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More than 200 swimming coaches from eight countries have completed a week-long American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) certification clinic in Nairobi, raising hopes of stronger coaching standards and improved athlete development across East Africa. The clinic brought together coaches from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai. Former Mercersburg Academy head coach Glenn Neufeld, who led the technical sessions, said Africa has enormous swimming potential that can only be realised through knowledgeable coaching, proper planning and consistent athlete development. Speaking at the conclusion of the clinic, Neufeld said the strong turnout and enthusiasm among participants had reinforced his belief in the future of swimming on the continent. “My main goal was to help nurture coaches and contribute to the growth of swimming by sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career,” said Neufeld. “I have enjoyed working with the coaches here. They are passionate, eager to learn and committed to helping their swimmers improve.” Neufeld previously headed Mercersburg Academy’s nationally recognised swimming programme in Pennsylvania. He also coached the Upper Main Line YMCA from 2000 to 2014, guiding the team to a national championship in 2009. The former YMCA National Coach of the Year has also served at the University of Alabama and Peddie School. The programme was coordinated by ASCA East Africa Coordinator Omar Omari, who described the clinic as an important step towards building a stronger and more coordinated coaching system in the region. Omari said East Africa has never lacked talented swimmers, but gaps in coach education, inconsistent development programmes and weak transition structures have prevented many promising athletes from reaching senior international level. “Having more than 200 coaches learning together is a major milestone, but the true impact of this clinic will be measured on the pool deck,” said Omari. “We expect these coaches to return to their clubs and schools and apply what they have learnt. Better coaching should lead to improved technique, safer training, proper long-term athlete development and, ultimately, swimmers who can compete successfully at African championships, the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympic Games.” He added that the participation of coaches from eight countries provided a valuable platform for regional cooperation and exchange of ideas. The focus now shifts from certification to implementation, with coaches expected to develop structured seasonal programmes, monitor swimmers’ progress, introduce age-appropriate training and place greater emphasis on stroke efficiency, starts, turns, race strategy and recovery. Neufeld will remain in Kenya for further engagement with the swimming community. He is expected to attend the Kenya Aquatics National Junior Swimming Championship in Nanyuki over the weekend, where he will observe emerging swimmers and identify technical areas requiring greater attention.