The 2025 Ulster Swimming Coaching Conference made a splash on Saturday 11th January, as it welcomed coaches from across the region for a day of expert-led learning and collaboration. Held at Glenlola Collegiate School and Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, the event featured an exceptional program, headlined by Bradley Hay, Head Coach at the University of Stirling.
With a distinguished background in aquatics and a wealth of experience in coaching athletes at all levels, Bradley Hay brought an invaluable perspective to the conference. His sessions provided practical insights, fostering dynamic discussions that resonated with all in attendance.
The day began with a compelling session on the transition from junior to senior swimming. Drawing from his extensive experience at the University of Stirling, Bradley shared strategies for navigating this critical phase in athlete development. His insights into fostering a smooth transition, balancing training loads, and maintaining athlete motivation were enthusiastically received by the coaches.
One attendee noted, “Hearing Bradley discuss how he manages these transitions was eye-opening. His practical advice gave me plenty of ideas to implement with my own swimmers.”
After a break for lunch, the group reconvened for a deep dive into the topic of resilience in coaching. Bradley led an open and candid discussion on managing setbacks and staying motivated through challenges. Coaches shared their own experiences, fostering an environment of mutual support and learning.
“It was brilliant to hear that other coaches have faced similar challenges,” remarked one coach. “Sharing stories and strategies made me feel more equipped to handle these moments in my career.”
This session was a highlight for many, as it offered both practical advice and an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the coaching community.
The day’s final session brought theory to life, as Bradley joined forces with Jack McMillan, Olympic gold medallist from Bangor and a standout athlete at the University of Stirling. Together, they worked with the Ulster Skills Academy group in a practical session focused on freestyle technique.
Bradley broke down the fundamentals of freestyle, emphasizing stroke efficiency and proper mechanics. With Jack McMillan providing in-water demonstrations, the session offered a powerful visual example of elite swimming technique in action.
Coaches gathered poolside to observe, take notes, and engage in discussions about the drills and exercises being showcased. The combination of expert instruction and live demonstration made the session both informative and inspiring.
The conference concluded on a high note, with attendees expressing their appreciation for the knowledge and inspiration they had gained. Special thanks were extended to the staff at Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex, Coffee Cure, Sport NI, and Disability Sport NI for their outstanding support in delivering such a successful event.
The 2025 Ulster Swimming Coaching Conference was more than just an educational event—it was a celebration of the shared commitment to excellence within the swimming community. “The conference was pitched at a suitable level providing information that supported coaches operating at entry level through to performance level,” added one of our coaches. From insightful discussions to practical demonstrations, the day reinforced the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in driving the sport forward.
As one coach summed up, “This conference has given me fresh ideas, renewed motivation, and a deeper connection to my fellow coaches. It’s events like these that help us all grow, both personally and professionally.”