E17 - Brian Sweeney, Community integration supporting grassroots through to performance. Making the best of what you have!

More from The Coaches Lane All episodes →

1. 

   S3 · E22 · 20 Dec 2025 · 50 min

   E22 - Jake Gibbons. The legacy of Bolles and using your socials to share your authentic self.

   In this episode, Jake Gibbons shares his journey from being a competitive swimmer to a successful coach at the Bolles School, junior home to Caeleb Dressel and Ryan Murphy amongst many others. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from athlete to coach, his coaching philosophy shaped by various influences, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with athletes. Jake highlights the legacy of the Bolles School in swimming, the significance of team culture, and the role of social media in modern coaching. He also reflects on the differences between the US and international…

2. 

   S3 · E21 · 12 Dec 2025 · 54 min

   E21 - Victoria Jones. Underwater kicking and exploring biomechanics lessons from World Class swimmers

   In this episode, Victoria Jones, shares her insights on the biomechanics of underwater kicking, with Kevin and Ash asking so many questions to really get into what the research Victoria has worked on shows. Victoria is a Biomechanist and Performance Analyst with Aquatics GB, and has been with the organisation for 8 years now, commencing with her PhD in the key biomechanical indicators of underwater dolphin kick She discusses the importance of individual techniques, mobility, and coordination in developing effective swimming skills. She also emphasises the need for a holistic approach to…

3. 

   S2 · E18 · 27 Nov 2025 · 53 min

   E20 - Alex Dawson. Finding a new path in Canada, building

   In this episode, we are joined by Alex Dawson, a seasoned swimming coach with a rich history in both the UK and Canada. Alex shares his journey from a competitive swimmer to a coach, discussing the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. He reflects on the importance of patience, the need for continuous development, and the significance of understanding one's 'why' in coaching. The conversation delves into the differences between the coaching systems in the UK and Canada, the importance of multi-sport participation for young athletes, and the strategies he employs to build a…

4. 

   S2 · E19 · 14 Nov 2025 · 56 min

   E19 - Mike Taylor. Leading Team Steel and the journey through the sport

   In this episode, Mike Taylor, the Director of Swimming at the City of Sheffield, shares his journey from a young swimmer to a successful coach. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the culture of Sheffield, and the challenges faced by the club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike emphasises the need for sustainability in coaching, the significance of partnerships for performance enhancement, and the importance of understanding athlete development, particularly for female swimmers. He also highlights the continuous learning process for coaches and the need to adapt coaching…

5. 

   S2 · E18 · 30 Oct 2025 · 54 min

   E18 - Mike Peyrebrune. Bringing research into practice through a career immersed in coaching science

   In this episode, Mike shares his extensive journey in the coaching world, from his beginnings as a swimmer to becoming a leading figure in sports science and coaching. He discusses the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical coaching, the evolution of coaching principles, and the future of technology in sports. He also emphasises the cornerstones of junior coaching, the value of support staff, and reflects on the British coaching system's progress and challenges. He concludes with personal insights on motivation and the importance of lifelong learning in coaching. The…

6. 

   S2 · E16 · 26 Sep 2025 · 1 hr

   E16 - Ross Douglas, Supporting the future person... In your coaching... Today.

   In this conversation, Ash and Kevin are joined by Ross Douglas, Kingston Royals Head Coach in London. Having travelled the world and swam under some incredible coaches, then transitioning into coaching and again working around some fantastic coaches… Ross reflects on his journey and the lessons learned. We explore competition challenges, sources of learning, reflecting on the impact coaches have on swimmers lives beyond the pool The podcast Ross mentioned is called “Finding Mastery” with Michael Gervais — specifically the violinist episode was the one he referred to:…

7. 

   S2 · E15 · 12 Sep 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

   E15 - Kevin Renshaw. Exploring World-Class coaching at all levels - Teaching the brain, selling to the heart!

   In this episode, we are joined by Kevin Renshaw, who has worked across three clubs, spent two decades inside British Swimming/Aquatics GB in various roles, coached medallists across Commonwealth, European, World and Olympic levels. Kevin shares his extensive coaching journey, discussing theevolution of coaching in swimming, the importance of building a strong foundation for young swimmers, and the critical role parents play in athlete development. He emphasises the need for a coaching philosophy that prioritises the individual athlete, the significance of athletic development outside the…

8. 

   1 Sep 2025 · 53 min

   E14 - Prof. David Fletcher. What the research tells us about the psychology of swimming!

   In this conversation, David Fletcher shares his extensive journey from being a competitive swimmer to becoming a sports psychologist and academic. He discusses the importance of sports psychology in enhancing athlete performance, the gaps in education for coaches, and practical tips for those without access to resources. David emphasises the need for emotional intelligence in coaching and the role of parents in supporting young athletes. He reflects on personal growth, the significance of focusing on the process rather than outcomes, and offers resources for coaches to develop their…

9. 

   S1 · E13 · 22 Aug 2025 · 42 min

   E13 - Andrew Sheaff. Back to basics, a skills-focussed approach!

   In this conversation, Andrew Sheaff joins us from the USA to share his extensive experience in coaching swimming, emphasising the importance of skill development, the constraints-based coaching approach, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation. He discusses how to engage swimmers in a group setting, the significance of building a coaching culture, and the essential equipment for effective training. Andrew also highlights the value of mentorship and reflection in coaching, providing insights for both new and experienced coaches. You can connect further with Andrew via the links…

10. 

    S1 · E12 · 8 Aug 2025 · 49 min

    E12 - Keiron Piper. Honing your craft, learning from others and working collaboratively

    In this conversation we are joined by Keiron Piper, head of swimming at Millfield School. He shares his journey from a young swimmer through to his time in coaching. He discusses the influence of his law degree on his coaching philosophy, the importance of mentorship, and his approach to youth development. A key topic we explore is the significance of building connections with athletes and understanding their individual journeys. He also addresses the challenges of transitioning young athletes and the unique environment of coaching in a school setting. Throughout the discussion, Keiron…