Tom Croke
Head Coach
Tom is a former Torfaen Swim Squad and Welsh National swimmer. He joined the Torfaen Dolphins Coaching team in 2015 when his daughter Carys entered the development squads.
“I was keen for my children (Carys now 10, Seren 8 and Sion 4) to have the same opportunities that I had, swimming for a community, family focused swim squad. Competitive swimming offers young people so much more than the perception of just swimming laps up and down a pool. Children that join Torfaen Dolphins will learn how to work in a team, develop their communication skills, take on challenges, engage in critical thinking, develop self control and self confidence and most importantly learn how to swim better, more efficiently and effectively whilst having fun.”
Since re-joining the club as a coach Tom has gained the level 1 and 2 coaching awards and recently completed the Level 3 ASA Swim England Senior Swimming Coach Certificate. He has coached across all squads within the club and is now the Head Coach for the club and Lead Coach in Performance 1. His coaching philosophy is to ensure that every squad member is given the opportunity to swim to the best of their ability. It is Tom’s belief that happy, content, technically proficient swimmers will undoubtedly make better swimmers, which will aid their longevity in the sport.
“I see no reason why in the near future Torfaen Dolphins swimmers cannot represent GB and Wales at European, Commonwealth, Olympic and World Championships; it is my aim to ensure that our swimmers are afforded this chance.”
Ian Rosser
Performance 1 Coach
Ian has represented Wales at 2 previous Commonwealth Games. He was a member of the GB Swim Squad and represented them at The World Student Games and European Youth Championships. Ian has been involved with swimming in the Torfaen Borough since the age of 9 and was previously Head Coach of Torfaen Dolphins between 2015-2022.
He has held many Welsh records in many different events and travelled around the world extensively to compete.
During his time in charge of TD, the club went from strength to strength. Many swimmers made National competitions and represented Wales in various squads, the club has also doubled in numbers.
Brett Nowell
Performance 1 Coach
Brett forms part of the Performance 1 team and has been coaching with Torfaen Dolphins since 2015 when his eldest daughter joined the club. He is a level 2 coach and also a level 2 team manager. He is a former Torfaen Swimmer, representing Wales at youth and senior level in the 400 and 1500 freestyle events and has previously held the Welsh youth records in the latter distance. Brett is hugely passionate about coaching and thrives on developing swimmers to help them achieve their full potential.
Sarah Croke
Transition Performance & Spartan Para-Swimmers Coach
Sarah started swimming competitively at the age of 6 with Torfaen Swim Squad, alongside some of our current TD coaches (Tom, Leighton, Alun, Brett and Ian) and went on to represent Wales in the Welsh Schools Championships in the 100m backstroke.
Sarah returned to the swimming scene when her children, Ben and Libby joined Torfaen Dolphins a few years ago, but this time as a volunteer coach. She became heavily involved and her old passion for swimming quickly resurfaced!
My favourite part is seeing a child achieve something that they have been working towards. This could be something as simple as a first dive, or first tumble turn, up to a huge PB in a race. It is the look of sheer pleasure that radiates across their face when they’ve done it. If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, I would be a millionaire! The pride we feel as coaches is immense and we take huge pleasure in the progress and enjoyment the children get from swimming.”
Leighton Coleman
Assistant Coach for Performance Squads
Leighton first joined Torfaen at the age of 8 after starting at Caldicot. He rose through the ranks, swimming for Welsh Schools and then through the Welsh youth squads, winning various National titles. He represented Wales at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in the 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle relay, and Nofio Cymru at various World Cup meets including Barcelona, Australia and Hong Kong. After turning 40 he put his old bones to the test and swam the English Chanel!
“After retiring from competitive swimming I simply couldn’t stay away, having now returned to the TD family that has welcomed me back!”
Ray Morgan
Strength and Conditioning
Ray is a multi-sport coach and personal trainer who specialises in youth sport. He is also a qualified Youth Strength and Conditioning Coach, Triathlon Coach, Swimming Coach, Running Coach and Personal Trainer and regularly attends CPD’s with both Swim Wales and Welsh Triathlon. The combination of skills and experience from his different qualifications mean he is able to provide land based training that meets the specific needs of swimmers including strength, power, and endurance whilst, perhaps more importantly, maintaining mobility and flexibility.
