The Coach Development Academy focuses on helping coaches to become more effective teachers and communicators. Whether you’re a new coach with fewer than 5 years of experience or a seasoned coach looking to take your coaching to the next level, the clinic provides immersive educational sessions and interactive connection opportunities with fellow members of the USA Swimming community.
A global coaching methodology in all sports from soccer, rugby, and cycling, to swimming and hockey, Coach Development Academies aim to equip, empower, and support coaches who wish to advance their skills in creating great experiences for their athletes. Rooted in the USOPC’s Athlete Development Model, the CDA is a professional opportunity designed for active, hands-on learning across a comprehensive framework of topics, such as designing quality training sessions and harnessing athlete motivation.
The Academy is a 4-day retreat for coaches at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Theme- Tools for effective coaching
The Coach Development Academy will focus on helping coaches learn skills to improve their teaching and communication capabilities. Whether you are a lead coach or an assistant coach, the clinic will feature educational facilitations that will engage and connect coaches from around the country. Participants will work in age group specific cohorts to apply what they are learning. Join USA Swimming as we discuss some practical ways to ensure that athletes are learning the skills you are teaching. Sessions include:
Location: U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Dates: October 30 - November 2, 2025
Setting: Get ready to feel the Olympic spirit! The USOPTC is located in downtown Colorado Springs. Coaches will stay in the athlete dorms, sessions will be held on campus and meals will be hosted in the athlete dining hall. The athlete dorms accommodate two coaches per room. If you prefer to have your own room, you may arrange your own accommodations off site. Staying off site does not reduce the cost of the Coach Development Academy. Meals will still be provided in the dining hall.
What to bring: USA Swimming will provide you with a full itinerary and packing list when your registration is confirmed, but beyond that, participants must arrive with a strong desire to learn, grow, and build connections with both the facilitators and other attendees.
Cost to Attend: $400.00
Attendees are responsible for the cost of the workshop and the cost of their flight to and from the Colorado Springs Airport. Those driving to the clinic will be responsible for any gas and tolls costs.
USA Swimming will cover the costs of all meals, lodging in the athlete dorms and ground transportation that will take you to and from the Colorado Springs Airport.
PLEASE NOTE If you fly into the Denver Airport, you will be responsible for your own transportation to get to the USOPTC.
All coaches who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:
Any coach who is interested, should fill out the registration form provided. Within 2 weeks, you will receive a link for payment. Once payment is received, you will receive a form to provide your travel information. Your spot in the Coach Development Academy is not secured until you have submitted your payment. This event will sell out! Get your spot early!