Coaches

Jason Cooper - Head Coach Firbank Aquastars

Member, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, Silver Licence

I was a swimmer for most of my life before taking on the role of mentor and coach nearly 20 years ago. On a personal note, I swam from the age of 4, as a beginner, then competed through the school and club systems up to an International level, making my first National team whilst still at school. I represented Australia from 1989 - 1992 at various meets including World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Pan Pac Games. Since finishing swimming at an international level, I have turned my hand to coaching where I have drawn from my experiences as a competitive swimmer to assist the swimmers I coach to reach their goals and potential.

I have spent the past 13 years in school based  programs, where I have developed clubs which have grown from small membership bases to ones that are the largest and strongest clubs in their regions, with swimmers competing and winning medals at a National age and Open levels. This has been achieved while keeping a "Family" focus within the clubs.

My goal will be to continue the development of Firbank Swimming and the Firbank Aquastars. I look forward to working with swimmers of all ages and levels, helping them to achieve their individual goals.

Looking forward to the season ahead.

Darryl Howe - Assistant Coach Firbank Aquastars

Member, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, Silver Licence

I commenced my coaching swimming at the age of 18 at Campbelltown under the guidance of Alan Thompson who is now the Australian Head Swimming Coach. After Campbelltown I coached at Macquarie Fields Swimming Club for 5 years under the guidance of Justin Rothwell. We were the number one club in NSW for two years in a row. Then I moved on to the Head Swimming Coach role of ABC Swimming at Guildford for four years, where I gained a lot of confidence and found myself on District and State Teams.

Through my mentors I was exposed to coaching swimmers from junior development to Australian Youth Olympics. Not only did they show me the knowledge needed to coach different levels of swimmers but they imbedded a passion and commitment for coaching that I still have today.

 My coaching philosophy is to create fun and provide challenging sets that guide and assist swimmers to reach their potential. Also to show swimmers there is more to swimming than seeing the black line on the bottom of the pool.

I look forward to working with Jason and the swimmers at the Firbank Aquastars, to achieve their goals and to enjoy the sport of swimming as much as I do.

Narelle Wane - State Squad Coach

Member, Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association, Silver Licence

I have been involved with swimming in some capacity for most of my life.  I was a member of Melbourne Vic centre for around 11 years, competing in the pool for the majority of this time then moving on to open water events and surf lifesaving.
 
Nearly nine years ago, after some time in event management, I decided to pursue a career in coaching.  I have spent the vast majority of this time at Methodist Ladies' College (MLC Aquatic) in various roles including Learn to Swim, Junior Development and heading up the State Program. 
 
Three years of my time at MLC was spent assisting the Head Coach with the National Program and it was during this time I gained my Level 2 coaching qualification.  I was also involved in other projects at MLC including the establishment of a junior talent id program, re-vamping the junior and senior squad structures and co-ordinating various interstate training camps and team trips.    
 
I thoroughly enjoy coaching as it combines my love of swimming with playing a fairly important role in helping young athletes achieve their goals.  My philosophy is to create a challenging, hard working swimming environment while maintaining a sense of fun and enjoyment.
 
I look forward to working with Jason and the rest of the team.

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