Wychavon Leisure has strengthened its commitment to developing swimming opportunities within the local community after signing a new partnership agreement with STA (Swimming Teachers’ Association) to become both an STA Swim Academy and an STA Approved Training Centre (ATC).

The partnership will see Wychavon Leisure introduce STA’s graded Learn to Swim Programme, providing swimmers with a clear and progressive pathway for learning and development.

Operating four sports and leisure centres across Worcestershire – including an outdoor lido – Wychavon Leisure will officially launch the STA Swim Academy on 4 July 2026. The programme will initially be introduced at Pershore Leisure Centre and Evesham Leisure Centre from July, with Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre scheduled to follow in September following refurbishment works.

STA’s graded learn to swim system provides a structured pathway from Grades 1 to 7, designed to help swimmers build confidence and develop essential swimming skills and strokes in a progressive and engaging way. The programme is supported by colourful motivational awards and resources that encourage swimmers to track their progress and celebrate achievements as they advance through the grades.

As part of the agreement, Wychavon Leisure will also establish an STA Approved Training Centre, enabling the organisation to deliver swimming teacher qualifications in-house – including the new regulated Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification, which is endorsed against CIMSPA’s latest Professional Standard. This will allow the leisure team to train and develop its own workforce more flexibly, supporting the long-term sustainability of its swimming programmes.

Alongside the launch of the STA Swim Academy, Wychavon Leisure will immediately introduce STA’s Junior Lifeguard programme and a new Distance Development class, enabling swimmers to work towards longer-distance awards alongside the Advanced Swimmer pathway. The team is also exploring the introduction of Mermaid lessons as part of its expanding aquatic programme, creating even more opportunities for participants to develop new skills, build confidence and progress within aquatics.

Stacey Evers, Swim Manager at Wychavon Leisure and an STA Aquatic Tutor, said: “We’re really excited to be launching as both an STA Swim Academy and an Approved Training Centre. During the onboarding process, we’ve spent time getting to know the Learn to Swim Programme in more detail, and the enthusiasm from our teaching team has continued to grow. The structure of the graded pathway and the opportunities it creates for swimmers have been really well received.

“What has been particularly exciting is the flexibility the programme gives us to continue developing our aquatic offering and create new progression opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities. There’s a real sense of excitement within the team about what this partnership will bring for our swimmers and communities.

“Becoming an STA Approved Training Centre is equally important for us. Being able to deliver training in-house gives us the flexibility to develop our workforce in line with our operational needs, while ensuring we maintain consistently high standards across our swimming programmes. The new STA Level 2 Swimming Teacher qualification is delivered to a very high standard, and the ongoing support available through CPDs helps ensure our teachers can continue developing their skills long after completing their training.”

Wychavon Leisure is a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to providing accessible leisure facilities for its communities. Operating under the Rivers Fitness brand, the organisation focuses on delivering high-quality sport and leisure opportunities that are accessible and affordable for everyone.

Nigel Grundy, Managing Director at Wychavon Leisure, said: “As a community-focused organisation, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality sport and leisure facilities. Swimming is a vital life skill, and partnering with STA allows us to strengthen our learn to swim programmes while investing in the training and development of our own aquatic workforce.

Launching as both a Swim Academy and an Approved Training Centre will help us continue delivering a quality service for our communities and create new opportunities for people to develop careers within the leisure sector.”

The partnership also supports workforce development through STA’s Excel Me programme, with one Wychavon Leisure apprentice progressing from an aquatic helper role into the Leisure Team Member apprenticeship standard, helping build future talent within the organisation.

Zoe Cooper, Commercial Director at STA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Wychavon Leisure as both an STA Swim Academy and an Approved Training Centre. Their commitment to developing swimming opportunities and investing in workforce development aligns perfectly with STA’s mission to promote the teaching of swimming and water safety for people of all ages and abilities.

We look forward to supporting the team as they continue to expand their swimming programmes and create even more opportunities for people within their communities to learn this essential life skill.”