We were approached by Troy who wanted to share his sister Lily’s swimming successes and tells us how she inspired him to open his own specialist swim school; Lily-Pad. It’s a place where swimmers can learn in a safe, fun environment under the watchful eye of outstanding coaches who provide an exceptional level of support.
Troy and Lily have a close bond
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Troy Parsonage, and I’m an eighteen year old boy from Surrey. I recently finished my education at a Sixth Form College, where I studied a Level 3 Sports Diploma, and A level Biology. During my time at Sixth Form, I also held a part-time position at David Lloyd Leisure as a lifeguard and swimming teacher.
Tell us about your family.
In our immediate family there is me Troy, my sister Lily, our mum Helen and our dad Duncan. There is a seven-year age gap between me and my sister, so I grew up as her much older brother, and was always very keen to be involved in looking after her, even when she was a baby. As a result, my sister and I have a very close relationship.
How did you get into swimming coaching?
My biggest inspiration for becoming a swimming teacher stems from wanting to support my sister. My role as a lifeguard played a pivotal role in steering me towards swimming teaching, which was a natural next step. Through first-hand experience, I had the opportunity to witness the transformative impact a skilled teacher could have on a child, or a group of children, by creating a positive learning experience for them.
Lily’s swimming journey inspired you to set up Lily-Pad…tell us why?
Lily’s swimming journey began at an early age, with parent and baby classes. The sessions were extremely lively and involved lots of games and playful splashing, aiming to nurture confidence. Initially enamoured by these activities, Lily’s enthusiasm dwindled as her peers advanced to higher stages, leaving her feeling stuck. The once enjoyable classes turned tedious, leading to boredom and subsequently, misbehaviour. Recognising the need for a change, my mum decided that it was time for Lily to stop lessons.
After a while, my mum discovered one-to-one lessons that proved effective for Lily. The absence of distractions and personalised support allowed the teacher to adapt to Lily’s pace, in an engaging way. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic threw more obstacles in her path. Lily’s swimming activities came to a halt during this period, causing a setback in her confidence and undoing a significant portion of her progress. Unfortunately, the school went out of business, leaving Lily without a teacher once again.
Determined to address the situation, I took matters into my own hands. I started taking Lily swimming and pursued qualifications as a swimming teacher. Today, Lily participates in regular weekly swimming lessons with her peers at Lily-Pad, and is experiencing faster progress than ever before.
What is your favourite thing about being a SEN swimming coach?
The personal connection I have to Special Educational Needs (SEN) Swimming teaching means it’s the most rewarding job imaginable. Every lesson brings unique surprises, and I always leave with a genuine smile on my face after each session. The individuality of each of my students transforms every lesson into an adventure. They motivate me to constantly devise fresh, exciting, and engaging approaches so that I can tailor the learning experience for each student. This dynamic aspect of my work makes SEN Swimming teaching not only fulfilling, but also a continuous source of inspiration and creativity.
Lily loves swimming like a mermaid
We asked Lily why she loves making a splash at Lily-Pad.
Tell us why you love swimming
Because I enjoy swimming by myself and because I like being in the water.
What’s your favourite stroke?
I like swimming like a mermaid and a fish.
Who’s your hero?
Troy and Gabi (Troy’s Girlfriend) and my friend James.
What are you looking forward to in 2024?
Linkable (a local charity) and going to the Cinema to watch Trolls.
You can find out more about Lily-Pad here.
You might also like: My Love of Swimming: Hattie’s story
Park Visits and Swimming: Vinay’s Blog
THANK YOU TROY AND LILY FOR INSPIRING US ALL TO GET ACTIVE IN THE POOL!