NEW ROLE FOR JONATHAN VERNON. WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
 
Jonathan Vernan has certainly made a huge impact here at the Marlins over the past 3 years taking on many roles.  He has overseen the monumental and very important ‘Swim 21′ Teaching, Skills and Masters’ accreditations, been the Principal Teacher @ the Dolphin (until 31st Dec 2010) and taken a leading role in our enviable Training Group structure.  All of these roles are extensive in their own right however Jonathan has enthusiastically embraced everything even on the backdrop of holding down a demanding freelance job, embarking on an Open University Masters degree and virtually completing his the Level 3 UKCC/ASA Senior Club Coaching badge.

Jonathan (left) with Bowman at the Dolphin 15th Jan 2011
The press officer caught up with him at the Dolphin this morning  to get the low down of his current status and insight into his exciting new role for the club.  As from 1st January 2011 Jonathan became our new ‘ Work Force Development Officer’.  He explained  ‘it will be a one stop shop for anyone in the club, or externally, who wants to start or continue their development in teaching or coaching.  I will be responsible for looking after courses and making sure that appropriate information is available’.   For all you parents out there please stand by for emails and other communications inviting you to get involved with the programme.  He revealed ‘ we need 5 or 6 new people to come on board each year to keep up with the demand on poolside, I will doing everything possible to try and secure new people to join our staff !’
Whilst the post is mainly administrative Jonathan will be keeping his poolside presence, still teaching at the Dolphin and taking the Sunday Skills Group and coaching Mini-Squad and Training Groups, including the newly devised and exciting T4 (more on this to follow). In addition, he will be heavily featuring in our pursuit of Competitive Development  ‘Swim 21’ accreditation. He revealed ‘getting Competitive Development accreditation is going to be very tough for this swimming club, we already have many of the boxes ticked however we require 6 swimmers to obtain a top 20 National ranking for 3 consecutive years. It won’t happen overnight, but if everyone buys into it we could be there in 5 years time !’
Away from the swimming club, Jonathan lives in Lewes with wife Wanda and two children Zoe (14) and Toby (12). He makes his living as a ‘Professional Video Director’ in the Training environment.  Along with his Masters Degree he doesn’t get a lot of spare time however he really enjoys getting outside and walking the family dog ‘Evie.’
It is very clear that Jonathan is passionate about the Marlins Swimming club and rapid progression of our swimmers through to their full potential. We are very lucky to have him on board.  On behalf of the committee and membership I extend him the best of luck with his new and important role.