A new initiative designed to introduce young children to Britain' s successful Olympic sport of Diving is being launched by the Amateur Swimming Association.

The Diving FUNdamentals programme known as Flip n Fun will provide children with an opportunity to experience the basics of a sport that has celebrated Olympic, World Championship and Commonwealth success over the past three years.
 
As Diving looks to draw youngsters into the sport and unearth the champions of tomorrow, Flip n Fun provides the perfect starting point to a development pathway designed to nurture talent, reward and motivate, and provide opportunities to compete.
 
Flip n Fun is aimed at all children aged five to 11 and is the first stage of six within the ASA's Long Term Athlete Development model for diving.

The initiative involves a structured programme providing children with familiarity of basic movements and skills in the water and on dry land at schools and facilities nationwide.
 
One of those involved in implementing the new programme is British Diving World Class Operations Talent Manager Julian Bellan.
 
" We're trying to take the sport of diving to a broader audience and give people the chance to sample some of its fundamental elements,"  explained Bellan.

"There is no need for a diving facility as part of the programme as the idea of Flip n Fun is to bring diving into swimming lessons and the initial response to this from teachers has been impressive.
 
"Children will be able to take the skills they've gained and adapt them to whatever aquatic discipline they choose. For those that stay within the sport it offers a perfect foundation from which to build."

Aims include improving discipline and confidence while aiding co-ordination and agility. It also promotes a healthier lifestyle while increasing the numbers of young people becoming involved in Diving.
 
Swimming teachers are able to deliver Flip n Fun courses, after completing the required Flip n Fun Continuing Professional Development module, and can be held at swimming pools without diving boards as activities take place from the side of a pool.
 
Children are motivated and rewarded through a series of Kellogg's Flip n Fun awards divided into the two areas within Flip n Fun - dry land skills and pool diving skills.

Literature, awards and CPD courses are now available to be purchased while the official Flip n Fun launch will take place on Thursday 19th July at the Queen Mother Centre, London at 10.45.
 
The launch will provide an ideal opportunity to learn more and see examples of the new initiative in the presence of Olympic Silver and World Championship Bronze medallists Peter Waterfield and Leon Taylor as well as Junior World Champion Blake Aldridge.