Free lessons with Australia’s diving coach of the year

Allen Bull has coached the nation’s most promising diving talent for 56 years and he’s not planning on stopping any time soon. Nor charge a penny for his time either.

BUDDING young divers in south west Sydney have benefited from the talent and generosity of Allen Bull for 56 years.

This year’s Australian diving coach of the year has never charged a student for a lesson, even though he’s the best of the bunch.

“I’ve never charged,” Bull said.

“Some of the kids that have won medals couldn’t have afforded to dive otherwise.”

The title is bestowed on the coach whose students bag the most medals at the Australian Championships, and Bull’s kids swam away with 13 golds and “countless seconds and thirds” this year.

Diving students continue to flock to Allen Bull for his expertise.

“I forget how many, ” Bull said.

“But in saying that any coach is only as good as the material they’ve got to work with and I’m spoiled with the amount of talented kids I’ve got at present.”

“It’s something that every coach strives for and while I’ve been coaching for the success of the kids, the kids that won it for me made me really proud.”

After starting out at Liverpool Pool in 1960, Bull spent 15 years as NSW coaching director where he educated coaches throughout NSW, before retiring at the end of last year.

When quizzed what makes his style so successful, Bull said: “I think my love of the sport helps inspires the kids”.

He is now the Leader’s latest Junior Sports Star nominee for his service to local sport.

To nominate an athlete, team or coach for the Junior Sports Star awards, sponsored by Rebel, check out the Junior Sports Star Awards 2016.