{"id":11,"date":"2026-01-13T15:36:06","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T15:36:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=11"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:31:32","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T12:31:32","slug":"about-mcleod-swimming","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/?page_id=11","title":{"rendered":"About McLeod Swimming"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2ef3b563 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:24px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:20px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-2533cc13 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ba70de5e wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">McLeod Swimming<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-custom-gray-orange-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-custom-gray-orange-background-color has-background\" style=\"margin-top:28px;margin-bottom:28px\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">McLeod Swimming is a structured development programme with a proven record from learn-to-swim through to national and international competition.<br>Built on experience, discipline, and consistency, we focus on developing swimmers properly \u2014 one stage at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:32px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=15\">View Programmes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-3826de4a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:24px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\"><strong>Our History<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-785707e1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-right:16px;padding-left:16px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.156), 16px);line-height:1.5\">McLeod Swimming was established in 1998, beginning in Port Alfred as a learn-to-swim and stroke development programme. From the outset, the focus was on water confidence, correct technique, and structured progression. These early foundations shaped a coaching philosophy centered on developing swimmers properly, with patience and attention to detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.156), 16px);line-height:1.5\">In the early 2000s, the programme relocated to Durban, expanding into competitive swimming. As the programme grew, strategic decisions were made to ensure long-term sustainability, leading to competitive alignment with Seagulls Swimming Club. Since 2010, McLeod Swimming has been based at Glenwood Preparatory School, providing a stable training environment. In 2015, the programme was formally structured to support a clear pathway from beginner through to elite levels, a structure that continues to guide athlete development today.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-bf15c05d wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"font-size:14px\">1998<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Founded in Port Alfred<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;font-size:14px\"><strong>|<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-contrast-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Early 2000s<br>Relocation to Durban<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">|<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5\" style=\"font-size:14px\">2010<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Glenwood Preparatory   base<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>|<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7\" style=\"font-size:14px\">2015<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Programme formalised<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\"><strong>|<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-gray-orange-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9\" style=\"font-size:14px\">2023<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:14px\">Seagulls operational leadership<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" style=\"margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-55c6977a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:0px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0\">Leadership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"padding-top:24px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:20px\">McLeod Swimming is led by coaches with extensive experience in athlete development, performance coaching, and swimming administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9b735029 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:24px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:20px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-045c0244 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);flex-basis:30%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border is-style-default\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-right:0;margin-bottom:0;margin-left:0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"180\" height=\"180\" src=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-debbie-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-686\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;object-fit:contain;width:400px;height:280px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-debbie-2.webp 180w, https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-debbie-2-150x150.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 180px) 100vw, 180px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-container-core-column-is-layout-a2f83abd wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;flex-basis:60%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"margin-top:8px;margin-right:8px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:8px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\"><strong>Debbie McLeod<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-5b613500 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:8px;margin-right:8px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:8px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">Debbie McLeod has coached full-time since 1993 and has served as a national team coach and manager, provincial and national administrator, selections convenor, and safeguarding lead. Her role within the programme includes strategic oversight, specialist coaching, annual planning, and long-term programme development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9b735029 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;padding-top:24px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:20px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0;flex-basis:60%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">Connor McLeod<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"margin-top:8px;margin-right:8px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-left:8px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">In October 2023, Connor McLeod assumed the role of Head Coach, having been part of McLeod Swimming since 2009. His progression through learn-to-swim, junior, and senior coaching roles provides continuity in philosophy and training standards. Under his leadership, the programme continues to deliver consistent results at provincial, national, and international level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-column-is-layout-18759214 wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-image aligncenter uagb-block-0b9ff4ed wp-block-uagb-image--layout-default wp-block-uagb-image--effect-static wp-block-uagb-image--align-center\"><figure class=\"wp-block-uagb-image__figure\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-connor-4.jpg ,https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-connor-4.jpg 780w, https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-connor-4.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 150px\" src=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/coach-connor-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"uag-image-695\" width=\"180\" height=\"120\" title=\"coach connor\" role=\"img\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ddfd6797 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;padding-top:24px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:24px;padding-left:20px\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-custom-mc-leod-red-alerts-emphasis-only-not-headings-not-decoration-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-10\" style=\"margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:12px;padding-top:16px;padding-bottom:16px\"><strong>Our Philosophy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:12px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">McLeod Swimming is built on intentional, structured, and disciplined development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;padding-right:16px;padding-left:16px\">The programme prioritises:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-aafa2630\"><div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-a1c1bb8e\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 352C309 352 352 309 352 256C352 202.1 309 160 256 160C202.1 160 160 202.1 160 256C160 309 202.1 352 256 352z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Correct technique before intensity<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-9db240ee\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 352C309 352 352 309 352 256C352 202.1 309 160 256 160C202.1 160 160 202.1 160 256C160 309 202.1 352 256 352z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Structured progression through clearly defined stages<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-6484719a\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 352C309 352 352 309 352 256C352 202.1 309 160 256 160C202.1 160 160 202.1 160 256C160 309 202.1 352 256 352z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Consistency and commitment over quick results<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;margin-top:12px;margin-right:12px;margin-bottom:12px;margin-left:12px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">This is a programme for swimmers and families who understand that results come from consistency and commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;margin-top:12px;margin-right:12px;margin-bottom:12px;margin-left:12px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\">Development is not rushed. Swimmers are guided through every phase required to build strong technical foundations, physical resilience, and long-term performance capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-custom-mc-leod-blue-documents-admin-subtle-highlights-only-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-11 wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#e5e7eb;margin-top:12px;margin-right:12px;margin-bottom:12px;margin-left:12px;padding-top:16px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:16px;padding-left:16px\"><strong>Follow the programme. Do the work. See the results.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-1f6ff198 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:12px;padding-top:36px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:36px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Affiliations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through Seagulls Swimming Club, McLeod Swimming is officially affiliated to Ethekwini District Aquatics, KZN Aquatics, and Swimming South Africa (SSA), enabling swimmers to compete across district, provincial, and national platforms in line with recognised competitive pathways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-cb5520bf wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:12px;padding-top:24px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:36px;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ready to explore our programmes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-d3622e75 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=15\">View Programmes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column has-border-color has-custom-color-1-border-color is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=25\">Contact Us<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>McLeod Swimming McLeod Swimming is a structured development programme with a proven record from learn-to-swim through to national and international competition.Built on experience, discipline, and consistency, we focus on developing swimmers properly \u2014 one stage at a time. Our History McLeod Swimming was established in 1998, beginning in Port Alfred as a learn-to-swim and stroke [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-11","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/?author=1"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"McLeod Swimming McLeod Swimming is a structured development programme with a proven record from learn-to-swim through to national and international competition.Built on experience, discipline, and consistency, we focus on developing swimmers properly \u2014 one stage at a time. Our History McLeod Swimming was established in 1998, beginning in Port Alfred as a learn-to-swim and stroke&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11"}],"version-history":[{"count":76,"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":727,"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/11\/revisions\/727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mcleodswimming.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}