New Head Coach Appointed

Matt Boyd Wallace

Southampton Dolphins Swimming Club are proud to announce the appointment of Matt Boyd Wallace as Head Coach.

An International swimmer and experienced head Coach, the appointment of Wallace sees him return to the pool where he learnt to swim and had his first experience of competition swimming, Shirley Pool.

” It was in the day’s of Frank Perry and I remember the local galas and racing on the Isle of Wight, thats what hooked me to swimming. Its great to be able to return and repay some of that magic that got me started”

Matts appointment will rekindle the partnership with Paul Dollery that was so successful on poolside  in recent years as age group coaches at Winchester City Penguins. Paul has been working alongside acting head coach Clodagh Dear and will continue to coach with Matt.

Dolphins have also appointed Hugo Marreiros to assist technical coaching and land training, along with AJ Harnett and Rob Young. Clodagh has agreed to take the position of Assistant to Head Coach and will start to learn from his experience when they both attend to support Issy Turner at the Summer Nationals.

Matt’s first shift will be on Wednesday July 4th, 5.30am -7.30am. He will attend the end of season meets and will spend the last week of the season in July meeting the swimmers, coaches and parents. Matt will formulate a program for 2019/20 and beyond with a focus on technical sets and stroke development.

When the pool reopens on September 1st, after the summer shutdown, Matt will be fully committed to leading the Southampton Dolphins.

Although he works as a full time school teacher, Matt is keen to take on the Wednesday and Saturday sessions, work with Paul on a Friday 6pm – 8pm and lead the Monday, Tuesday or Thursday sessions. He will target County, Regional and National events and use specific Open meets as mini targets.

The development galas on Saturday afternoons will continue to be an important part of the program. The coaches will divide duties for other selected Open Meets.

Matt also plans to build a team of on deck assistants from suitably qualified parents.