Alan Williams is Chairman of Northwest swimming club - Wallasey Swimming Club. He has been involved with the club since 1955 when Alan joined as a 7 year old boy, having progressed from lessons at the same pool.

Alan boasts a list of accolades from his swimming career both in and out of the water:

• International swimmer with Wales (1969-71), which included competing at the 1970 British Commonwealth games held in Edinburgh. 
• Represented the British Police at both Swimming and Water Polo and held the British police 440yds Freestyle record and was 14 times National Police Swimming Champion, holding both the 110yds and 440yds records.
• Won the 220yds swim at the World Lifesaving in Rome. 
• Held both Northern Counties 110yds and 440yds freestyle taking the record in the 110yds.
• Level 2 coach - qualified to coach both swimming and water polo. 
• Still represents the club at galas and attends club sessions regularly.

I think you will agree that those swimming lessons at Guinea Gap Recreation Centre did Alan proud!

When asked about his involvement in the Club achieving Clubmark, Alan said, "My involvement was reading through what seemed to be endless modules ensuring that all evidence and procedures were correct and signing to verify so. However I should stress that my involvement was minimal compared to the work put in by the two members in the club who actually did Clubmark/swim21 - what a fantastic achievement!"

The Club have witnessed a number of benefits from its accreditation - such as increased memberships and improved profile by being able to demonstrate that Wallasey Swimming Club is well run, offers high quality coaching and is accredited by its National Governing Body.

Alan describes Clubmark as...

...the quality assurance for parents looking for the appropriate level of coaching for their children's needs. It is the acknowledgment of hard work and high standards set within the club by all involved and encapsulates the Club - "quality and qualified coaching within a friendly and safe environment."