Ken Smith

Ken manages our A squad and oversees the coaching structure at the club.

Ken is Gateshead Council's performance coach for swimming. Ken works with us as part of our successful partnership with Gateshead Council.

Ken has worked as a performance coach with clubs throughout the UK, with swimmers reaching international level.

Jim Davidson

Jim is a former Gateshead swimmer becoming Northumberland and Durham County Champion in 1896.

Jim coaches our B squad swimmers to a high standard and all he asks in return is a Mars Bar per PB at a gala.

Jim specialises in coaching junior swimmers and has achieved success wherever he has coached.

Jim and Ken Together

Jim (left) and Ken (right) doing what they do best (coaching)  

Pat Hollywood

Pat is one of our C squad coaches. Pat has taught, encouraged and developed young swimmers in Gateshead for over 30 years.

Karen McCallum

Like Pat, Karen looks after our crop of C Squad swimmers. Together Pat and Karen coach the C squad at Gateshead Leisure Centre.

Rachel Jackson

Rachel successfully made the transition from swimmer to poolside helper. Currently working on her teaching qualifications, Rachel takes the C squad sessions out of Dunston on a Friday.
Rachel is currently a full time student, but still manages to find time for her weekend hobbies of shopping, shopping and working at shopping.

Alan Kinsey 

Alan is a competitive Masters Swimmer, parent and and C squad coach at Dunston. 

Brian Harbison 

Brian manages to combine his role of C squad Development coach at Dunston with that of Club Chairman.

Colin Ovington

Club Squad Coach.
Colin has an ASA Level 2 teaching qualification, gained many years ago.
Colin also runs the A squad session’s on Sundays.

Colin swam competitively with Gateshead & Whickam for a number of years before retiring into fatherhood.

A summary of Colin’s career highlights:

1 Dual Counties Championship Title
3 County Championship Titles
7 World No’1 Master Rankings
21 GB Masters Titles
1 Catalan Masters Title
7 Welsh Masters Titles
1 European Masters Record
11 GB Masters Records
2 GB Best Performances