Meet The Team:
Alison Middleton:Qualified Level 3 Coach and Head Coach of Aqua Force.
I’m Alison Middleton, Head Coach and Director for Aqua Force Swimming Academy. I have a level 3 Coaching qualification as well Disability level 1 swimming. I was a full time Swimming Teacher for Dyke House Sport and Technology College teaching over 10 primary’s in the town and have been for over 15 yrs. Swimming is a passion for me. I have been involved with swimming for over 25 years. Both my children swam at competitive level going on to represent Manor school at the school Nationals. My ambition is to build up this positive new venture in Hartlepools community and show you how swimming can give young people confidence, determination, skills and enjoyment along with a life skill with a journey into adult hood. I have a large team of enthusiastic Teacher/Coaches working along side me.
I have coached swimmers of all ages and backgrounds including those with SEN needs. I have also had the privilege to coach Olympic swimmer Jemma LOWE.
Carol Boagey: Level 2 Teacher / Level 2 coach
Carol Boagey is part of the original team that set up the Academy in 2011. Carol teaches and coaches at all levels with the Academy and also conducts school swimming lessons in addition to her role at Aqua Force.
Carol is a masters swimmer who regularly achieves podium finishes when she competes throughout the region. When not teaching swimming, Carol enjoys open water swimming when on holiday.
Paul Rayner : Level 2 Teacher
Learn to Swim Co-Ordinator
Paul is one of our dedicated Level 2 Swimming Teachers, supporting both our Learn to Swim programme and assisting our Coaches during Club sessions.
With over 21 years of teaching experience, Paul has worked with swimmers of all ages and abilities — including children with SEN — ensuring every swimmer feels supported, understood, and set up for success.
He holds both Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Teaching Aquatics, alongside a range of CPD qualifications focused on supporting individuals with additional needs and improving stroke technique.
Caitlyn Collins : Level 2 Teacher / Level 2 Coach
Caitlyn is one of our dedicated Level 2 Coaches, supporting both our Advanced squad (Stage 4+) and our wider coaching team during Club sessions.
She first joined the club in 2011 through the Learn to Swim pathway and progressed all the way to a highly competitive level.
Her passion for the sport naturally evolved into teaching and coaching, where she has become an integral part of our programme.
After several years on poolside, Caitlyn has also returned to the water as a Masters swimmer, bringing fresh competitive insight to her coaching.
With 12 years of teaching experience, Caitlyn has worked with swimmers of all ages and abilities — including children with SEN — ensuring every swimmer feels supported, understood, and set up for success.
Matthew Burke: Level 2 teacher/Level 1 Coach
Matthew is one of our dedicated Level 1 Coaches, supporting our wider coaching team during Club sessions.
With 12 years of teaching experience, Matthew has worked with swimmers of all ages and abilities, ensuring every swimmer feels supported, understood, and set up for success.
He holds Level 1 Certificates in Coaching Aquatics and Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Teaching Aquatics ensuring our swimmers get the best out of all of our sessions!
Matthew first joined the club in 2011 through the Learn to Swim pathway and progressed all the way to a highly competitive level. You may not have seen him around recently as he has been away doing an apprenticeship with EDF but will be back from this summer to coach more regularly.
Tony Weed Level 1 Coach
Tony is one of our dedicated Level 1 Coaches, supporting our wider coaching team during Club sessions.
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Tony has worked with swimmers of all ages and abilities, ensuring every swimmer feels supported, understood, and set up for success.
He holds Teachers Certificate for Swimming, Preliminary Club Coach and Teaching Certificate for Diving ensuring our swimmers get the best out of all of our sessions!
Rebecca Swales : Level 2 Teacher
Rebecca joined Aquaforce Swimming Academy in 2011 in the Advance Squad and worked her way up to being a competitive swimmer. Rebecca has since qualified as a RLSS Lifeguard and Level 2 Teacher.
Mark Mayes: Level 2 Teacher/ Level 2 coach
Mark Mayes has been involved in teaching and coaching since 2013. Mark is himself a masters competitive swimmer who still competes at meetings when time allows.
