water polo. There was only one coach available to run this session so I volunteered to assist and it was probably one of the most rewarding things I have done. I was then encouraged to take my Level 1 Teaching Aquatics which I did in October 2009.

 

I’m an organised person and to be involved in a school link programme that feeds children into both the swimming section and the water polo sections of the club and allows children to achieve their full potential is quite gratifying.

 

If you are already working in aquatics, what do you enjoy about being a teacher or coach?

To see children with smiles on their faces and enjoying themselves and achieving what they can achieve.

 

What were your reasons for attending the course?

To assist the club at club sessions and at the school club link session.

 

What did you find most interesting about the course?

I was really concerned that I was out of my depth (no pun intended!). I’m not a strong swimmer and I thought I would be surrounded by national swimmers. The course was nothing like that - everyone helped each other and no one was embarrassed so it was good fun.

 

What part of the course was most beneficial to you?

I think the preparation and lesson plans were invaluable, new ideas introducing games/fun at all levels.

 

How will being on the course help you achieve your goals?

I’m now qualified and that gives me a confidence boost. I structure my lessons and I can support the club's Level 2 coach much more.

 

Has anything you have learned changed the way you work?

I always have a warm up and have a game at every session.

 

What advice would you give to those considering a UKCC course?

I was full of concerns when I applied for the course, nobody wants to make a fool of themselves.

No-one is forced to do anything they don’t want to, you are supported by the tutor and the other students and you’ll have a bit of fun. So if you are a parent on poolside reading a book, why don’t you get involved in reality and stop reading fiction. My children are drifting off to University now but I’m part of another family called the swimming club.