Leisure management contractor, Parkwood Leisure, has signed an agreement with the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to support the development of swimming programmes in the 47 pools it manages.

The three-year Partnership Provider Programme (PPP) will lead to the creation of 300 apprenticeship places, as well as give access to a range of resources, including a dedicated aquatics officer to help develop Parkwood’s swimming lessons and its recreational swimming membership programme.

Parkwood will also gain access to the latest ASA teaching methods and materials, such as bespoke level 1 and level 2 training, which will develop the skills of swimming instructors.

Managing director of Parkwood Leisure, Andrew Marshall, says this partnership will enhance the quality of provision and increase participation. “Our aim is to get more people swimming and thanks to the extra opportunities created by our work with the ASA, we’re confident we’ll see people improve their swimming skills and progress to our recreational programme, or even swim competitively.”