Youth Advisory spot for Mia

Swim England were seeking to appoint several young people (aged 15-20) on a voluntary basis to form a “Swim England North West Youth Advisory Panel”.  Swim England asked for someone who could meet the following criteria:

• be part of a small team of like-minded individuals to become a youth voice for the Region.

• be keen to be heard and make a difference in my sport.

• have ideas on what the Region could implement to improve aquatics for young members.  

Mia answered “yes” to all these questions and found herself clicking the link to apply.  She had to complete a lengthy application outlining her reasons for applying for the position, why she would be a good candidate for the Panel and then the scariest part…. a two-minute presentation on an issue in aquatic sport that is important to her.  She chose to speak about the limited opportunities available for longer distance swimmers to compete which means a lot to her as a distance swimmer.  

She submitted her application and video and was pleased (and nervous) to be offered an interview in front of a panel made up of representatives from Swim England.  The interview went well and shortly after she was contacted to be offered a place on the panel!!

The panel consists of eight members from various clubs and aquatic disciplines from around the North West.  They will meet as a panel a minimum of four times per year virtually along with face-to-face meetings in a central location.  Her first meeting is in a couple of weeks time and she is excited to take on the challenges, learning about different disciplines and forming new friendships with like minded people.  Mia said,

I feel this is a great opportunity to give not just myself a voice but Leyland Barracudas and improve everyone’s swimming journey.”