SWIMMING clubs have been enjoying a return to the pool and one West Fife team is making a splash with a new head coach.

InCAS (Inverkeithing Competitive Amateur Swimmers) were cheered when pools were able to re-open for individual exercise and group activity for under-18s in April, paving the way for a return to training.

With Fife currently in level one of COVID-19 restrictions, all organised sporting activity, with the exception of indoor contact sport, is permitted, allowing adults to also return to the pool.

InCAS, established in 1975 with a focus on encouraging and promoting swimming activities particularly among younger age groups in and around Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay, Rosyth, Dunfermline and Lochgelly, have been going from strength-to-strength since returning, with Barry McMillan a key figure.

He has been appointed as the club's new head coach, bringing with him a passion for the sport and the development of young swimmers.

A competitor himself in his younger days with Glenrothes Amateur Swimming Club, a move into coaching was a natural step for Barry, who is a well-known face in Fife and East District swimming circles.

Prior to moving to InCAS, he also coached with both Glenrothes and Carnegie swimming clubs, as well as having involvement with the district regional programme.

A club spokesperson commented: "Barry comes to InCAS keen to help each swimmer with their individual goal, be that swimming their first length, reaching their first final or achieving a qualifying time for the national squad.

"Barry has been excited to meet the team of teachers and coaches at InCAS and is looking forward to working further with them to build a strong, successful, happy club. The swimmers have enjoyed (training) sessions with Barry – although some of them are pretty tough! – and its been great to see a head coach spending time with all the squads, from the smallest to the biggest.

"Swimmers are beginning to recognise some of his key mantras and understand his expectations – especially when it comes to effort and execution. Barry says that one of his key beliefs is to 'be humble, be hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room'."

In addition to Barry's appointment, InCAS' squads have been realigned to reflect the recruitment of new members – despite COVID-19 restrictions – and volunteers have provided support as COVID liaison officers to make sure members enjoy as much pool time as possible.

For more information about the club, visit their website at swim-incas.org.