Mark Simms: Head Coach & Group 4 Coach

Mark became involved with Thame Swimming Club in 2010 when his 2 daughters became Thame Swimming Club members. To help the club he trained as an official, becoming a Qualified J2S Swimming official, and regularly attended Galas to officiate on behalf of Thame swimming club. Mark has been involved in sports throughout his life, whether participating in or encouraging his daughters in their chosen sport of swimming.

Mark decided to become an ASA Swimming coach in 2015 passing his ASA assistant coach qualification. He has previously coached Groups 2, 3, and 3+ within the club and became Assistant Head Coach in 2018. He passed his ASA Swimming Coach qualification in January 2022, becoming Head Coach of Thame swimming club in April 2022.

Mark's aim is to help every Thame swim club member reach their full potential within their swimming.

Damian Wakefield: Assistant Head Coach & Group 3 Coach

As a parent, Damian always wanted to give his children the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports as they grew up. Swimming was one discipline that his son found a passion and talent for, which quickly became his main sport. As a result, he became more involved in the club, first as Team Manager, then helping out with coaching. 

Whilst Damian's son has now finished swimming at club level he has continued with his coaching development and has since gained Level 2 Swim Coach qualification.

Damian's time as a volunteer coach is rewarded by seeing the development of our young athletes in the pool. Striking the right balance between discipline, hard work, and commitment, while making time in the pool fun and varied is key. He wants all of our swimmers to remember their time at the club with fond memories and to have a lifelong love for swimming.

Megan Hard: Group 1 Coach

As a child Megan swam competitively, however, tennis took the focus from swimming through her later school years. Although she was keen to be a PE Teacher she ended up as a Senior Manager for a local company in Haddenham, however, has continued to be interested in sport.

When her eldest joined the swimming club it was a chance to volunteer in a much-needed role. She has been coaching with the club since 2017 and is lucky to work with an amazing, friendly, and supportive coaching team.

Although Megan's eldest has now moved away for university she continues to enjoy helping the younger swimmers to build their confidence, fitness, and technique – all whilst having fun on the way!’

Caroline Crosby: Group 1 Coach

Caroline's youngest son joined Thame swimming club in 2021 and she became involved quickly, volunteering to help with the club.

She recently passed the Level 1 Assistant Coach Course and now helps to coach group 1 and 2+.

Having been a competitive swimmer for most of her childhood and teen years competing at a National level, and now seeing her son enjoying the sport so much, she wants to help our younger swimmers at Thame improve and achieve their goals.

Being part of this process as an assistant coach is very rewarding.

Alex Brown: Group 2 Coach

Building on his childhood passion for swimming and also his experience of coaching junior development squads in other sports, he is delighted to be part of the coaching team at Thame Swimming Club.

Alex's children have grown in confidence since becoming members of the club and have inspired him to qualify as a Swim England Assistant Coach.

It’s great to be involved with a team of coaches who focus on guiding each swimmer to be their best, in a structured yet truly fun environment. 

Nick Harris: Group 3 Coach

Swimming to a national level many moons ago, Nick's involvement in Thame SC is relatively recent. Soon after his son joined at grassroots in FUNdementals in 2021, he started helping with Group 1.

Now he shares the Group 2 coaching as a Level 1 coach, as an opportunity to impart some experience of being the coachee for many years and give something back to the latest generation.

His aim is to help swimmers realise their potential and see them move onwards and upwards through the club.

He tries to keep current himself, although mostly a lane rope apart from Group 4 as he slums it in the public lanes a few mornings a week.

Phil Holdship: Group 3 Coach

Phil developed a passion for swimming at the age of 10 and trained at Stockport Metro Swimming Club, where he swam in the national squad and subsequently became a National Age-Group Finalist.

At university, he captained the Aberystwyth University Swim Team between 2000 and 2001.

Phil's daughter started swimming with Thame Swimming Club in 2021 and he is now a Level 1 Assistant Coach and teaches group 2 as well as at race day events.

He loves seeing the children progress in their swimming and gain confidence in their abilities.