Swim England proud to announce two new members to the Sport Operations Committee

Swim England are proud to welcome both Keith Munday and John Hewitt to the Sport Operations Committee (SOC).

The pair will take over from Jim Boucher and Pippa Jones who sadly passed away in April after a short illness.

John and Keith will take their place as part of the Committee for the next four years.

The SOC reports directly to the Swim England Board and has a wide brief which includes overseeing the effective delivery of the pathway for all disciplines.

It also provides direction on the development of the sport from clubs through to regions, as well as guidance and input into the annual implementation plans in place to deliver the Swim England strategy.

Keith wants to ‘create an environment that enables a lifetime of enjoyment’

Keith has a long history within the sport, joining the committee of Boldmere Swimming Club back in 1996.

He was then elected as club chairperson in 2005, a role he held until 2010.

During this time the club more than doubled in membership, forming a large water polo section where the club was in the top three in the Junior and Arena leagues for the region.

Keith then moved to Perry Beeches SSS before returning as chairperson of Boldmere in 2016, a role that he continues to hold today.

The club is very successful with an ever increasing membership and 145 volunteers that have a strong desire to grow and take the club forward.

He has also served as a member of the committee at Warwickshire ASA as Team Manager, Rules and Handbook Officer and Swimming Technical Committee member to organise the County Championships, County Teams and County Pathway.

His experience and knowledge has seen him become a key voice in several projects with Swim England and in particular the development team.

When asked what his aquatics ambition was, Keith said: “I want to assist in creating an environment that enables a lifetime enjoyment of aquatic activity, taking success wherever and whenever appropriate, and this applies to swimmers, volunteers, employees and parents.”

‘A devoted supporter of the sport’

John is the current chairperson and managing director of the City of Sheffield Swim Squad LTD, a club which offers a comprehensive programme from juniors through to elite swimmers.

He took on that role at a challenging time for the club and led on the reorganisation following the Covid-19 pandemic and the extended closure of Ponds Forge.

John has ensured the club has a strong focus on engaging the community around the swimming pool, whilst also contributing to maintaining Sheffield as the premier venue for swimming in the country.

In addition to his role at the club, John is President elect of Yorkshire ASA.

John describes himself as a devoted and passionate supporter of sport in general, but particularly swimming, which has been a constant outlet and inspiration throughout his life.

The Sport Operations Committee meet on a regular basis to discuss their plans on the best ways to improve and implement Swim England’s strategy.

The national governing body would like to congratulate both John and Keith on their appointments.

You can see the full list of Swim England Board and Committee members here.