How Sandwell is inspiring the next wave of diving talent
Sandwell Diving Club has become the latest production ground for the next generation of divers in the West Midlands.
The club has won over 60 medals so far this season, including one national champion, with 13 young divers qualifying for national events overall.
Its reputation for unearthing local talent has earned Sandwell Diving Club a place on the coveted England Talent Pathway.
First founded in July 2023, the club is based in the £60 million Aquatics Centre in Smethwick, which was built specifically for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
It has since become one of eight facilities run by Sandwell Leisure Trust and has gone from strength to strength over the past 22 months.
Head diving coach Nigel Mills was named Swim England National Performance Coach of the Year for 2024 and has since gone onto head up the England Talent pathway.
"It's been a whirlwind but fantastic 22 months," Mills reflected. "We've recently been confirmed as one of just eight talent development centres across the UK.
"Of course, it helps that we have a world-class facilities and a 10-metre board with a 25-metre diving pool - the only one of its kind in the Midlands.
"But laying strong foundations for the club's growth and success has only been possible through the dedication of my superb coaching ticket and the wonderful team of volunteers that we have, who play a vital role."
One such success story is nine-year-old Khushi Chahal, from Smethwick, who has recently been fast tracked onto the club's Talent squad.
Chahal has won medals in a number of regional events across the UK and even tasted success in an international competition in Dublin.
"I love diving," Chahal said. "It gives me a sense of freedom and I felt excited, happy and proud to qualify for the national programme so quickly.
"I also enjoy training alongside the other divers in the Talent Squad. They're really helpful and we pass on tips to each other on how to improve and be more confident."
Her rapid rise has been all the more remarkable considering Chahal only started with the club since its inception in September 2023, but her confidence, as well as her success, has skyrocketed ever since.
Her father Sukhjinder Singh added: "Khushi admits she was a bit nervous and overwhelmed last year, but believes that experience has helped her grow into a more assured and capable diver.
"She's thrilled to have qualified for the Nationals again on July 25, which she views as proof that the diving programme is effective and consistently developing strong divers.
“We have been part of the club since its inception and firmly believe the diving programme offered here is of exceptional quality.
"The talent identification and development system is a well-oiled machine, successfully taking promising divers and nurturing them into high-calibre athletes – plus the club provides a very safe, welcoming and supportive environment for divers to develop and master their skills. We’re truly blessed to have it on our doorstep.”
