As we continue to celebrate Volunteer Week, we’d like to shine a spotlight on another amazing volunteer from our region.
Volunteers are the heart of our sport, giving their time, energy, and passion to help our clubs and athletes thrive.
If you’d like to get involved and support aquatic sport in the region, please contact your club and ask where you can lend a hand. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
Su Felce -Team Manager Presenter
Volunteering has a way of opening doors that you never expected. Many years ago, when my own child was involved in swimming, I signed up to help as a Team Manager. At the time, I simply wanted to support the club and contribute in a practical way. I had no idea that the role would become such a rewarding part of my life within the sport.
Over the years, I gained experience supporting swimmers at local galas, league matches, county competitions, and away events. As many Team Managers will know, the role is far more than organising paperwork and making sure swimmers are in the right place at the right time. Team Managers provide reassurance to swimmers, support coaches, communicate with parents, and help ensure that events run smoothly. They are often the friendly face that helps young athletes feel confident and prepared when representing their club.
As my experience grew, I was approached and encouraged to become a Team Manager Presenter. It was a wonderful opportunity to give something back by helping to train and support new volunteers stepping into the role. Sharing real-life experiences, practical advice, and lessons learned over many years has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of my volunteering journey.
Before the pandemic, delivering Team Manager workshops meant many hours spent travelling around the region, visiting clubs and venues to provide face-to-face training. While those sessions were always enjoyable, they could involve long journeys and significant time commitments. The move to online delivery during and after COVID transformed the way we train volunteers. Today, workshops can be delivered via Zoom, making training far more accessible and allowing volunteers from across the region to take part without the need to travel.
What has not changed, however, is the sense of community. One of the things I enjoy most about being a presenter is the opportunity to meet and chat with other Team Manager volunteers. Every workshop brings together people with different experiences, questions, and perspectives, all united by a desire to support young swimmers. The conversations, shared experiences, and enthusiasm that participants bring make every session unique and rewarding.
There is something particularly satisfying about seeing new volunteers gain confidence and leave a workshop feeling ready to take on the Team Manager role. Knowing that the training will help support swimmers at future competitions and events makes the experience incredibly worthwhile. By helping to develop the next generation of Team Managers, presenters play a small but important part in ensuring that swimming continues to thrive.
If you are an experienced Team Manager and have ever considered becoming a presenter, I would strongly encourage you to put yourself forward. You do not need to be an expert in public speaking—what matters most is your knowledge, experience, and willingness to help others. Becoming a presenter is a fantastic way to share what you have learned, support fellow volunteers, and make a lasting contribution to the swimming community.
The region is always keen to hear from volunteers who would like to help train and inspire others. If you would like to find out more about becoming a Team Manager Presenter, please get in touch. Your experience could help shape and support the next generation of volunteers, ensuring that swimmers continue to enjoy the very best experience both in and out of the pool.
Thank you to all Team Managers, presenters, and volunteers who give their time so generously. Your dedication makes a real difference, and our sport is stronger because of you.