A CHANCE meeting in a local supermarket some six months ago between two swimming coaches is already beginning to bear fruit.

With Al Webster, coach of the Welshpool Sharks, being offered an overseas contract, he was looking for a new head coach for the club.

In the coffee aisle he found Steve Parker, the coach of Chirk Swimming Club and a Welshpool resident who has since taken over his hometown club.

Parker comes to the club with a vast amount of experience having been a swim coach for over 30 years.

He is currently a level 3 coach and has coached several national age group champions and age group swimmers to British Championships.

He is currently on the Welsh age group development coaching squad and has recently been offered a place on the Welsh Para development coaching squad.

Steve is looking forward to building the Sharks following on from Al’s foundation.

With great support of the current committee, the Sharks are certainly looking to grow.

Pool time has been increased and a second pool has been found to provide extra time and wider opportunities for members.

Along with the competitive and disability group, the Sharks now have a competitive Masters Group and Tri group.

Open water sessions have also been introduced since the end of March.

Parker is also looking to grow links with the Flash Leisure Centre and local primary and senior school programmes.

The coaching team is coming together with Izzy Jones joining as a Level 2 coach and Ian Ellis and Rachael Smith commencing Level 1 courses in June.

Ian already has strength and conditioning qualification which has been used whilst outdoors on lake visits.

Steve said: "I have a strong volunteer section for poolside cover with several of the volunteers ready to gain coaching qualifications. With the aid of committee and volunteers as a club we are aiming to achieve Silver disability level.

"The swimmers are gearing up for the year ahead with targets at Commonwealth trials and one of the masters targeting Masters World Championships in Japan and several age group swimmers wanting national qualification."

The club;s sessions are: 7-8.30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday at The Flash Leisure Centre Welshpool and 7.45-9.15pm Tuesday, 7.30-9pm Thursday and 9-11am Saturday at Rhyn Park Pool St Martins.

Open water sessions are currently 9am Sunday mornings at Alderford Lake.

The club is looking for new members for all groups and if you need any further details please contact Steve at headcoach.welysharks@outlook.com.