National governing body Swim England has revealed plans to establish a new network of swimming performance centres across the country.

Under the Performance Centre Programme, Swim England will develop centres that link swimming clubs with universities to support the development of young swimmers – both in the pool and academically.

Up to four centres will be created using a partnership model to ensure long-term sustainability, with Swim England Talent providing support through funding, coaching, and technical advice.

Using the network of centres, swimmers will be able to move from the junior to senior ranks while continuing with their academic studies.

The network will also be designed to make the transition to the British Swimming World Class programme more accessible, leading to more English athletes reaching the highest levels of the sport.

Swim England is asking organisations to become involved in the project by completing an application and demonstrating how they will work in partnership to create sustainable centres.

The application process is open until 25 May and investments are expected to be made by the end of July 2018.

Grant Robins, head of Swim England's Swimming Talent Programme said: "The Performance Centre Project is a really exciting initiative that will expand and extend the Swim England Talent Programme and allow more young people to continue their training while studying.

"At the moment many talented swimmers are unable to continue their swimming because of the lack of opportunities through further education.

"This programme was a key element of our swimming talent programme funding bid to Sport England as it will provide a vital link between the Swim England and British Swimming pathway."

A briefing document and application form can be downloaded from the Swim England website