Industry News: United States Masters Swimming and College Swimming Coaches Announce New Program
I like the concept and have always felt that there was an opportunity to coordinate more with colleges when they are in the vicinity of masters teams...will be interesting to see how it works out. I still however believe that just as big of an opportunity exists to partner with High School swimming. My impression is that high school grads who don't go on to swim in college generally have no idea that masters swimming exists.
www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/.../19073.asp
Paul, you are right-on both points. Most Age Groupers and High School swimmers don't know about Masters, unless their local team has a program. Also, most kids get burnt-out by their late teens and early twenties. Factors include psycho coaches, physical issues, work/school demands, parental pressure, and a bunch of others. Masters Swimming can sell the fun and fitness aspects to this market segment, which can enable people to rediscover how much fun swimming is.
The mindshare out there for masters swimming is small. It may be strong in certain markets but in general, it is out of sight and out of mind. We have a story to tell and attract new, younger members. This will require us to engage the young swimmers at the local level and build awareness. Social networks will be one key component in this, another is marketing to the 18-25 age group.
Lots of opportunity here.
Paul, you are right-on both points. Most Age Groupers and High School swimmers don't know about Masters, unless their local team has a program. Also, most kids get burnt-out by their late teens and early twenties. Factors include psycho coaches, physical issues, work/school demands, parental pressure, and a bunch of others. Masters Swimming can sell the fun and fitness aspects to this market segment, which can enable people to rediscover how much fun swimming is.
The mindshare out there for masters swimming is small. It may be strong in certain markets but in general, it is out of sight and out of mind. We have a story to tell and attract new, younger members. This will require us to engage the young swimmers at the local level and build awareness. Social networks will be one key component in this, another is marketing to the 18-25 age group.
Lots of opportunity here.
