My main sports were Badminton and Cycling: Playing Badminton for school and club back in the seventies.  I became a RFU Youth Rugby Coach and RFU Referee in 2003 before getting involved in swimming with my son’s school in 2004.

I am also a Level 1 Badminton coach.  In May 2005 I started my level 1 Swimming and by March 2006 had completed my Level 2. I started coaching swimming in September 2005 at the Thame Pool with WDSC. In July 2006 I Completed my Level 3 Club Coach. I also hold The RLSS National Rescue Award.  I currently teach swimming and Rookie Lifeguards at various centres locally. 

Rob Briars

My name is Rob Briars and I am a qualified ASA Level 2 coach. I have been coaching since 2008, but have been involved with swimming for six years, with my three daughters at Thame Swimming Club and Oxford City.

I have experience in coaching children from 3 years old up to County Level. I have also coached swimmers for Disability Galas. I can be found coaching at the academy in Princes Risborough on a Sunday evening as well as other sessions at Thame.

Karen Powell

I am married with 2 children and have been fully qualified teacher since 1994. I have lots of experience in various types of lessons. I am an actice person who enjoys a round of golf and I used to play league hockey.

I teach swimming lessons at Thame Leisure Centre on Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday.

Sherri Cozier

I was taught to swim at aged 8 by my (very competitive) Dad, and went on to swim for Kidlington & Gosford Swimming Club. During most of my childhood I could always be found either at Gosford Pool or doing Gym or Trampolining. These days my time is spent supporting my two children at their many activities such as football, rugby & trampolining as well as their competing for Thame Swimming Club. We have been members with Thame since it started, and I have now qualified as an ASA Level 1 Swimming Coach Assistant. I very much enjoy helping out with all levels and still enjoy a swim myself when I get the chance.

Darren Talbott

My name is Darren Talbott. I live in Chinnor and many moons ago, I used to swim for my school and borough. I have always been interested in swimming and I used to follow Duncan Goodhew, who in my day was one of the most talented swimmers of the 1980’s in Team GB.

I have always wanted to be a swimming coach, to teach and to pass on information from my past and what I have learnt. It has been a long time coming, but I have passed my ASA Level One Coach qualification and I am coaching at TSC with several of the groups. I am really enjoying it.

Ann Dite

Having spent many years swimming for pleasure, I’ve just passed my ASA Level 1 Coaching & Swim Teaching qualifications and am now putting the theory into practice! I also teach swimming at Risborough Springs and hold a NPLQ Lifeguard level 2 award. Working as a volunteer coach with Thame Swimming Club is both rewarding & challenging with no two sessions ever the same!

In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf & travelling, whilst supporting my sporting family in triathlons, iron mans, field hockey & generally keeping fit.

Jamie Goetz

I’ve been swimming as a member of Thame SC’s Group 4: County & District squad since the club launched in 2009. Before that I was swimming with the Thame branch of Wycombe District Swimming Club. I have volunteered as a poolside helper whilst working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze & Silver awards and wanted to carry on and pass my swimming skills on to the younger swimmers coming through the club. I am studying for my A-Levels at Lord Williams’s School and passed my Level 1 Swimming Teacher course in August 2011 and now work as a swimming teacher at Thame Leisure Centre.

Cheryl Briars

Hello, my name is Cheryl Briars. I am in my last year of sixth form school, aiming to study Geography at University. Swimming has always been a big part of my life, having learnt to swim at an early age; I took it up competitively at the age of 11, for 5 years reaching up to County Level. I swim regularly to keep fit & enjoy open water swimming. I currently coach at our academy Princes Risborough on a Sunday evening having completed my Level 1. I have gained experience in teaching both younger and older children and have previously assisted in teaching children with learning disabilities.

Susie Smith

Bio coming soon ...

Ian Keys

I have always loved swimming but didn’t swim for a club as a child. It has been really enjoyable swimming with Thame Masters since it started in 2010. Having done lifeguarding and taught swimming in my teens and have just retaken ASA Level 1 teaching qualification. I worked for a Pupil Referral Unit for 5 years helping to run the sport and outdoor education.

I really enjoy helping out with the coaching around supporting my wife, teenage son and daughter with all their activities and running a small business. I am learning loads and hope to encourage the swimmers to have a lifelong love for swimming. After years of relative inactivity I try to keep reasonably fit with a mix of swimming, cycling, gym and pilates.

TOM BIRMINGHAM

My son began with Thame swimming club last year renewing my interest in swimming. In the 1970’s I swam for my school and local swimming club in Cork, Ireland. Also I was interested in lifesaving; competitions and working as a pool lifeguard doing a little teaching. I’m keen to enable people to achieve and enjoy their swimming. I qualified as a level one coach in February 2012.

Cara Evans

Hi, my name is Cara. I have been swimming for 5 years and helping out poolside for three years.

In 2008, I took my Level One Coaching Course and I have been coaching the Thame squad since September '08.