Honiton Swimming Club have appointed a new head coach.

Having had a career in the Royal Navy, Ralph Watson has recently relocated from London to be closer to the sea.

Ralph began his swimming career as a parent, helping on poolside at the local club, in Harrow. He gained his coaching qualifications during this time, becoming Head Coach for the Disabled Swimming Club at the pool.

He was later encouraged to join Ealing Swimming Club, one of London’s premier clubs, where he was in charge of a group of 600 swimmers, for many years.

There he worked alongside top Olympic coaches and learnt a great deal from them. He also attended coaching related courses at Loughborough and Bath.

His aims for Honiton Club are to use the assistant coaches and supporting poolside assistants, effectively. He would like to use the collective responsibility to good effect.

He said: “The quality of swimmers is there and they just need guidance. The biggest challenge is motivation and success is a big motivator.

“I am looking forward to working as a team with enthusiastic and committed assistant coaches, whose help I am already appreciating.”

All of the assistant coaches and poolside helpers are highly committed and very motivated individuals.

Many of the Honiton Swimming Club members, are students at The King’s School in Ottery St Mary, Ottery St Mary Primary School, Tipton-St-John and Feniton.

Under Ralph Watson’s careful supervision, they are learning fast, how important discipline and technique are in this sport.

To watch the almost instant transformation of these young swimmers is an inspiration. Ralph and his team of committed assistant coaches are a huge asset to the club.