World Aquatics launches inaugural swimming age group coaching course in Budapest

The World Aquatics International Coaches’ Certification Course – Age Group Coach made history as the first course delivered under the new framework. It was targeted at swimming coaches working with swimmers from ages 8 to 12, and featured e-learning components, face-to-face theoretical sessions at the World Aquatics Interim Office in Budapest and practical pool sessions at the Budapesti Honvéd Sportegyesület sport club.

The international nature of the course created a rich learning environment for the participating coaches, who each received a World Aquatics Scholarship to attend the course. They were chosen from approximately 100 applications following a thorough review process.

James Richards (Great Britain) led the intensive programme, while the practical element was held in collaboration with Attila Selmeci (Hungary), the long-time coach of Hungarian two-time Olympic Champion Kristóf Milák.

During the practical sessions, participants observed local coaches in action, received insights from Selmeci’s expertise, and gained experience coaching local age group athletes.

The course covered three core pillars while also equipping coaches with tools to support their own mental well-being and personal development:

Foundations of Coaching: Integrity, ethics and safe sport; coaching behaviours, athlete development and age-appropriate coaching
Supporting the Growth of the Athlete: Mental health and well-being; sports psychology; gender-specific considerations and nutrition and hydration
Enhancing Performance: Skill development; strokes and skills; planning and periodisation; sports science; strength and conditioning and practical coaching

Peter James (Saint Lucia) reflected on his key takeaways:

“Meeting coaches from different nationalities, learning different ways of doing drills and skills from these same coaches to reach the same goal or outcome, and also how easy it was to apply what was learnt in the classroom to the practical session at the pool.”

By Peter James

Sharif Lutfi (Jordan) highlighted the course’s interactive approach:

“The variety of nationalities and coaching backgrounds was very valuable. I appreciated the way the content was delivered – highly interactive, with group activities – and the opportunity to work with swimmers from the hosting country, which made the learning practical and engaging.”

By Sharif Lutfi

For Valorie Andrew (Grenada), the experience created lasting connections:

“Meeting, interacting and discussing techniques, ideas and experiences with the other coaches, it feels like we’ve built a beautiful multi-national family of swim coaches.”

By Valorie Andrew

Olita Viduce (Latvia) added:

“For me, the best thing in the face-to-face course was the opportunity to learn directly from experienced international coaches, exchange ideas and receive immediate feedback that helped me grow both professionally and personally.”

By Olita Viduce

Following the successful launch in Budapest, the World Aquatics Coaches’ Certification Programme will continue to expand across all aquatics sports and coaching levels in 2026.

World Aquatics launches inaugural swimming age group coaching course in Budapest

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