Andy Banks

HEAD COACH AND DIRECTOR OF PLYMOUTH CITY SPORTS

Originally from London and latterly from Yorkshire, before moving to Plymouth in 1992.

Involved in diving since 1973

DIVING STUFF

COACHING STUFF

Degree in Human Movement (with biomechanics and gymnastics)
Qualified in diving, gymnastics and trampolining
Started coaching 1983
Turned full time professional 1988
Set up the UK’s first ever full time local authority diving programme in Bradford
Lobbied the council and set up Plymouth’s full time diving programme in 1992
First international coaching appointment 1991
Coached Plymouth’s first diver ever to make Commonwealth Games Team (1994) - Sally Freeman, who went on to run the Bradford programme which Andy set up in the 80’s and who is now back in Plymouth!
World Class Potential Coach (lottery funded programme for Juniors) since 2000
World Class Performance Coach (lottery funded programme for Seniors) since 2005
2002 & 2005 Plymouth Sports Awards, Coach of the Year
Head coach to 2002 Commonwealth Games Team – the most successful England Team ever
Coach to 2 divers on the 2005 World Championship Team
Coach to 3 divers on the 2006 Commonwealth Games Team
Coach to 4 divers on 2008 World Cup Team
Coach to 2 divers on Beijing Olympic Team & Team Coach in Beijing

OTHER STUFF

Qualified diving tutor (to train diving teachers)
Appointed as GB Team Manager to Junior and Senior Teams since 1994
First met business partner Sam Grevett in London, whilst training with the same coach (Pete Squires) in the early 1980’s.
Loves wake-boarding, nice restaurants, his wine collection and his own sense of humour!
Lives with Paula Hardwick, a professional swimming teacher and former National level diver from Essex.

Plymouth Diving