The Kelly College Swim Squad was formed in 1978 in conjunction with the opening of the new 25-metre pool. Head of P.E and swimming coach, Mr Bob Govier, attracted local swimmer Sharron Davies and father Terry, who were to become the founder members of the swim squad in the new facilities. Sharron who was the new rising star in World swimming, and Terry attracted swimmers from all over the country to train at Kelly.
Despite a flood of enquiries, the swim squad was restricted to 16 places, which were highly sought after. The final 16 selected pupils were all junior international swimmers and over the following years most progressed to become senior international swimmers. Four of the original swimmers went on to represent Great Britain with distinction at the Olympic Games, Sharron Davies, Helen and Andy Jameson and Robin Brew. Within 18 months of the Swim Squad forming, Terry Davies moved to a new coaching position on London. Archie Brew, who was the assistant coach to Terry Davies during his last 6 months, was appointed as Director of Swimming. Archie's younger son Paul also joined the college soon after. Paul like his brother went on to compete at the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988.
Under Archie's guidance, the swim squad achieved some quite remarkable results; he helped to produce more than 50 international swimmers and 12 Olympians over the years including his own two sons. During the mid to late eighties, Kelly College was regarded as one of the strongest swimming squads in the country; the small select team could take on many big clubs and win. A memorable victory was winning the National Fast Water Meet for two consecutive years. The event was one of the highlights on the swimming calendar and was shown on Channel 4.
Archie retired from Kelly College in December 2000 after 21 years of international coaching and it was very fitting that his son and former Kelly pupil and Olympian, Robin Brew, was appointed as the Director of Swimming.
Robin joined Kelly from the National High Performance Centre at the University of Bath where he worked on the World Class Performance Programme, coaching some of the country's most talented senior swimmers alongside Olympic Head Coach, Ian Turner.
Robin place a new emphasis on the long-term development of the swim squad and has since invested a great deal of time in the provision of excellent coaching for junior members of the squad. Over the last 2.5 years the standard of the young squad has risen dramatically and now has 10 swimmers ranked in the top ten in the country of which four are ranked number one for their age. Kelly College has also been undefeated in the Speedo League and last year recorded the most wins ever achieved in the history of the event. Robin has also been responsible for the extra investment by the college in the appointment of Ingrid Reader and Jo John, both Assistant Coaching Staff, and Club Secretary, Jenni Henry.
As a result of the professional running of the swimming programme, Kelly College Swim Squad has been selected by the ASA to be the first school to pilot the quality assured accredited Swim 21 award.
These are exciting times for the swimmers at Kelly College. With the historic and successful legacy of the last 25 years, both Kelly College and the coaching staff are as committed as ever to ensure the long term success of our swimmers and to build on an already proven outstanding track record, which is that "Kelly produces Olympic Swimmers".
