Ep 76 - Matt Sprang (Owner & CEO of Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises)

In this week’s episode of The Your Sports Resource Podcast, Matt Sprang, CEO of Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises, discusses the current landscape of swimming.

Topics include swimmer retention, declining memberships, and the necessity of recreational and developmental programs. They also address challenges such as coach turnover and club operations. The conversation underscores the importance of meeting swimmers' needs, optimizing pool use creatively, and recognizing graduating seniors' achievements.

Additionally, it explores coaches' struggles with parental dynamics and business management in youth sports, highlighting the value of communication, clear expectations, and mentorship programs for coaches.


KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Swimmer retention can be influenced by factors such as high school seniors graduating and not registering with USA Swimming, and swimmers choosing not to join universities that require USA Swimming membership.
• Overall participation in swimming may be at or above pre-pandemic levels, but USA Swimming membership numbers may not reflect this due to teams registering swimmers with other organizations for insurance purposes.
• Clubs should consider offering recreational or development programs to capture swimmers who want to be involved in swimming but don't want the heavy workout schedule or competition cycle.
• Meeting the needs of swimmers and their families, finding creative solutions to maximize pool space, and celebrating the achievements of graduating seniors are important for long-term viability and financial stability of swimming clubs.
• Coaches are leaving the profession due to factors such as a decrease in swimmers pursuing teaching careers, the demanding nature of the coaching profession, and the lack of financial stability.
• Finding ways to attract and retain coaches, providing support and resources for professional development, and addressing the challenges faced by coaches can help mitigate the loss of coaches in the swimming profession. Open communication and setting expectations are crucial in dealing with parents and managing a youth sports program.
• Coach mentoring programs can provide valuable support and guidance for coaches.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Owner and CEO of Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Enterprises, which operates the Greater Philadelphia Aquatic Club and Tidewater Swim School in Gloucester County, NJ.

Previously head coach of GPAC and a 2004-2017 (Coached numerous Junior National, National, and Olympic Trial Qualifiers; Coached Brendan McHugh (2014 National Champion, 2015 World Championship Team member; 2015-2016 USA Swimming National Team Member)

Middle Atlantic Swimming Board Member and (2006-2020; General Chair, Age Group Chair, Coach Rep, Performance Vice Chair, Treasurer)

USA Swimming Club Development Committee (2013-2017; Chair 2015-2017)

Owner of INSET Leadership, providing facilitation, strategic planning, and community development opportunities for non-profits, teams, and mastermind communities

Co-founder of Premier Aquatic Staffing, providing job search services for swimming, diving, and water polo teams in the United States.



CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthew-sprang-a811108/
Email: matthew.sprang@gmail.com
Substack: matthewsprang.substack.com



CONNECT WITH ME:
Linkedin: /renata-porter
Instagram: @yoursportsresource
Twitter: @yoursportsres


If you have a suggestion or topics you want me to discuss, write me at info@yoursportsresource.com. Don’t forget to check out our website www.yoursportsresource.com