Ellen has kindly written up a report of her trip;

“This weekend (Nov 21st / 22nd) I took part in a Young Leaders program in Dunoon. I learnt lots of new skills that I hope to bring back, and put into practice in the club.

The purpose of the of the weekend was to bring swimmers representing each cub in the West of Scotland together, and focus on ways of keeping young people swimming and enjoying it. I learnt lots about communication and the influence that different approaches of communicating has.

I really hope I can motivate more swimmers and make them feel more enthusiastic about the club and feel part of a team. I think swimming isn’t just about training, competing and your performance, it is also about the bond you have with your team and most of all enjoying it.

Throughout the weekend I also worked on a Dynamic Youth Award, which is about young people’s achievements. We also went gorge walking, where we all worked as a team, helping each other through the gorge which was really fun even though it was freezing! I have made so many new friends from different clubs that I am going to stay in touch with.

The weekend was great fun and I feel like I have gained a lot more confidence and learnt lots of new skills. I really enjoyed it and am thankful to Scottish Swimming and everyone else who took part and made it happen.”

Well done Ellen!