Laura with ASA East Region President David Metcalf

Laura Cotton from Deben SC in Suffolk has been awarded the National Aquaforce Award for Young Volunteer of the Year.  Laura won the East Region Young Volunteer Award (Under 18 years of age)in September and was then considered alongside the winners from the other seven Regions by a judging panel who decided on the National Award winners. 

Laura has been a member of Deben SC for ten years, first as a swimmer and more recently as a poolside helper, Level 1 Teacher, Coach and NPLQ Lifeguard.  Laura teaches for three sessions a week and supports the coaching team at galas, including at Suffolk County Championships.  She is the club disability liaison officer and has helped  many swimmers she coaches to integrate fully into the mainstream squads.

Laura helps with the running of the club's Annual Open Meet and is always willing to help out as a lifeguard, covering coaching sessions or in the club administration.  She is an inspirational teacher, working hard to keep her sessions fun and interesting as well as developing swimmers' skills and confidence.