'Potential stars of the future' in action as Diving Talent Games return

Around 50 divers are heading to Leeds’ John Charles Centre for Sport for this weekend’s Swim England Diving Talent Games.

The competition invites young divers from clubs across the country to showcase their skills to potentially claim a place on Swim England Diving’s Youth Development Squad (formerly Team Z).

Divers aged 11 and under will be competing in a number of both dryland and pool-based events throughout the two days – Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November.

Those who impress will be selected for the Youth Development Squad, which is the first step on the Swim England Diving Talent pathway.

Eleven different clubs are taking part with divers from Dive London, Southampton, Southend, Leeds, Cambridge, Star, Sandwell, Sheffield, Plymouth, Edinburgh and Aberdeen all looking to impress in West Yorkshire.

Vital national competition experience

They’ll all be hoping to leave the John Charles Centre as this year’s Team Champions, following home club Leeds’ victory in 2023.

Last time out they finished with the highest total score in the open/male rankings and second overall in the female events to secure the title, finishing ahead of City of Sheffield and Southampton Diving Academy.

The competition also welcomes back the Games’ unique knockout event where the top eight divers from all categories take on four dives with two divers knocked out each round.

The aim of the knockout is to help prepare the divers to perform at peak performance under pressure whilst competing in a low risk and fun environment.

And looking ahead to the competition, Swim England Diving programme lead Connie Ford says she’s excited to see the athletes take part and gain some vital competition experience.

She said: “This Swim England Diving Talent Games are an exciting platform to showcase some of the potential diving stars of the future.

“Each year these young athletes push themselves to personal best efforts and this edition promises no less.

“Eight of those that competed last year joined our Youth Development Squad because of their performances across the weekend and a number of those taking part this weekend will go on to do the same either this year or in the future.

“We’re really looking forward to watching all the divers showcase their skills, but also just seeing them enjoying the event and getting that experience of competing at a national competition.”