Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Hi All,

Hope you had a good time tonight.  After all the fantastic swimming this year you all definatly deserved to have a blow out Christmas Party.  Thankyou to all the parents who helped out and made the party possible. 

Our first session back will be Wednesday 4th January.  This gives you time to go out see you friends and family, play with your toys and have a well deserved break before starting the hard work again in the new year. Make sure you all have a great Xmas, we hope Santa visits you all, stay safe, have fun and we will see you all in 2012.

Thankyou for all the Christmas gifts me and Ryan recieved.  We will definitely have a drink out in Spain next week with the Euro's you gave us. 

All the best

Kevin & Ryan

CHRISTMAS PARTY UPDATE #2

Hello, again.

These are the final details for tomorrows change of plan to the Christmas party.
After a following a car to Beeston, I managed to get the money back for the food order we had placed.

So the plan is as below.
Inflatable at Armley 7.30 until 8.30pm.
Quick change then up to the venue. (Please note that myself and Kevin are only responsible for the children during the actual swimming sessions itself), we are not insured to have children in our cars, so all lifts for the children you are responsible for must be made by yourself, including lifts home from the centre at approx 10.00pm).
Food is now pretty much sorted, we will have Pizzas, sandwiches and the like, including pop, and some cupcakes kindly provided by Kevin's mum.


Below is improved directions by Tiara

Directions from Armley Pool

From the car park, turn right
At the junction, turn right
Take the 2nd left onto branch Road and head towards Armley Road/Stanningley Road
At the junction with Armley Rd/ Sanningley Road go straight across onto Canal Road which turns into Viaduct Road.
At the junction with Kirkstall Road (shell petrol station immediately on your right) go straight ahead.
At the junction with Burley Road go straight ahead onto Cardigan Road
Take the second right into Burley Lodge Road (there is a small shop on the corner). If you pass the Spar petrol station on your right hand side, you have gone too far up Cardigan Road.

The centre is based in a street full of houses and is about 300m down the road- look out on your left hand side for a slate clad building with photographs of people on the windows and a ramp with a white hand rail outside.

The centre is easiest to access from Cardigan Road as some of the streets around it have bollards to calm traffic.

Burley Lodge Centre

42-46 Burley Lodge Road, LS6 1QF
Tel: 0113 2754142
Fax: 0113 2753700
www.BurleyLodge.org.uk  

There is no designated parking for the Centre, but plenty of unrestricted on street parking is available - try round the back or further up the street.




Parents help needed!

We need support from 7pm onwards at the venue to help set up, get the takeaway order, and other things. And also afterwards, to get the mops out and have a quick tidy, we haven't paid a penny remember!

If you are willing to help then please contact Tiara on 07931577018.

Also if you get lost you can also contact Tiara on the number above.


I am slightly aware that some parents STILL do not check the blog, if you know of any then please can you pass the message on? Its really important everybody knows whats going on.


If you have any questions, you think I have missed anything out, then please ring/text me ASAP, its all been very rushed!

Regards,

Ryan

EMERGENCY CHRISTMAS PARTY PLAN CHANGE

Hello Everyone,

We have had a major issue with Dany's Cafe, who have had issues with the landlord and are now unable to let us use their takeaway.

Thankfully Huzayfa's mum has come to the rescue. We will now be using a community centre that she runs, which is only a 6 minute drive away from Armley. Map and address to follow.

As for the food, still unsure what will be happening yet, I will have final details today hopefully. Waiting for a couple of phonecalls to finalise details.

This is were you guys come in. Huzayfa's mum is going to need help in setting up the hall at the Centre, so if you can then please get in touch with her directly. It maybe something simple as taking another child from Armley to the centre, so that another parent can help set up.

THE INFLATABLE IS ON AS NORMAL.

The Burley Lodge Centre
LS6 1QZ

Armley Leisure Centre
Carr Croft, Armley
Leeds LS12 3HB
1. Head northeast on Carr Crofts toward Back Esmond Terrace
381 ft
2. Take the 2nd right onto Town St
0.1 mi
3. Take the 2nd left onto Branch Rd
0.1 mi
4. Continue onto Ledgard Way
0.2 mi
5. Continue straight onto Canal Rd
0.3 mi
6. Continue onto Viaduct Rd
0.2 mi
7. Continue onto Burley Pl
0.2 mi
8. Slight left onto Willow Rd
0.2 mi
9. Turn right onto Burley Lodge Rd
0.1 mi
 Burley Lodge Centre
Burley Lodge Rd
Leeds, West Yorkshire LS6 1QF, UK


View Larger Map


Keep checking back here for details. Will update as soon as possible.

Sorry about all the confusion.

Regards.


Ryan

Entry Reminder

Hi,

Just a quick reminder that the City of Leeds New Year B Grade Entries are tonight.  Details can be found by clicking the link below.

http://www.swimleeds.org.uk/meets/meet-info.php?meet_id=184&ref=upcoming 

Send

Sheffield City B Grade Meet

Swimmers should arrive on poolside at 8am for an 8.30am Warm up. 

 

Swimmer are to see Lyn before and after their races. 

 

Good Luck to everyone competing, get up and RACE HARD!.

 
 

Congratulations to...

City of Leeds 'A' team won the North Eastern ARENA League Final at John Charles Centre for Aquatics on Saturday evening.  They qualify for the national Final on Sunday 22nd April 2011.  the team won by a comfortable 15 point margin.  There was a fantastic atmosphere amongst the team on poolside and a great support from everyone involved.  A BIG THANKS goes to all those volunteers who helped make the event run smoothly.
 
&
 
The 'B' Team also performed outstandingly well at Harrogate hydro on Sunday evening placing 3rd only slightly behind Borough of Kirklees.  We need to work hard for next year to ensure we are the ultimate team by winning both A and B team finals.

Team Manager Training

Hi,

Just a reminder for the parents who said they would like to team manage at Galas.  There is a team managers course tomorrow (Sat 10th Dec) at John Charles.  Please arrive for 11:45 to register.

Thanks

Kevin & Ryan

Arena League

Good Luck to anyone is swiming in the Arena League this weekend.  Remeber to be safe on the takeovers and GO FOR IT!!!!
 
Saturday 10th December (A TEAM)
Venue:  John Charles Aquatics Centre
Arrive:  16:30
Warm Up:  17:00
Start:  18:00
 
Sunday 11th December (B TEAM)
Venue:  Harrogate Hydro
Arrive:  17:30
Warm Up:  18:00
Start: 18:45
 
Kevin & Ryan

BAGCAT (25m) Championships (THE BIG ONE!)

Some fantastic swims over the weekend, you all stepped up and got stuck into your races challenging some of the best swimmers in the North East.  As a group this time last year at the North Eastern's C Central achieved 38 PB's achieved out of 40 races and 7 medals.  This year we have really gone out and smashed it! The group achieved 80 PB's out of 97 Swims, 13 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals, 6 Bronze Medals and 21 top 5 place finishes. Amazing!!!!

Overall the swimming was excellent and I was very impressed that most of you were eating food from your lunch boxes that was listed on the food sheet I gave out last week.  You were all very professional and this showed in your outstanding results.  It was also great so see the swimmers who had only qualified for one event travelling all the way to Sunderland to compete, this shows a great level of commitment to your sport.

Gold Medalists (6)

Leah (1), Harry (1), Liam(7), Ellie (2), Jake (1), Sophie (1)

Silver Medalists (6)

Euan (2), Leah (1), Harry (1), Liam (3), Sophie (1), Layla (1)

Bronze Medalists (5)

Liam (1), Jake (2), Sophie (1), Billy (1), Jacob (1)

Top 5 Place Finishes

4th Places Finishers (7)

Billy (3), Sophie (3), Layla (1), Euan (2), Leah (1), Ellie (1), Jake (1)

5th Places Finishers (6)

Sophie (1), Euan (1), Jacob (3), Ellie (2), Oliver (1), Jake (1)

BAG CAT POINTS

Girls 10 yrs Category

1st - Ellie (1508 points)

2nd - Sophie (1467 points)

5th - Leah (1389 points)

Boys 10 yrs Category

1st - Liam (1075 points)

3rd - Billy (946 points)

5th - Oliver (837 points)

Boys 11 yrs Category 

4th - Jacob (1133 points)

10th - Euan (879 points)

Results can be viewed by clicking the following link

http://www.asaner.org.uk/rgordon/2011results/bcsc2011/index.htm

Next years long course North Eastern times can be found by clicking the link below

http://www.eastswimming.org.uk/swim/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=169

Keep up the hard work guys, the group has come a long way since this time last year, lets keep moving forward.  Get chasing those times for next year.

Richard was not there at the weekend because he has just had an operation on his knee but he kept checking the online results and has text me saying he is very proud of you all.

Ryan also passes on his congratulations

'No negative thoughts cross my mind on race day.  When I look into their eyes, I know I'm going to beat them.' (Danny Harris. American Athlete, Olympic silver medalist. Los Angeles 1984) 

Kevin  

Land Training (Monday 5th December)

Hi All,

Unfortunately Elysha has a meeting after her teaching job tonight and will not be able to make it to the pool in time for land training.  With Richard off after his operation and Ryan away all other coaches will be covering during this time.  There will be no land training on tonight (Monday 5th December).  I don't mind if swimmers arrive on poolside early to loosen off before work out in 2 groups, boys and girls like when we go to competition, but please do not disturb the swimmers who will be in the pool at the time.

Christmas Party -CHANGE OF PLAN

Hello everyone,

Due to my work commitments at the moment, me and midweek training aren't happening. 

To pay and order the food for the christmas party if you can put the money in an envelope, with the childs name and order on the front  and give it to Helen Butterfield(Jacobs mum) please that would be great. I am not going to be here to stick to the original plan.

Cheers,

Ryan

Sunderland Warm Up Time

Had a few people question the time of the morning warm up.  It is 8.00 warm up and a 9.30 start. Please be on poolside at 7.30am.

Thanks

British Gas ASANER BAGCAT Championships

 

Sunderland Aquatics Centre (3rd & 4th Jan) 
 
Draft Programme

http://www.asaner.org.uk/rgordon/2011results/bcsc2011/index.htm
 
Please be on poolside 30min before warm up/
 
This is the big one guys.  Lets SMASH IT!
 
Good Luck Everyone

Kevin & Ryan

Training - Wednesday 30th November

On Wednesday 30^th November there is a National Industrial Strike, I now know this will not effect our training session.  Wednesday nights training session will be on as normal.
 
Kevin & Ryan

City of Leeds Junior League Team Defend Their Title

Well done to all the swimmers who took part in the Junior Swim League.  After 3 rounds of swimming Leeds came out the strongest in all 3 rounds and were crowned the National Junior League champions yesterday for the second year running.  It certainly was an exciting afternoon with lots of fast racing and fun.  It was great to see you all supporting eachother and working together as a team.  What also impressed me was that we managed to get through all 3 rounds with NO DISQUALIFICATIONS, this was an excellent team effort, WELL DONE! 

A big thank you to Emma Jones and Dave Lambert amongst others who provided all the hats and flags etc.  Parents, thank you for all the effort that went in to supporting the team, you were all excellent, you looked good and it really helped motivate the swimmers.  

There were too many amazing swims yesterday to mention them all individually but I would like to say a special well done to Ben Rayner who achieved a top boy award.

The final results were

City of Leeds - 320

Stockport Metro - 269

Hillingdon - 236

Southport Aqua - 220

Boldmere - 205

Derby - 212

City of Norwich - 202
Newcastle - 133

City Of Leeds victory was the product of an excellent team performance and outstanding support, with our colourful and vocal supporters cheering the team all the way.

Well done to swimmers, coaches, team managers and supporters for a fantastic event and an outstanding victory.

Lizzie Coombes has kindly agreed to take a team photo for all swimmers who competed in the Junior League tonight (Monday 28th November) at 6.15pm.  The photo will also include any swimmers who helped the A Team in previous rounds make the final.  Please do not forget to bring your Junior League yellow t shirts and medals for the picture. 

Kevin & Ryan 

National Arena League - North East Region Round 2 (South)

Please can the following swimmers confirm their availability to Richard by email at richard.denigan@leeds.gov.uk
 
A Team (Saturday 10th Dec 2011)
John Charles Centre for Sport
Arrive: 16:30
Warm Up: 17:00
Start: 18:00

Euan
Jacob
Harry
Layla
 
 
B Team (Sunday 11th Dec 2011)
John Charles Centre for Sport
Arrive: Unconfirmed
Warm Up: Unconfirmed
Start: Unconfirmed
 
Billy
Shaheen
Liam
John
Ellie
Anna
Sophie
Helena
Hannah
 
Thanks
 
Kevin & Ryan

Christmas Party

Hello All,

 
Me and Ryan have now sorted the last few things for the Christmas Party.  You have all trained exceptionally well this season and deserve a little fun after all the hard work over the past few months.  The Christmas party will be at 7:30pm on Friday 23rd December.  We have organised the inflatable in the pool for an hour and then afterwards we will go eat together at Danny's Cafe over the road.  The party will finish at approximatley 10pm upstairs in Danny's Cafe.  To have the food prepared for after the inflatable session me and Ryan will pre order all the swimmers food before the party.  So that we can cover the cost of the party there will be a charge of £5 per swimmer.  This will cover the cost of the inflatable, extra lifeguard, food and a drink.  Ryan will be taking money and food orders for the party between 6 and 6.30pm on Wednesday 31st Nov, Wednesday 7th December and after the training session on Friday 9th December.  Please do not give Ryan any party money other than on these dates. 
 
The food options are:
Margarita Pizza, Chips & Drink
Pepperoni Pizza, Chips & Drink
Popcorn Chicken, Chips & Drink
Scampi, Chips & Drink
Chicken Nuggets, Chips & Drink
Fish Fingers Chips & Drink
Strips, Chips & Drink
Spicy Wings, Chips & Drink
 
The drinks choices are:
Can of Pepsi
Can of 7 Up
Bottle of Water
 
Parents are welcome to join us in Danny's cafe but if you are going to order food please order on the day of the party not when your child gives their order to Ryan.
 
Hopefully the party will be a great success and an enjoyable evening.  Have fun!  
 
Kevin & Ryan

National Strike Action - Disruption to Training

Dear all parents/guardians/swimmers

 

You may or may not be aware on Wednesday 30^th November there is a National Industrial Strike. We are unsure at the minute the effect (if any) this will have on the Training Schemes, we should know full details by Monday. Once I am aware of all the details I will pass the information on via email and also the coaching staff will tell swimmers on Monday evening at training.

 

The following squads may be effected.

Regional Senior – Kirkstall

National Senior/Youth/Age Group – JCCS

C Central – JCCS

C West – Bramley
D West - Armley

 

In the meantime please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries.

 

Kind Regards,

Sarah Reed

Training Alterations

Sunday 27th November - Normal (Lyn will take the session as me and Ryan are at Junior League)
 
Monday 29th November - North Eastern's Week (Anyone who is swimming at Sunderland should only attend one morning)
 
Thursday 1st December - We will be finishing around 8:10 - 8:20pm
 
Friday 2nd December - 19:30 - 20:30pm (Race Warm Up/ Starts, Turns, Finishes etc)
 
Sunday 3rd December - Normal (Ryan will take the session as I am at NER's, Sunderland)
 
Friday 23rd December - please keep this free as this will be our Xmas party.  I am just confirming that we can have the inflatable in and then food over the road at Dannys Cafe
 
Xmas Break
Last Session - Friday 23rd December
First Session Back - Wednesday 4th January
 
Kevin & Ryan

 

Junior League National Final (Sunday 27th November)

The gala will take place at:

Corby International Pool,

Parkland Gateway,

Corby,

Northants,

NN17 1QB

All swimmers will need to arrive at John Charles by 8:30am ready for the coach to depart at 9:00am sharp. Warm-up starts at 12:30pm with the parade of teams at approximately 13:30pm. We hope to be back at JCC for 18:30pm.  All swimmers will be required to travel to and from the meet on the team coach. 

If your child has a team track suit they should travel to and from the event in it.  Each swimmer will be provided with a t-shirt to mark the event, which must be worn to and from the event and for all team photographs. Please also ensure your child has another t-shirt to wear on poolside.

Obviously this will be a long day, so the children will need enough food and drinks to last the day. Can we also ask that the children are sent with a £1 coin for a locker as last year they were not allowed to bring bags onto pool side.

Swimmers please remember everything we have practiced over the last few weeks. it will be a tough competition, every millisecond counts in an event like this so remember shallow dives, kick hard, get up and race hard and don't slow down into finishes.  BE CAREFUL ON THE TAKEOVERS!!!! It is better to go late than early.  We need to grab every point we can, getting disqualified can cause the team to loose between 1 and 8 points (double for the cannon relay),

this we don't want. 

 

Parents the louder you shout the faster the swimmers will go, nobody should have a voice left by the end of the competition.  We look forward to seeing you all dressed up in your hats, wigs, face paints etc.  Make as much noise as you can!  Drums, horns, flags, floating sharks, chants we want to see you go all out!  

 

Hope you all have a fun and exciting day. 

 

Lets bring home the gold. 

 

Good Luck Everyone!

 

Kevin & Ryan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryan's Away

Hello.

Just so you know, im away for a few sessions these next 2 weeks because of I am opening a new Matalan Store in Scunthorpe.
I will be missing wednesday night and thursday morning this coming week, and thursday night as usual. The week after I will not be at training on Monday.


Cheers,


Ryan

ASA Registration Cards

The following swimmers and volunteers ASA Cards are still waiting collection from John Clayton on a Monday night in the Denison Suite.

Greg Birrell

Abbie Hollyoake

 

Thanks

 

Kevin & Ryan

National Arena League - North East Region Round 2 (South)

Just a quick reminder that this Saturday is round 2 of the Arena League.  Swimmers taking part are to arrive at Harrogate Hydro at 16:30.
 
Good Luck.  Remeber be safe of the takeovers, it is better to go late than loose 8 points for the team.  Race hard!
 
Kevin & Ryan

Upcoming Competition Entries

North Eastern Counties

Please remember anyone who has qualified for the NER's the first week in December must enter all events unless told otherwise on Monday 7th November, even if you have only qualified for one event you should go compete.  The North Eastern Counties is the biggest competition in C Centrals competition calendar and you will be racing the best swimmers in the North East of England.  Qualifying for the NER's is a big achievement and it would be good to see as many of you there as possible.

Sheffield B Grade & Christmas Cracker

Most of you will be too young to enter the Christmas Cracker meet on the 17th & 18th December.   If this is the case you should enter the Sheffield B Grade which is on the 17th December.

Kevin & Ryan 

Attendance

Hello Everyone.

We have now had a good few weeks training since the start of the season and I have now had a chance to look at the groups attendance.  Below is a reminder for the minimum sessions required each week Dependant upon age.  The training week starts on a Sunday and finishes on the Friday.  If a swimmer is absent and misses a session during the week, they should try and attend an additional session the week after to keep their weekly average where it should be in the table below.

Age	8	9	10	11	12
Sessions	5	5	6	6/7	6/7

This means that when you are 10, you need to be doing at least one morning a week, but we still like to see the younger swimmers experiencing morning training from a young age. Attendance plays a big part in what the senior coaches look at for move ups, as it shows dedication and commitment to the sport.  This is why I cannot stress the importance of reporting absence before the session wherever possible, so we have a reason for the absence.  Our training is based upon the LTAD (long term athlete development), for swimming and therefore if swimmers attend the number of sessions in the table for their age it will give them the best possible chance of succession the future.  We do not want swimmers having to move out of our squad on the basis of attendance only, so please attempt your minimum number of sessions a week.  Please check below to see if you are hitting the expected standards for the squad.

Shaheen: 2, 3, 2, 4, 7, 5, 5, 5, 2, 7, 5, 5
Megan:    H, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 6
Anna:      H, 2, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, H, 4
Oliver:     4, 3, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 4, 6, 7, 6
Liam:      4, 2, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 4, 6, 4, 6
Layla:      4, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 4, 5, 7, 7
Maisie:    2, 1, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 4, 6, 2, 4
Jacob:     4, 3, 6, 7, 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7
Thomas: H, H, 4, 3, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 5, H, H
John:      4, 3, 5, 4, 5, 4, 4, 5, 4, 5, 1, 5
Stephen: 4, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 1, 3
Euan:      4, 3, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 5, 3, 4, 4, 5
Leah:      4, 3, 6, 5, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 6, 7, 6
Harry:     4, 3, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 5, 7, 7, 7
Tide:      3, 2, 5, 5, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 6, 7, 2
William:  H, 3, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 5, 7, 7, 6
Rebecca:H, 3, 5, 5, 6, 3, 3, 3, 1, 5, 6, 6
Viktoria:  4, 3, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7, 5, 7, 7, 7
Sophie:   4, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 7, 4, 6, 7, 6
Abbie H: H, H, 4, 5, 4, 6, 6, 5, 3, 5, 7, 6
Zoe:       ?, 1, 5, 6, 7, 3, 3, 5, 4, 6, 6, 6
Abigail J: ?, 3, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 4, 4, 7, 6
Ellie:       ?, 3, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 3, 6, 1
Huzayfa: H, H, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, 5, 6
Matthew: ?, 1, 5, 4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5
Jake:       ?, 3, 6, I, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 4, 6
Kit:         ?, 3, 5, 5, 4, 6, 6, 6, 5, 6, 6, 6
Amber:   3, 0, 4, 4, 1, 3, 3, 5, 4, 5, 4, 5
Rachel:   H, 2, 4, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 1, 4
Brannan: 4, 3, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 1, 4, H, 3
Ben:       4, 1, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 5, 6
Amelia:   4, 3, 5, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5, 4, 4, H, H
Billy:       3, 2, 5, 5, 6, 5, 5, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6
Hannah:  H, 3, 5, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6, 4, 7, H, 6
Helena:   H, 3, 5, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4, 6, 3, 6
Ciara:     4, 3, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5, 4, 3, 5, 4, 5

H = Holiday
I = Ill
? = I don't have your mark for the first week back as the photocopy ate the register.


Remember there are some important competitions in sight.  Make every session count!

'Keep your dreams alive.  Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.  Remember all things are possible for those who believe.'
(Gail Devers.  American athlete, three-time Olympic gold medallist.  Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996.)


Kevin & Ryan

Junior League Practice

Hi,

 

On the following Wednesday's we are going to begin practice for the National Junior League Final.

Wednesday 9^th November

Wednesday 16^th November

Wednesday 23^rd November

 

This will give all the swimmers involved the opportunity to practice takeovers, taking in to consideration their specific strokes and team order. It will also be a good opportunity for some of the swimmers to practice with their colleagues in other squads.

Junior League practice will take place in Lanes 6, 7, 8 & 9 with me, Ryan, Craig and Elysha. (6.30 - 8.00pm)

The remainder of C Central will be in Lanes 0, 1 + 2 with a session left by me, coached by Liam Smith. (6.30 - 7.30pm)

The remainder of National Age Group will be in Lanes 3, 4 + 5 with Paul Cave. (6.30 - 8.00pm)

Kevin & Ryan