Diddy League 2015 Northern Area Final – 4th Oct 2015 – Well done everyone !!!!
Read the Chronicle Live report here
Read the Swim North East report here
Junior League Northern Final – Coach’s Report
I’d like to echo Andy’s congratulations to the team on what was a truly wonderful experience and performance. To put into context the journey we have made as a team it is important to remember that just two seasons ago we were in Northumberland and Durham ‘Diddy’ League’s second division and that season were only promoted (after finishing second) on a technicality! We now find ourselves going forward to the national ‘Grand’ Final on the back of an exceptional Northern area final where we pushed the eventual winners all the way in to the final events.
On behalf of the junior coaching team I’d like to thank all the athletes. It has been a pleasure coaching such a talented and enthusiastic group, both final squad members and all of our 9-12yr athletes throughout the squads. Everyone of you played a part in this success.
The improvement in skill levels and technique throughout the junior league season has been fantastic to behold! However, the exciting news is that… there is still so much room for improvement!! It is up to us as coaches, and the athletes themselves to keep pushing for improvement as it has been this hunger that has been the catalyst for our success thus far.
Areas for improvement:
Turn Speed (especially hands to feet on breaststroke and butterfly)
Last 5m finishing (on full stroke + at maximum speed!)
Racing Dives (head position on entry + underwater work)
Relay Takeovers (particularly in medley)
Right team, we’re not finished yet! Let’s keep on pushing ourselves to the max in training and competition. Once again, anyone eligible has the chance to force their way into our grand final team, no places are guaranteed!! Come on TEAM GAW!!
Paul A
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Well done to our travelling swimmers, coaches, team manager and incredibly vocal and supportive parents today at the Northern Area Final of the Arena Junior League . Finishing an exceptionally close third behind some huge clubs, our swimmers have yet again excelled under the expert guidance and mentoring of our coaches. The atmosphere was tremendous and our relatively small band of supporters certainly held their own (and more!!) against somewhat larger contingents from the other clubs.
Whilst the swimming analysis will come from Paul and Ross, I think I am qualified to say that the finest non-swimming performance of the day goes to Niamh Swailes for her solo rendition of the National Anthem from poolside. More of the same at the Grand Final please!!
No doubt the coaches will have already started planning the hard work for the swimmers ahead of the National Grand Final on 29th November 2015 at Corby International Pool. We will also kick off planning for this straight away.
Well done and thank you again to everyone involved, and especially to those that put in so much work in the background. It couldn’t happen without all of your efforts and tireless commitment to the kids and the club. You really are a force for good.
Andy S
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Northern Area Final update/Travel Arrangements
Dear Diddy League Finalists
With the Area final less than a week away it’s time to loosen off your vocal cords and practice your GAW RAW!!!!
In the final we’ll be competing against the following teams, lane order is yet to be confirmed:
SOUTHPORT SC
STOCKPORT METRO SC
LEICESTER SHARKS
LEEDS
LOUGH
GATESHEAD & WHICKHAM
As previously communicated we have transport arranged for Sunday. For those that have booked seats, please gather outside Gateshead Library, Prince Consort Road at 7:00am
Those travelling on the team coach:
| Swimmer | Coach | Seats | |
| Elif | Celikay | Y | 2 |
| Emma | Finlay | Y | 2 |
| Lily | Douglas | Y | 2 |
| Katrina | Ho | Y | 2 |
| Naomi | Parker | Y | 2 |
| Jude | Reid | Y | 2 |
| Lewis | Ramsey | Y | 2 |
| Matthew | Dunn | Y | 2 |
| Ellie | Houghton | Y | 2 |
| Jessica | Cottee | Y | 2 |
| Laura | Cottee | Y | 1 |
| James | Mason-Douglas | Y | 2 |
| Fintan | Airey | Y | 2 |
| Evan | Sordy | Y | 2 |
| Ella | Watson | Y | 1 |
| Hannah | Brown | Y | 2 |
| Niamh | Swailes | Y | 2 |
| Melanie | Charlton | Y | 2 |
| Adam | Barrett | Y | 1 |
| Adam | Strickland | Y | 1 |
| Jamie | Young | Y | 1 |
| Ryan | Zhao | Y | 1 |
| Molly | Finley | Y | 1 |
| Freya | Kirtley | Y | 1 |
| Milli | Blythe | Y | 2 |
| Alex | Griffiths | Y | 2 |
Those travelling independently:
| Swimmer | |
| Angelo | Giani Conti |
| Coach’s/Helpers | |
| Paul | Armstrong |
| Ross | Bradley |
| Coach | Nesworthy |
| Martin | Connelly |
| Karen | McCallum |
| Jill | Barrett |
| Club Officials | |
| Andy | Finley |
| Gavin | Blythe |
| Bryan | Kirtley |
For those travelling direct, the address is: Stechford Cascades, Birmingham, B33 8QN
Warm up has been confirmed as 1:00pm for a 1:30pm start.
Any problems please let me know asap.
Jill
07946 565289
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Thank you so much for attending our Diddy League selection gala on Friday evening. I’m sure you’ll all agree the kids had lots of fun and swam fantastically well. The final team has now been selected so it’s all systems go!
Squad Announcement Northern Area Final
Northern Area Final –
Stechford Cascades Leisure, Station Road, Birmingham, B33 8QN
Sun 04th October, Warm up at 1:00pm
The club would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has represented us so far. The whole team have performed remarkably well. The coach’s and committee are exceptionally proud of everyone who has represented the club throughout the competition. We recognise that this truly has been a team effort which everyone has made a valuable contribution too.
Thank you and well done everyone!
Diddy Team management
