HEAD COACH – Les France
Les has been involved with competitive swimming in Wigan since 1972, he worked successfully through the ranks, competing in his first International at the age of 11 years in a tri-international against West Germany and Holland. Throughout the 70’s competed very successfully as a junior international winning titles at every level though to and including National level. In 1978 competing for England Les broke the English and Junior Record in his no1 event the 200 Breaststroke, and went on to better this time at a specially arranged event held at Hindley pool, the one and only British Record to be achieved in this pool to date. 1978 also saw him take the bronze medal at the European Junior Championships in Belgium.
1981 he became the youngest full-time professional coach in Great Britain taking on the role of Head Coach of the newly formed “Wigan Metro Swimming Clubs Training Scheme” from here he developed a successful squad that produced many National medallist and International swimmers.
Les has worked within Wigan for over 30 years and has produced over 50 swimmers to National Teams and programmes, he has been involved on many National Teams both as swimmer and coach, and without doubt has built up a fantastic background within the sport making him well respected amongst his Coaching colleagues throughout the Country.
ASSISTANT HEAD COACH – CHRIS SUGGITT
CONDITIONING COACH – PETER FITTON
Pete has come from a high level sport back ground competing successfully at a high level. He is presently working hard towards the world masters cycling championships later this year.
Utilising his extensive knowledge of sport Pete is a qualified land conditioning coach, and is working closely with the clubs physio ensuring that the swimmers of Wigan BEST receive a specific programme to suit their individual needs. Without doubt Pete has made an excellent impact within the club which is benefiting the swimmers.