After much deliberation the awards committee are delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 South East Region Awards.
From more than 130 nominations across all categories nominated by their clubs and colleagues the committee were able to identify people who represent the spirit of our sport from every discipline.
All winners from the South East region will be invited to attend the National Awards ceremony later in the year.
Water Polo Coach of the Year
Lauren Hand – Mid Sussex Marlins
What people said about Lauren: Lauren started her coaching career at Mid Sussex Marlins where she still works with the junior program helping young players who are starting on the water polo pathway. She is still an important member of the Marlins ladies team that plays in division 2 of the British Water Polo League and she is also one of the coaches that works with the squad in preparation for all of the matches.
Technical Official of the Year
Chris Hobbs – Eastbourne Swimming Club
What people said about Chris: Chris has gently encouraged many to become involved within the swimming officialdom and provided unbounded support to swimmers.
Chris has a talent for gently encouraging individuals to volunteer. Her unpushy but quiet persuasive approach providing unrushed guidance to many. Chris has taken many from observers to senior officials. She is completely dedicated to the sport and those within.
Artistic Swimming Coach of the Year
Maisie Wright – Aquaoaks Artistic Swimming Club
What people said about Maisie: Maisie is a dedicated and passionate artistic swimming coach. At just 22 years old she has grown Aquaoaks Artistic Swimming to a hugely successful synchro club with over 90 members Maisie deserves recognition for the hours of work she pours into artistic swimming and her swimmers.
Maisie has supported swimmers to two national gold medals the National Combo Cup in 2023. This was the first time the club has achieved this. As well as this Maisie has been coaching a young swimmer who has recently been invited to join the GB Youth Development programme.
Diving Coach of the Year
Matthew Roberts – Southampton Diving Acadamy
What people said about Matthew: He is devoted to every single diver and works tirelessly to help them achieve there best often not taking time off due to coaching levels.
Matthew has seen divers he has trained gain euro and GB titles.
Swimming Club of the Year
RTW Monson
What people said about RTW Monson: From the strategic partnership developed and negotiated with a local school and pool operator, the continued expansion of our learn to swim programme, a new training bursary scheme for coaches, teachers, volunteers and members, a helping hand fund for members, a volunteer recruitment drive, the biggest and most successful open meet in our history, expanding our equality offering, to our huge competitive success relative to our size, this year has been another incredible year for our Monson family. We feel this demonstrates our continued commitment to developing our club across all areas to be sustainable for future generations.
Artistic Swimming Club of the Year
Aquaoaks Artistic Swimming Club
Water Polo Club of the Year
Winchester Water Polo Club
What people said about Winchester Water Polo Club: Having started from nothing in September 2021 WWPC has grown to over 50 members, generates a modest financial surplus, trained 4 new coaches, won the inaugural Hampshire Junior Water Polo League, and is about to expand further to include 7-10 year olds. Several of the players are already playing Senior water polo for other local clubs, and the older age group is about to go on its second overseas tour (Dublin) following a highly successful trip to Guernsey last year. Most importantly, more young people are now playing water polo locally, new friendships have been created and many players have grown dramatically in confidence and self-esteem.
Volunteer of the Year
Tracy Miller – Sevenoaks Swimming Club
What people said about Tracy: Treasurer, camp organiser, coach rota organiser, pool bookings organiser. Kept the club going while we were without a HC for 2.5 months. Kept the club going when the LC closed with no notice. Helped the club get 18 swimmers to nationals and 4 to junior internationals.
I genuinely think the club would be in serious trouble without her. Her help has enabled the club to get 4 swimmers to various junior internationals. She has been a huge part in the success of SSC.
Swimming Coach of the Year
Jo King – Sevenoaks Swim Club
What people said about Jo: Jo King has been a coach at Sevenoaks Swim Club for decades since she got involved when her own daughters moved to the club. Jo is the backbone and heart of our club. Always on hand to mentor other coaches many of whom she coached as children and encouraged into coaching. She has single handedly inspired generations of children to swim and keep swimming. Jo encourages all of her swimmers always looking out especially for our members who have a challenge, condition or disability. Encouraging them and inspiring them to keep swimming and competing even when it can seem impossible.
Diving Club of the Year
Southampton Diving Academy
What people said about Southampton Diving Acadamy: The club supports a large range of divers and supports them no matter what level they are. They have seen many members succeed in many big competitions including the diving euros and at a GB national and regional level which shows the success of the club.
