A Morning with Caradon
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Saltash Leisure Centre, Sunday Morning
“Swimming really is a sport for life,” says Head Coach Jason Quiterio. “I always thought I was the testament to that. I stopped at sixteen and came back at twenty-four. You’ve got to make sure it’s fun. It’s not just a performance sport. Everyone will peak at different points in their career. It's important not to put the pressure on too young, so when swimmers hit fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, they know there's still a future for them in the sport.”
Caradon ensures that swimmers remain motivated and invested in their training by balancing performance goals with enjoyment. It maintains the high standards and structured training of larger clubs, underpinned by a passion and a tight-knit community ethos. The strength of the club doesn’t just lie in its demanding training sessions, but in its holistic approach to athlete development.
Coaching with Vision: Jason's Strategic Approach
Caradon’s Head Coach, Jason, structures his sessions around the competitive calendar, ensuring that athletes peak at the right times. This method is rooted in the principles of periodisation—a systematic approach to training that involves cycling through different aspects of training (e.g., endurance, speed, strength) over specific periods to maximise performance at crucial competitions.
Jason's strategy isn’t solely focused on physical preparation; he also emphasises mental resilience and enjoyment. His long-term, considered approach seeks to optimise performance while preventing burnout, recognising that sustained success in swimming requires a balance between intense training and psychological well-being.
From Local Roots to National Arenas
Caradon is now in its 51st year, celebrating a deep-rooted presence in southeast Cornwall.
“We cover all of the southeast area,” Jason shares. “Saltash and Liskeard are our main training pools, but our catchment reaches into Ivybridge, across into Devon, and down toward St Austell. We’ve always really been based at these two pools—a long history kind of engrained here.”
This history is backed by impressive recent results. In 2024, Caradon are the Cornwall County Champions in both the Age Groups and Masters—a testament to the club's high performance across all levels. Under Jason's guidance, Caradon swimmers have competed at major events such as the Southwest Regional Championships and the British National Championships.
Caradon makes the most of every resource, proving that with smart coaching, a supportive environment, and strategic focus, it's possible to achieve results that rival even the most well-funded, facility-rich clubs. The club’s success is not simply a result of raw talent, but of a system that nurtures commitment, resilience, and a growth mindset. Their achievements stand as a powerful reminder that excellence is not defined by scale, but by quality and intent.
ACE Swimming: Extending the Legacy
Outside the club, Jason also runs ACE Swimming—a personalised coaching initiative born from a real need he observed in his full-time job as a schoolteacher.
“It started because there was a lack of provision for school-aged swimmers during the school holidays,” he says. “When I was growing up, there were loads of sports camps—that seems to have disappeared. I wanted to create school-based swim camps during the holidays.”
“And I took the name ACE from my dad’s old business—it was a garage. It means keeping that legacy going.”
For more information, you can visit their website here or follow them on Instagram for updates and tips.
Mental Fortitude on Race Day
Caradon swimmers are encouraged to utilise visualisation techniques, mentally rehearsing their races before they even step onto the block. Visualisation involves imagining the physical sensations and mental processes of the race, from the start to the finish. This mental preparation has been shown to enhance performance by helping athletes stay focused, control anxiety, and execute their strategy effectively.
By incorporating psychological tools, Caradon equips athletes with the mental clarity and focus needed to approach races with confidence and composure.
An Inclusive Culture of Excellence
Caradon’s structure is unique in that it allows swimmers of all levels to train side by side, cultivating a culture of inclusivity and mutual inspiration. Younger swimmers benefit from being in close proximity to seasoned athletes, gaining invaluable insight into the discipline and dedication required to achieve success at higher levels of the sport.
This integrated approach eliminates rigid hierarchies, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose within the club. The success of Caradon’s Masters squad is a perfect example of this ethos. The squad has continued to enjoy competitive success at events such as the British Masters Championships, demonstrating that motivation and enjoyment are universal, and athletes of all ages can strive to improve, compete, and have fun in the process.
Best of Luck at Regionals!
With the first weekend of Swim England South West Summer Championships fast approaching, we would like to extend our best wishes to all Caradon swimmers!
And parents, here’s a simple reminder from Jason:
“Coaches hold a lot together. So if your child's in a setup that’s giving them structure, support, and a shot—check in. Ask how the coach is doing. It really does go a long way.”