Maccabi NSW swimming set to expand
Maccabi News recently had the pleasure of checking out what all the hype was about Maccabi Swimming.
It currently has a waiting list and is receiving a constant flow of compliments running freely from happy members. The first thing you notice upon arrival is this avalanche of apples for all swimmers to enjoy upon completion of their class. Anthony Goodridge, President of Maccabi Swimming casually says, “Oh this week is quiet with Father’s Day, not many apples.” The vibe and energy of the pool area is something to soak up. Lots of smiling faces and relaxed parents are the order of the day. Jo Glass, openly confesses, “Nothing else compares … I have two boys aged five and six years, we have been to so many swim schools and I am very particular and as far as I am concerned Maccabi Swimming is the best.” Jo adds: “The focus is on a highly personalised service where children get coaching which taps into their mind, body and spirit. You cannot deny Maccabi offers excellent teaching techniques.” Jo also swims in the adults squads at 5pm and loves the workout.
Maccabi Swimming has hit the ground running with a staggering 150% increase in membership over the last 12 months. This is largely due to the incredible hard work of Club President, Anthony Goodridge who also is a coach. Anthony has been involved with Maccabi for over 15 years. His commitment to Jewish Swimming, taking teams to Maccabiah and to Interstate champs and always being part of the Club’s committee, is widely acknowledged throughout the Community. “Anthony has put his heart and soul into Maccabi Swimming and the results speak for themselves”, Daniella Goodridge proudly says.
Daniella was also very excited to share an insight into the make up of Maccabi Swimming students. She explains, “We are attracting Jewish kids from all schools and giving them an avenue not only to learn and improve on their swimming skills but a social outlet. I believe this is important. We have kids from Reddam, Emanuel, Moriah, Bellevue Hill Public School, St Catherine’s, Mt Sinai and even some children coming from the North Shore.”
With numbers swelling and waiting lists growing there is a definite need for further expansion of Maccabi Swimming and Anthony is passionate to continue to “give back” to the community. Maccabi Swimming encompasses everything Anthony strongly believes in, Jewish swimming and community connection. Anthony is also hoping to be able to absorb the waiting list by increasing hours on a Sunday and during the week. At this stage, personalised service is the key to Maccabi Swimming’s success so until more pool time is allocated there is no interest to take more members onboard as that would undermine the appeal of Maccabi swimming. It currently offers one coach to two children in the Learn-to-swim program which is an exceptional high ratio in anyone’s language. So, therefore we end this story at the beginning, “nothing else compares.”
Photo:
Sabrina Zulman (Moriah College) Tomy Eylon (St Ives Prep) Radha Roberts (St Catherine’s) Gabi Goodridge (Emanuel) Tessa Price (Reddam College)
