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A new swim coach training course is creating waves. The “Youth Apprenticeship: Swim & Coach Development Programme” was launched this year by Hong Kong charity Splash Foundation.
It gives former students of the non-profit organisation’s free swim classes the chance to pass on the lessons they once learned there.
Stephanie Ching is the programme manager for kids and teens at Splash Foundation. She said the new apprenticeship would push teens to grow.
“For them to become a coach, it’s even more courageous because you need to put yourself [out] there,” Ching said. “[Teens] put themselves in a vulnerable position … and trust us to bring the best out of them.”
She said that the apprenticeship is a way for young people to take what they learned through the foundation and help the next generation of swimmers.
From hesitation to action
In 2015, Libby Alexander and Simon Holliday noticed many domestic helpers and residents could not swim. That is why they founded Splash Foundation.
The charity expanded to include people from low-income families and ethnic minority groups. There are also programmes for children with disabilities, including special educational needs.
The foundation offers lessons during the school year and a Splash Camp in the summer.
Ching explained how the former students would learn to become effective coaches. Apprentices are taught how to encourage new swimmers and give them feedback. They also work alongside an experienced coach.
“It helps them become more efficient and passionate coaches,” she said.
Sixteen-year-old Kenneth Li was nervous when he first learned to swim with Splash Foundation in autumn 2025. But during the programme, as Kenneth learned how to swim, he realised he loved it.
He recently completed the youth apprenticeship and has taught at the foundation’s summer Splash Camp.
“I have a younger sister, and I like to teach others. Teaching kids is so fun and it [gives] me a sense of accomplishment,” he said.
But that does not mean it’s smooth sailing, Kenneth explained, especially when you have to manage a class of eight to 10 kids.
“You need to look after all the students,” he said. “Safety is the most important [thing]. Sometimes, the kids may be naughty and splash around.”
Kenneth added: “Managing so many people is a little bit difficult for me … I think it’s a good way to improve my patience.”
Always learning
Keisha Elorm, 16, also took part in Splash’s first apprenticeship programme. She used to swim frequently but stopped during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Joining Splash’s summer camp in 2025 allowed her to restart a sport she loved.
“It was my first time coaching this summer; I was really nervous. I would mess up – giving them the wrong instructions,” Keisha said. “Once I had guidance from my lead coaches, I learned how to teach properly, how to give instructions and how to keep them safe.”
Keisha said the experience improved her communication skills. It also helped her become less shy, especially when speaking her second language.
“It gave me more reason to speak Cantonese. Even though most kids in Hong Kong learn to speak English, some have a real difficulty understanding it. It boosted my confidence.”
