An open letter from the Chair
Dear Trafford Metro,
It is an enormous privilege to write to you for the first time as the new Chair of Trafford Metro Swimming Club.
This is particularly special for me. I have been a member of Trafford Metro for almost 20 years, starting as a Masters swimmer and, more recently, as a parent watching my two children grow through the club, after starting in our Mini Mets squads.
Trafford Metro has given me so much over those years - opportunities to develop, compete, make friendships and challenge myself as a Masters swimmer. It has also given my children the same opportunities: to develop not only as swimmers, but as young people, surrounded by coaches, volunteers, teammates and families who all contribute to making this such a special community.
To now have the opportunity to lead this wonderful club into its next era is truly an honour, and I want to begin by saying something very simple: thank you!
Thank you to every swimmer, every parent, carer and family who has given their time, effort and confidence to our club, helping our athletes work towards their potential. Thank you to our dedicated team of coaches, officials, volunteers and committee members who bring their knowledge, energy and passion to keep our club moving forward.
As mentioned in Bob’s Annual Report, several people are stepping down from their roles this season:
Chair: Bob Bolton.
Club Secretary: Dr Beth Hogg.
Assistant Treasurer: Lin Bai.
Committee Member: Alan Rowson (who will remain our Club President).
From the coaching side, we also say goodbye to Dan Walsh and Jing Wu. We are hugely grateful to both for the roles they have played in the success of our athletes and the contribution they have made to the club.
Leadership of a swimming club is rarely glamorous. It is about the things that happen behind the scenes — the difficult decisions, the endless organisation, the conversations and the commitment to keeping the club running, even when circumstances are challenging.
The club is indebted to all of the above, and we are incredibly fortunate to be able to build on the strong foundations they have helped create. With new team members stepping forward, we are in a strong position to move into a new era.
The incoming Committee members and I now have the privilege, and the responsibility, of building on that work. We believe Trafford Metro has an exciting future ahead, because ours is a club where every swimmer, whatever their age, ability, or ambition, should feel they belong in the water.
A club that helps young swimmers find their passion, maintain it, and even rediscover it years later.
A club that gives all athletes every opportunity to fulfil their potential in the best environment we can provide.
And a club where success is measured in different ways, for different people. Whether it’s a PB, a first race, or simply turning up to training when you don’t feel like it, every achievement matters to us.
Trafford’s ambition will be bigger than medals and results. We will strive for excellence, but we will also strive to create a culture of belonging, respect, resilience, friendship and pride.
I want our members to wear our kit with pride. I want our coaches to feel supported and empowered. Our volunteers to know that their contribution is valued and needed. Our families on poolside to feel part of something special. Our older swimmers to help inspire the next generation, and our younger swimmers to see long, successful swimming careers ahead of them.
Because that is how great clubs are built.
I am sure there will be hurdles and challenges ahead, and progress may sometimes be slower than we would like, but as Chair, I promise you this: we will face those challenges together.
We will listen. We will learn. We will be ambitious. And we will always keep the best interests of Trafford Metro and all its members at the heart of what we do.
The future of this club belongs to all of us. Let us look forward with optimism and be bold in our ambitions.
I am incredibly excited about what lies ahead and can’t wait to see what we achieve together!
Jonathan Giles
Chairperson
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