Derventio eXcel Swim Squad



We are the elite swimming squad for Derbyshire.
Take a look at our Training Schedule and Selection Criteria to see if you have what it takes.

News Archive

  • Derventio Prepare for British Champ's

    A group of talented young swimmers from Derventio eXcel Swim Squad are now in the final stages of preparation for competition at the ASA British Championships and Commonwealth Trials, which are to take place at Ponds Forge Pool in Sheffield from 29 th Mar 2010. Eight swimmers from the elite Derbyshire squad have made the very tough qualifying times which will enable them to compete with the top swimmers in the UK, including the likes of double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington and Derbyshire's own, Ross Davenport.

    The eight Derventio qualifiers are:

    •  Catherine Williams (13) – 50, 100, 200 & 400m Freestyle

    •  Emily Allsop (16) – 50, 100 & 200m Backstroke

    •  Zichen Liu (18) - 50, 100 & 200m Backstroke

    •  Chris Steeples (17) – 100 & 200m Breaststroke

    •  Sarah Vasey (13) – 100 & 200m Breaststroke

    •  Molly Renshaw (13) – 100 & 200m Breastroke

    •  Hannah Jones (12) – 200m Butterfly

    •  Livvie Sefton (17) – 50m Butterfly

     

    Emily & Chris are both ranked high in their respective age groups and hopeful of making the GB squad, which is to compete at the European Junior Championships in Helsinki, Finland in July.

     

    This is Andi Manley's first British Championships in charge of Derventio, since taking up the position of Head Coach in June last year. Andi said: “Some of our swimmers are now on the verge of progressing to international level and the talent emerging from the younger members of the squad is extremely promising; which is a testament to the hard work that they put in at the pool, day-in, day-out, throughout the year. Although these eight have made the times to compete at this event, ⅔ of the squad have also achieved numerous qualifying times for the National Championships in August. I fully expect many of these to also make the British Champ's times next year”

     

    Derventio sponsor, swimwear manufacturer, blueseventy have also agreed to provide all Derventio swimmers competing at this event with the newly approved Fina (world swimming governing body) costumes, known as nero-TX jammer and kneeskin.

     

    Andi will also be taking other members of the squad along to compete in the relay events all of whom are expected to shine at the Derbyshire County Championships which begin this weekend.

    Picture L to R: Andi Manley (Head Coach), Sarah Vasey, Catherine Williams, Hannah Jones, Zichen Liu, Emily Allsop, Christopher Steeples, Molly Renshaw, Livvie Sefton





    British Swimming Newsletter


    The latest British Swimming Newsletter containing a summary of all the FINA rule changes you need to know is now available to download here


    Derventio eXcel Swim Squad – A New 50m Home on the Horizon

    DX Chairman Karl Davidson has been in discussions with the Director of Environmental Services at Derby City Council, Paul Robinson who had instigated a feasibility study into the leisure facilities within Derby.

    After a meeting this morning at the Council House a press release has been issued to the media that Derby will have a 50 metre swimming pool, which will be part of the 'Hub' for all leisure activities in Derby.

    Press Release: Development of Sports Facilities in Derby

    Also within the £46/50 million pound project will be a further four satellite facilities with 25 metre pools which will be either the refurbishment of existing pools or new build.

    Karl will be involved in the discussions relating to the specification and needs relating to swimming for this project which has an exciting outlook for the future of DX. Derventio eXcel, which is the Performance Squad of Derbyshire Swimming's Performance Pathway, will be based at the new facility and will work alongside Derby City Council.

    More information relevant to DX will be released when available. Read the press release and listen to the local radio stations now for more detailed information.

  • 27/11/2009
  • Derventio eXcel Swim Squad – New Selection Criteria

    Following the review of the Performance Pathway for swimming in Derbyshire, the new selection criteria for Derventio eXcel Swim Squad have now been published. These can be viewed by following the link below.

    Derventio eXcel Selection Criteria 2009

     

  • 05/11/2009
  • Derventio eXcel Swim Squad – Important Announcement

    To safeguard the financial future of Derventio eXcel, the Performance Squad of the Derbyshire Swimming Development Pathway, the DX executive committee has reluctantly taken the decision to consolidate the training venues available to swimmers. It has been decided that all training from today, November 5, will be based at the Performance Centres in Derby, Ripley and Etwall under Head Coach Andi Manley.

    DX swimmers currently training at other venues (Dronfield, Staveley, Chesterfield and Sheffield) are invited to continue their training at the Performance Centres in Derby, Ripley and Etwall.

    With the approval of the DASA budget at its AGM on Saturday securing DASA's contribution to DX funding, the club is now able to commit to fulfilling its role as the Performance Squad of the new Derbyshire Swimming Development Pathway. The new criteria for DX membership will be released shortly and swimmers should receive their invitation by November 14th 2009.

    Performance Centre Training Times

    Monday AM 0530 / 0730 Etwall  •  Monday PM 1700 / 2000 Moorways

    Tuesday AM 0530 / 0730 Queens  •  Tuesday PM 1700 / 1900 Moorways

    Wednesday AM 0530 / 0730 Etwall  •  Wednesday PM 1700 / 1900 Moorways

    Thursday AM 0530 / 0730 Queens  •  Thursday PM 0430 / 1930 Moorways

    Friday AM 0530 / 0730 Ripley  •  Friday PM 1700 / 2000 Moorways

    Saturday AM 0600 / 0800 Ripley

    Land Training and Pool Work are included within all times.

    Coaching queries call Andi Manley: 07770 546545 • General queries call Karl Davidson: 07957 992104 

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  • 27/10/2009
  • Ripley swimmer Emma Smithurst selected for GB

    The success story of Derventio eXcel, the Competitive Performance Squad of Derbyshire's Swimming Performance Pathway has continued with the selection of Ripley swimmer Emma Smithurst in the Great Britain team to compete at the forthcoming European Short Course Championships taking place in Istanbul from December 10/13.


    Although Emma is now doing the bulk of her training with City of Manchester Aquatics she retains her membership with Derventio eXcel.


    Emma's selection marks a proud moment for Derventio eXcel as she is the squad's first female swimmer to achieve an international call up; Dave Ellis led the way for DX as its first swimmer to represent the country at a major championship. Their achievements are a fantastic testament to the foresight and support six years ago of The  Derbyshire Swimming Association and Derbyshire Sport in implementing and developing a performance pathway for all  swimmers within Derbyshire. There is no doubt that without the introduction of this pathway and the opportunity of a full time training programme with first Mark Rose as Head Coach and now with Andi Manley at the reins, Emma would have had to follow Ross Davenport and Dean Milwain in training outside the County. 


    Emma describes her selection as "... fantastic and exciting, I was unsure if I had made the selection criteria, so I just got my head down in training after the Summer break and worked towards The British Championships in March. I hope I can go out to Istanbul and swim to the best of my ability and use the experience hopefully towards further Championship opportunities in the future".

     

  • 27/10/2009
  • New Treasurer for DX

  • The DX Committee is delighted to welcome Belper Marlin's Peter Marshall as its new Treasurer. Peter has been on the Committee of Belper Marlin Swimming Club for eight years and has been its Treasurer for five years. He is also the Trophy Secretary (organising the trophies for Club Champs and Belper's Open Meet) and 'Whites' officials co-ordinator (organising officials for galas, Club Champs and Open Meet.) He has been a registered timekeeper for quite a few years and officiates at local County and Regional events. He is currently working towards Judge 1 qualification, in Peter's words "as slowly as I'm allowed to".
     
    Peter says, "I'm not a swimmer myself, I leave all that down to Fran., but I can drown with attitude when pushed".

  • Peter takes over the reins from Neil Sefton who is, nevertheless, remaining on the committee. The heartfelt thanks of the DX Committee go to Neil for his sterling work through difficult times on behalf of the club.

  • 24/09/2009
  • Performance Pathway Review Process - Position Statement September 23

  • The latest position statement issued by DASA's Strategic Group reviewing the future of the Performance Pathway for Swimming in Derbyshire is available for download using the link below:

    DASA Performance Pathway Review - Position Statement September 23

  • 16/09/2009
  • New Chairman for Derventio eXcel


  • Karl Davidson is the new Chairman of Derventio eXcel.


  • Following the resignation of Rob Hignett from the chair owing to increased work commitments, Karl was unanimously elected by the DX Committee to fulfil the role of Chairman until the next AGM. Rob has agreed to remain on the Committee to support Karl and other members of the executive.

    Karl, who many of you will have seen regularly on pool-side as an official, is a Licensed Judge 1 and has officiated at National level. He is the father of seven children but all have left the nest with the exception of 11-year-old Oliver who won two silver medals at the ASA Nationals in July.

    Karl is the Managing Director of a Long Eaton-based vending company and his considerable business experience will be a major asset in his new role at DX.

    Asked about his appointment, Karl commented:

    I am aware of the honour that has been given to me and the responsibility that I have to maintain the achievements, influence and prestige of Derventio eXcel. I shall try to strengthen the performance pathway for swimming in Derbyshire in which Derventio eXcel fulfils a key role. I look forward to the challenges ahead.


    DASA have been informed of the change of leadership and have issued the following statement:

    Derbyshire Swimming wishes to thank Rob for his work, energy and commitment to Derventio eXcel as Chair and is pleased to see Rob will stay on to provide the benefit of his experience to the executive.  We are also pleased to welcome Karl Davidson as Chair and look forward to working together with Karl and DX as a whole to see the implementation of a true swimmer pathway in Derbyshire.
     

  • 21/08/2009
  • Performance Pathway Review Process - Position Statement August 10

    The latest position statement issued by DASA's Strategic Group reviewing the future of the Performance Pathway for Swimming in Derbyshire is available for download using the link below:

    DASA Performance Pathway Review - Position Statement August 10

  • 06/07/2009
  • Performance Pathway Review Process

    Dear parents, members and swimmers,

    This document contains a straight copy of the Post-It Note feedback from the Pathway consultation held at Moorways on Monday 15th June. I apologise for the delay in getting this information back to you. John Hidle kindly compiled this from the Post-It Notes collected on the evening.

    Post-It Feedback

    Rob Hignett
    Chair

  • 01/07/2009
  • Derventio eXcel AGM Documents

    The 2009 Annual General Meeting of Derventio eXcel will take place on Tuesday 14th July 2009 from 7pm in the Council Chambers, County Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3AG.

    The agenda, list of nominees for the 2009/2010 Committee and the one proposed rule change received can be downloaded using the links below:

    AGM Agenda
    Nominations for 2009/2010 Committee
    Proposal for Rule Change

    At the conclusion of the AGM, there will be an update on the Performance Pathway review process.

  • 29/06/2009
  • Scottish Nationals - Day 2 Summary

  • Day 2 brought more success in the pool for Derventio eXcel. Emily Allsop was the star performer, making her third final of the championships – the only final for Derventio on day 2. However everybody swam to PB pace and only a few swims were below par but those swimmers turned it around straight away due to the positive atmosphere created by Gabby on the (inflatable clappers).

  • A few pictures from the Championships:

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  • 18/06/2009
  • Derbyshire Performance Pathway - Model 2

    The revised model for the new Derbyshire Performance Pathway can be downloaded by following the link below:

    Performance Pathway: Model 2
     

  • 02/06/2009
  • Derbyshire Performance Pathway - Message from DASA

    Dear All

    There is now a forum board for consultation on the development of the Derbyshire Athlete Performance Pathway at:

    Performance Pathway


    Your consideration on the proposal due to be published this week would be most appreciated. Yours comments very welcomed.

    Kind regards


    Mike Ward
    County Secretary
    Derbyshire ASA
    c/o 60,Acorn Ridge
    Walton
    Chesterfield
    S42 7HE
    Tel:   01246 567 128
    Mob: 07785 270 334
    Private e-mail: mikewatkinward@btinternet.com

  • 31/05/2009
  • Derbyshire Performance Pathway - Message from DASA

    Dear All

    As part of the consultation process we are now about to hold a series of final consultation meetings based on the revised model of the Derbyshire Performance Pathway which resulted from the earlier consultations.

    DX will hold an internal meeting to consult on the proposal - members will be advised of the date and venue by the DX executive in due course.

    15th June - 19.00hrs - 21.00hrs

    A coaches meeting is due to be held at the Lower Bowls Hall, Alfreton Leisure Centre to discuss the proposal.

    It is important that you ensure that your coaches attend this meeting so you have the opportunity to put your club's position forward.

    All clubs are expected to send a representative.

    16th June - 19.00hrs - 21.00hrs

    A club and parents meeting is due to be held at the Lower Bowls Hall, Alfreton Leisure Centre to discuss the proposal.

    This is targeted at club committee members and those parents whose children are aspiring to be on the performance pathway. This will be a combined meeting for north and south Derbyshire clubs.

    Would secretaries please ensure that these invitations are circulated to your coaches and membership.

    Could secretaries also indicate how many coaches, club representatives and parents are expected to attend their designated meeting.

    Those not able to attend may access the final proposal, towards the end of next week on the DASA website. As now you can make comments on the proposal via the feedback process.

    Your views are important!

    Kind regards


    Mike Ward
    County Secretary
    Derbyshire ASA
    c/o 60,Acorn Ridge
    Walton
    Chesterfield
    S42 7HE
    Tel:   01246 567 128
    Mob: 07785 270 334
    Private e-mail: mikewatkinward@btinternet.com