Our coaches

JAMES HARWOOD - Harwood Swim School
Position: Director, Head Coach.

Ormiston Redbacks are coached by James Harwood and the Harwood Swim School coaching team.

James began teaching swimming at the age of 16, with his mother and coach Cynthia, in Armidale NSW. He continued his own competitive swimming career until the age 23. During this time he also taught learn to swim, early stroke development and junior squads.

James retired from swimming competitively and in 1998 moved to Brisbane to further his coaching career. He accepted the position of head coach at Capalaba Pirhanas Swim Club for 6 months before taking up the lease of the Ormiston College pool in October 1999.

It was here, in 1999 and 2000 James assisted founding president Vicky Eadie and her committee in the development of The Ormiston Redbacks Swimming Club.

As a Silver licence Head Coach, James has developed and now oversees the entire program for Harwood Swim School from 6 month old babies to National level competitive swimmers and adults.

James' training program is directly associated with the Redbacks and has seen a number of his Redback swimmers achieve National qualifying times, become State medalist and Qld junior champions.

James’ philosophy is positive experiences lead to positive results and over the years he has worked hard, with the committee, to develop a club that offers a successful balance of enjoyment and competition.