All of our instructors are fully qualified level 2 aquatic teachers (at minimum), with many of them achieving additional specialised qualifications and experience. They have the knowledge, skills, expertise and drive to ensure you get the most out of your lessons. Each instructor is hand-picked by Olympic medalist Michael Jamieson for their passion for swimming and dedication to your journey.
Michael Jamieson
Glasgow is home to my swim journey, where I was schooled, progressed through the Learn to Swim framework and developed to a professional level all before leaving my home city!
I started out in All Saints School with Glasgow City Council, swam at the Glasgow School of Sport in Bellahouston Academy and City of Glasgow Swim Team as a developing age grouper, after beginning my club journey with Scotia in Bishopbriggs.
Throughout my professional career; travelling all over the world, competing and winning medals at every level of international competition, I always had an incredible amount of support from the people of Glasgow. I feel very humbled and grateful to be launching our own Swim Academy in the city where it all began for me and alongside an amazing team, to have the opportunity to share everything I’ve learned along the way and give back to swimming, by creating a similar experience for developing young athletes.
Being a product of the system, gives me the platform to improve and enhance the learning of young swimmers here in Glasgow. Having transitioned out of competitive sport, I’m able to pinpoint key areas in my swim journey that helped me to progress and excel. I’m extremely passionate about providing a learning environment to develop curious, self-aware, responsible young people through the sport of swimming.
Thank you for all the support I’ve received throughout my competitive career, and it’s valued now more than ever, as we work together to improve how young people develop skills for life through sport!
Amanda McIlvaney
I’ve worked in the swim industry for almost 20 years and have never loved it more! One of my biggest passions is making a positive impact upon standards within Learn to Swim, and making sure that every swimmer’s journey is the best it can be.
I’ve taught at every level over the past 18 years as a full qualified swim instructor, gaining my professional qualifications across both National and International governing bodies of sport.
My experience spans across both the public and private sectors, with everything from babies and preschool swimmers to coaching triathletes in the open water, developing their skills to prepare for their first Ironman event. No matter the age or ability, the basic principles are the same and I strive to provide the highest quality swimmer led experience, promoting self-discovery and awareness.
I’ve designed and developed multiple swim programs across the UK, as well as delivering training and mentoring future swim instructors and program managers. I mentor all members of the teaching staff at MJSA, to ensure that our teaching methods are current, consistent and innovative, to provide you or your child with the best experience in the pool!
My main goal at the academy is to see all our swimmers reach their full potential; whether it’s their first time in the pool, or a triathlete training to compete in open water and you’ll see this translated throughout everything I do at MJSA.
Sonn Breslin
I started swimming at a later age of 8 years old but fell in love with being in the water instantly. I started swimming competitively at the age of 10 and competed at Scottish and British National competitions. I had the opportunity to swim with City of Glasgow Swim Team and then Stirling Swim Team when I attended university. At university, I did my bachelors in Sport and Exercise Science and then my masters in Human Performance and Physiology. I have 8 years teaching experience and believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn to swim as it is a fun and enjoyable activity as well as a life skill. I like to use the knowledge I have from my experience and education to deliver fun, engaging and informative swimming lessons to all!
Sonn is the programme coordinator for our Glasgow Argyle Hotel & Glasgow University venues and also helps with teaching the under 3’s classes!
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