A new chief coach has recently been appointed for the DARTES training scheme, the background leading to this new appointment is as follows:

A swimming development partnership model was approved by the Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC) in April 2005. The partners involved include the Doncaster Metropolitan Amateur Swimming Association (DMASA), the local swimming clubs, the DARTES training scheme and the DMBC. The aim of the partnership is to have a co-ordinated approach to swimming development across the borough and to enable children to have the opportunity to reach their true potential within swimming.

As part of the partnership model, the DMBC has been successful in employing a full time chief coach for the DARTES training scheme. The new coach will also act as an advisor and support all the feeder clubs within the DMASA.

The newly appointed coach is Roy Shepherdson, who will start at the beginning of October by doing a number of presentations for the parents / swimmers of DARTES and the DMASA feeder clubs. Details of venues and dates to be advised.

Mick Gartside who has been the DARTES Chief Coach for the last seven years will continue up to the Winter Yorkshire Championships in October. Mick's dedication and commitment as a volunteer over the years has enabled the club to survive. He has overseen many DARTES successes at county, district and national championships and will still be involved with swimming in Doncaster in the future years.

For a profile of of the new chief coach Roy Shepherdson, click here.