Our Coaches
At Reading Swimming Club, we are proud to have a dedicated and highly qualified coaching team that brings a wealth of experience, passion, and energy to the poolside. Our coaches are committed to developing swimmers at every stage – from learn to swim to competing at the highest levels.
Meet the team behind our success:
DAVID VINE Head Coach
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Club Coach Qualification Level 3
- Swim England Coach 2024 Programme (2018/2019)
- Swim England Level 2 Award in British Open Water Swimming
- BSc (Hons) Science, Health, Exercise and Sport
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- British Weightlifting Association Level 1
- NRASTC – National Rescue Award for Swimming Teachers and Coaches
BACKGROUND:
David began coaching at 15 with Wycombe Swimming Club and took his first full-time coaching role with City of Cardiff in 2005. He has held Head Coach positions at Leatherhead SC and joined RSC with a vision to develop every swimmer’s potential.
HIGHLIGHTS
- County Head Coach (2017–18), Regional Head Coach (South-East) 2019
- Swim England Coach Developer and UK Coaching Focus Program participant
- International coaching experience in Dubai, Sweden, and France
A creative mind in and out of the pool, David enjoys baking in his spare time and often treats his family and occasionally his swimmers to his latest culinary creations.
AMBITION:To create a high-performance, supportive environment that challenges every swimmer to be their best.
GORDON DART Lead Coach Regional Performance
Youngest (at heart) and best-looking coach at Reading Swimming Club,a claim contested by none but proudly upheld by him nonetheless.
WHERE IT BEGAN?
Gordon first stepped onto the Reading Swimming Club poolside in 1995, under the legendary Harry Wild. Back then, he brought boundless enthusiasm, a slightly too-loud whistle, and no idea that this was the start of a lifelong passion. With guidance (and a few raised eyebrows), he was eventually handed his own squad by Chief Coach Tony Woodward—and he's been making waves ever since.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Swim England Level 2 qualified coach, Gordon has helped swimmers progress from doggy paddle to regional domination and occasionally all the way to international podiums. He's especially proud of the para-swimmers he's coached to success on the world stage, though he still celebrates every PB with equal enthusiasm (and sometimes biscuits).
HIGHLIGHTS:
· National Performance Director – Down Syndrome Swimming GB
· Lead Para Coach—Swim England South East
· Regional Para Board Member
· Chairman—Reading Cygnets
· Executive Committee Member—Reading Swimming Club
Basically, if there’s a swimming role that involves a clipboard, a committee, or a stopwatch—he’s probably done it (and colour-coded it).
At the heart of everything, Gordon is all about helping swimmers find their spark, grow in confidence, and enjoy the ride even when the goggles leak. Coaching, to him, isn’t just a job. It’s a privilege. And he considers himself incredibly lucky to be part of a community that makes getting up before sunrise almost worth it.
ANTHONY JULIAN Lead Coach Junior Performance
Antony is an ASA Level 3 Coach with 40+ years of experience. He has coached swimmers from grassroots to world champions and currently teaches at Dove House School for students with special needs.
Notable Experience:
- Former Head Coach at Hart Swimming Club
- Rhodesian & Zimbabwean Judo Champion
- Selected for 1984 Olympics (boycotted)
Philosophy:Every swimmer deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of ability.
PAUL HANCOCK Reading Water Polo Captain, Secretary & Junior Coach
Paul has been a part of RSC since 1974. A lifelong water polo player, Paul has represented clubs nationally and internationally, and currently plays in the London League Division 1.
Contributions:
- Relaunched the Junior Water Polo section
- Executive Committee Member for 15+ years
- Actively coaching and mentoring junior players
JESS BROOKS Lead Coach -Masters Coach
Qualifications
- Level 1 and 2 Swimming Coach
- NRASTC
Jess has been part of Reading Swimming Club since the age of 10, competing until 17 before taking a break to complete a dual honours BSc in Biology and Biochemistry at Keele University. Returning to Reading in 2007, she joined the Masters Squad and soon became involved in coaching, beginning with the development squads.
Building on this experience, Jess went on to complete a PGCE and is now a full-time secondary science teacher, alongside coaching the masters at Reading. Under her guidance, the squad has grown steadily, with increasing numbers qualifying for Nationals—achievements that include Jess's as well.
Outside of the pool, Jess enjoys motorbike riding and archery.
SUSIE BUXTON Lead Coach- County Potential , Lead-Learn to Swim Program
Susie brings decades of experience, enthusiasm, and deep-rooted knowledge to her role as Lead for Reading Swimming Club’s Learn to Swim programme. A former competitive swimmer and lifelong member of the club, she’s as confident poolside with a stopwatch as she is in the water, inspiring the next generation.
Coaching & Teaching career
- Began coaching at just 14 as a water helper with Reading Swimming.
- Holds a wide range of teaching and coaching qualifications:
- Assistant Teacher/Coach (1994)
- ASA Level 2 Swimming Teacher
- Adult & Child Instructor (1996)
- Disability Swim Instructor (1999, updated for Level Water in 2018)
- Certified lifeguard at age 16
- Leads RSC’s Learn to Swim programme—now in its fourth successful year
- Heads a team of committed teachers and water helpers, all current or former RSC swimmers
- · Also teaches swimmers with disabilities through Level Water, a role she finds deeply rewarding
Club Involvement
- Began officiating when her children joined RSC in 2010
- Qualified as: Level 1 Judge (2015), Level 2 Judge (2018)
- · A regular volunteer and trusted presence at RSC competitions
Personal Connection
- All five of her children learned to swim through RSC’s Learn to Swim programme
- Four progressed into the main club; one currently swims in the National Squad
- Deeply committed to helping young swimmers build technique, confidence, and a lifelong love for the sport
As Susie Says:
“I absolutely love my job and love sharing everything I’ve learned over the years.”
CLAIRE PARKINSON Coach-Development 1
JENNY TAYLOR ( JT) Coach- Development 2
HANNAH TOBIN Coach-Development 3
Hannah's connection with Reading Swimming Club began in the early 2000s when she joined the teaching programme. From there, she went on to swim competitively for almost a decade, proudly representing the club. Alongside her own training, she discovered a passion for supporting others in the water, starting as a water helper in the Learn to Swim programme and later assisting with the Development squads alongside Jess Brooks.
Her coaching journey formally began in 2014, when she gained her Level 1 in teaching and coaching - the same year she was honoured to be elected Club Captain. Serving as captain for two years gave her valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and mentoring younger swimmers. In 2015, she achieved her Level 2 qualifications in both teaching and coaching, and since then has remained a constant presence poolside.
Today, Hannah coaches with the Development squads and teaches in the Learn to Swim programme on Fridays and Saturdays. She works with swimmers at both ends of the journey: those just beginning to find their feet in the water and those starting to explore competitive swimming.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Nearly 10 years as a competitive swimmer for Reading.
- Level 2 qualified in both teaching and coaching.
- Dedicated coach for Development squads and Learn to Swim.
For Hannah, swimming is about far more than medals or times. Her philosophy is to create an environment that is supportive, structured, and motivating—where swimmers develop not only skill and strength, but also confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the water.
JACKIE TAYLOR Coach-Transition Squad ( Black)
Jackie brings a wealth of experience to Reading Swimming Club, backed by a wide range of Swim England qualifications. She holds Level 2 certifications in coaching, teaching, and officiating across aquatics, including babies and toddlers, and a Level 1 qualification in synchronised swimming instruction.
After swimming competitively until the age of 15, Jenny transitioned into coaching and began her career at Hitchin SC. She later led a development squad at BWSC before joining Reading SC in 2001. Here, she became the Lead Coach for the Link Squad—a key transition stage between the club’s teaching programme and development pathway—and contributed actively to the teaching programme itself.
Jenny’s love for aquatic sports extends beyond traditional swimming. She taught at Reading Royals Synchronised SC, where she supported both technique and stamina training. Between 2009 and 2011, she also served as Swim 21 Coordinator and Workforce Coordinator at Reading SC, helping to strengthen the club’s structural and volunteer development.
Highlights & Memorable Moments:
- Supporting 'MyGames' volunteers at the International Disability Championships in Sheffield
- Watching former junior swimmers she coached at Reading Royals represent Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics
- Celebrating Reading SC’s team win at the Thames Valley Junior League ‘B’ Final—a recent and proud moment
Jenny is passionate about helping swimmers of all levels grow through structured development, inclusive coaching, and a lifelong love of the sport.
RICC BERSELLA Coach-Club & Jr Club Squad
Ricc has been passionate about sport from an early age, competing at provincial level in swimming while growing up in South Africa. That competitive drive later extended into triathlon and Ironman events, and today Ricc continues to train and compete as part of the RSC Masters Swimming Squad.
A qualified Level 2 Coach, he works with Competition Club squads at Reading Swimming Club, supporting swimmers across different levels. Ricc is dedicated to fostering a positive, focused environment where athletes can build skills, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.
Outside the pool, he works in the property industry, has a strong passion for the culinary arts, and enjoys family life as a proud parent of two.