13 February 2026
Coaches Kristy Andrews, Claire Ward and Matilda Andrews at the Portland Swimming Club have successfully completed an intensive training and development program, earning a Swimming Australia coaching licence that strengthens the club’s commitment to high quality athlete development.
Kristy said she felt challenged by the course but rewarded for all the hard effort. “Through the process, the connections that we have been able to create with other coaches and clubs within our region, the support from Swimming Victoria and in particular Jess O'Brien has been amazing. We all want the best for swimming in Australia and want to provide opportunities for kids to swim, compete, socialise and achieve their personal goals.”
The accreditation process involved rigorous coursework, practical assessments, and ongoing professional development, ensuring coaches meet national standards in child safety, duty of care, supporting athlete wellbeing, stroke techniques, progression of skills and coaching practice, performance planning, and inclusive coaching practices. The newly accredited coaches are fully equipped to support swimmers at all levels, from grassroots participation to competitive pathways.
This will be Kristy’s first paid role with the club after volunteering her time for more than ten years as a parent helper, then committee member and in more recent years a coach. Her personal journey with this achievement has been much more than the certificate and any paid position. “The most rewarding part for me, and the thing that I am most grateful for through the whole process, is being able to complete the journey with my daughter Matilda. Standing alongside her and being part of her journey as well as my own and seeing her drive and passion to mentor and motivate the next group of up and coming swimmers within our club from such a young age, has been something I am so, so proud of, and motivates me to give everything I can to get the sport of swimming out there.”
Club representatives say the achievement reflects a strong investment in coaching excellence and long-term growth for the club, its swimmers and swimming as a sport in the local community.
“I’m looking forward to this year. It’s going to be great coaching alongside Claire, Matilda and Gwyneth, mentoring new and upcoming junior coaches, and continuing to develop with our swimmers. I’m also excited to take on the opportunity to develop the skills of the new generation through Swimming Victoria’s Fun Swim Program.” said Kristy.
Claire expressed her excitement for future swimmers who are curious about trying squad swimming in a club environment. “I’m very proud that the Portland Swimming Club's coaching team are now fully accredited with their Australian Swim Coach licences. This achievement means a lot to us, especially with the challenges of juggling time commitments and travelling from rural areas.” added Claire. “We’re excited to bring these skills back to our community and continue supporting the young swimmers of our region as they grow, learn, and chase their potential.”
Matilda who is now 17, looked back on herself as a new starter all those years ago when those who were coaching her back then gave her the inspiration to now want to coach others. “For me, getting the qualification makes me feel very proud of myself because since I was 10 all I really wanted to do was be a coach. Now being qualified is so exciting and I get to share my knowledge with people that are as passionate about swimming as I am and for that I am very grateful.” said Matilda
The three coaches expressed gratitude for this opportunity. “A heartfelt thank‑you to Swimming Victoria and the Portland Swim Club Committee for their ongoing support. Their guidance and encouragement played a major role in helping us reach this goal. Their support helped overcome some of the barriers commonly faced by rural swim club coaches.” said Claire.
The club plans to continue supporting ongoing education and development, reinforcing its role as a leader in swimmer development within the community and supports sustained growth and quality coaching across the sport.