SWIMMING coaches are trawling for talent in north Hertfordshire junior schools. Both Royston and Buntingford swimming clubs say they are suffering from a shortage of swimmers aged under-10 – especially boys. And coaches are keen to hear from swimming teac

SWIMMING coaches are trawling for talent in north Hertfordshire junior schools.

Both Royston and Buntingford swimming clubs say they are suffering from a shortage of swimmers aged under-10 - especially boys.

And coaches are keen to hear from swimming teachers and parents who think their children may fit the bill.

"For some reason we are just every short of children under-10 - especially boys," said Royston head coach Tricia Dear.

"I don't know why. But I suspect there are a lot of talented children out there who we just don't know about and who don't know about us - and we want to hear from them.

"To join us children have to be proficient in a couple of strokes.

"And if they are good enough the rewards are great. They could be representing your town in galas.

"There are trophies to win. We've had two swimmers race at the county championship meeting this year.

"One - Alex Snowden - at a national schools' meeting.

"Youngsters can achieve a lot. And we want them to take the plunge and get in touch."

Buntingford head coach Alan Bowell added "We're particularly short of seven and eight-year-olds.

"We want children who are proficient swimmers on their fronts and backs and who can swim lengths.

"The message is come and try. You'll have fun and you've got nothing to lose.

"If they're good enough, they'll be part of a successful squad which contains a lot of talented young swimmers and they'll improve.

"One of our girls, Georgia Makin, swam in the national league final this year. That's what can be achieved."

- Buntingford Swimming Club's Tom Carr, 12, and his sister Gemma, nine, impressed at a children's triathlon in Dover, Kent, at the weekend.

Tom secured a top-10 spot and Gemma a top-20 place in their age groups at the meeting, which attracted youngsters from all over the south and east.

The Carrs are the latest Buntingford swimmers to shine at multi-disipline races this year.

A Buntingford team - made up of Christina Branch, Jessica Earp and Hannah Bashir - came first in an under-19 team race at the British Modern Biathlon Championships in Manchester.