Swimming Coach Honored Despite Club’s Lack of Dedicated Pool

A swimming coach, whose club operates without its own dedicated pool, has expressed humility upon receiving a Swim England award recognizing his contributions. Ben Negus, affiliated with the City of Peterborough Swimming Club (COPS), received the Performance Pathway Coach of the Year honor at the Swim England National Awards ceremony. According to Mr. Negus, the 180-member club, which participates in national and international championships, has “grappled” with “extraordinary situations” since the city council’s closure of the regional pool, necessitating athletes to locate alternative training venues. He stated that the award acknowledged “the entire club’s efforts and hard work” and mentioned that he “did not expect to win.” Swim England serves as the national governing body for swimming and aquatics within England. The ceremony, held at Birmingham University’s Great Hall, saw the presentation of 27 awards, honoring the contributions of various individuals and organizations. Mr. Negus commented that the award was received during a period when the club was experiencing financial and physical challenges. “The impact of losing the regional pool is huge,” he stated. He added, “It was the only pool in the area that could handle the capacity for level two competition athletes.” “We now have to use five different facilities including Jack Hunt, Oundle, Stanground Academy, Stamford and Whittlesey for all the extra hours of training,” he explained. He continued, “The faculties are amazing though they are not the most suitable. The members have been very understanding though.” “We aren’t able to expand our memberships. Our ability to hold competitions has held back. Such an outstanding situation we find us in both financially and operationally,” he concluded. Peterborough City Council had previously announced that demolition work for the regional pool on Bishop’s Road was scheduled to commence in November. Its closure last year was attributed to the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac). Estimates suggest a new pool could incur costs of £30 million, whereas the existing structure would require £26.3 million for repairs. Mr. Negus reported “positive conversations” with the council but expressed continued apprehension regarding a new facility. “I have been in the city for 17 years and over the period different administrations have promised a new 50m pool,” he stated. He added, “We have been let down and are still waiting for one.” “We could do something great with aquatics in Peterborough. But 17 years of evidence tells me we will go with the cheapest option available,” he remarked. He concluded, “I am happy to be proven otherwise. Personally, I am not holding my breath on the new pool.” The proposed new aquatic center is slated to feature teaching and splash pools, a sports hall, and a gym.