Neil Barker Mario Monaldi
Meet your new Regional Coaches
BSAC HAS WELCOMED TWO MEMBERS to the Regional Coaching team – the new Eastern Regional Coach , Neil Barker , and the new Europe Regional Coach , Mario Monaldi .
Bringing a host of skills and experience , both Neil and Mario will continue to build on the support and training opportunities the BSAC Coaching Scheme offers to clubs and members .
Neil takes over the Eastern Regional Coach position from Lisa Shafe , who moves to BSAC Council following her success in the recent 2022 Election . Meanwhile , Mario steps into the role of Europe Coach , taking over from Bart Goedmakers , who has held
Julia Branagan joins HQ team
BSAC HQ HAS WELCOMED ITS NEW DIVING and Training Advisor , with National Instructor Julia Branagan stepping into the role .
The Diving and Training Advisor works in partnership with the BSAC regions and centres to maximise opportunities for diving , snorkelling , and associated training in line with BSAC ’ s strategy .
In her new role , Julia will also provide training and development guidance and advice to clubs , centres , and members . She takes over from Geoff Bacon , who held the position for over three years .
Julia Branagan the position for more than nine years .
A member of Chelmsford Scuba Diving Club , Neil is also a BSAC Instructor Trainer . Mario , who comes from Rome , has previously acted as the Southern Germany Area Coach .
Coaching Advisor Mark Paisey welcomed the two new additions .
“ I ’ d like to thank the outgoing Regional Coaches , Lisa Shafe , and Bart Goedmakers , who have worked so tirelessly to support the clubs within their regions . Both Neil and Mario will build on this work , and I ’ m delighted to welcome them to the team .”
The Regional Coaching Scheme covers 14 geographical regions in the UK , as well as a Regional Coach for northern Europe . For more information go to bsac . com / coaching
BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , Dom Robinson , said he was delighted to welcome Julia to the team .
“ As a National Instructor with years of BSAC experience , Julia has a deep understanding of what is required from HQ and will make a significant contribution to achieving the strategy goals Council has set us .”
Julia started diving while at university and spent many years diving with the University of London Sub Aqua Club , including time as the Diving Officer . As well as being an accomplished diver , Julia has also won medals in World Masters Speed Skating .
Speaking on her appointment , Julia said she was excited to be taking on a new challenge .
“ Diving has been a major part of my life for over 30 years . I ’ m looking forward to working with the great team at HQ , across our regions , schools , and centres and sharing my passion for diving with the wider BSAC community .”
For diving and snorkelling support and guidance , you can contact Julia and the Diving and Training Team at drt @ bsac . com or call + 44 ( 0 ) 151 350 6203 .
National Diving Officer Dai Atkins is sharing the love in Malta
I ’ LL TRY NOT TO JINX IT , BUT THERE seems to be some semblance of a return to normality , after two years in the wilderness for many of us . No doubt there are clutches of individuals and stalwart branches who have rallied through the pandemic months so as not to miss a single dive opportunity - I applaud your efforts for keeping the faith . Da Iawn ! For the rest of us however , it ’ s been a bit stop-start and logbook stats may have taken a ( dry ) dive .
However , summer has arrived and having witnessed a concerted effort by many to refresh dive skills at crammed inland sites during the early months , it ’ s clear there ’ s a plan to bring our logbook averages back up .
It ’ s also an opportunity to lend some much-needed support to centres , boats and associated businesses at home and abroad . Destinations such as Malta – as featured in last issue ’ s Travel Special – rely heavily on tourism .
So , after some well overdue kit assembly practice , it ’ s been wholly rewarding to selflessly do my bit for the local dive centre here , Maltaqua . There ’ s also our boat operator , Galaxy Charters , and of course the local ice cream parlour , Tony ’ s . In harrowing conditions of zero cloud cover , temperatures of 30 ° C , and 25 + metre viz - I ’ m happy to report the waters here are safe and ready for you .
There are some downsides , naturally – recalling which of your room buddies snore the loudest , trying to disengage from the inevitable debates of which size clips to use or where to shove your primary donate , and putting up with those who take Hollywood showers and flood the apartments . But on the whole , it ’ s good to be back ! Iechyd da !
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