Founded in 2018, Fiesta Sports Coaching has grown from a small coaching initiative into a vibrant community organisation delivering wraparound care, holiday camps, extra-curricular clubs, PPA support, and specialised programmes including Butterfly Squad – PSHE and Swim:ED. Operating across Corby, Kettering, Market Harborough, Rutland and the surrounding areas, Fiesta is driven by one mission: to positively impact children’s lives through physical activity, wellbeing, and wider social value.
We speak with Vicky Gallagher, Fiesta’s Director and Founder, as well as Fiesta’s Operational Manager, Georgia, to discover just how important this program is to the many lives who have been touched by their operation.
What are the top three benefits of learning to swim?
“For us, swimming is first and foremost a life-saving skill. Being able to stay calm, float and move safely in water can truly save lives — and that’s something everyone deserves to learn.
It also has a huge impact on health and wellbeing. Swimming builds strength, confidence and resilience, and it gives people a way to be active that feels positive and enjoyable rather than intimidating.
But maybe the biggest benefit is the confidence it creates. When someone realises, “I can do this,” you can see the pride on their face — and that confidence often carries into other parts of their life too.”
Why is confidence in the water so important?
“Confidence is everything in the water. When someone feels safe and supported, they stay calmer, make better decisions and are far less likely to panic. At Swim:ED we don’t rush anyone — we build confidence step by step, with patience, encouragement and a genuine belief in every person we work with.”
What are the safety skills that everyone should be familiar with?
“Everyone should understand the basics: getting in and out of the water safely, floating, breathing calmly and knowing what to do if they fall into water unexpectedly. We also teach people to recognise real-world risks — things like cold water, currents and deeper areas — and to know when to help and when to call for help. These skills are at the heart of every session we deliver.”
Why is it important to be taught water safety by a professional?
“Water safety isn’t something to guess at — it needs to be taught properly. Professional coaches know how to teach skills safely, break them down into manageable steps and support people who may be nervous or unsure. Our Swim:ED coaches bring expertise, care and passion to every lesson, and that combination makes a huge difference to how people learn and how confident they feel.”
What advice would you give to someone who is nervous about swimming?
“We’d say: you’re not alone — and you absolutely can do this. Take it one small step at a time, focus on feeling comfortable, and don’t worry about how quickly others are progressing. We’ll meet you where you are, celebrate every milestone and make sure you always feel supported. With patience and encouragement, fear turns into confidence.”
What is the core belief of Fiesta Sports Coaching?
“At Fiesta Sports Coaching, we believe that sport has the power to change lives. We’re driven by the idea that everyone — no matter their background or ability — should have access to positive, encouraging and high-quality coaching. Our passion is helping people discover what they’re capable of and giving them the confidence to believe in themselves.”
What is the greatest success story of Swim:ED?
“Our greatest successes are the people who start out scared of the water and end up loving it. We’ve seen children who wouldn’t step into the pool now swimming independently with huge smiles on their faces — and often inspiring their families to learn too. Watching that transformation is incredibly special, and it’s exactly why Swim:ED exists.”
How many people have you helped so far?
“So far we’ve supported nearly a thousand children through our Swim:ED programme and this is just the beginning. Every single success story means the world to us, and we’re excited to keep reaching more people.”
Bring Swim:ED to your school
Fiesta is ready to help schools transform swimming provision, remove barriers, and equip pupils with essential life-saving skills. Whether improving curriculum swimming, boosting water confidence, or bringing a pool onto school grounds, Fiesta can make it happen.
Schools can register interest or request a conversation by contacting: info@fiestasportscoaching.co.uk
Together, we can give every child the chance to feel confident, safe, and capable in the water.
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