Swimming has been selected as one of the sports to help drive the development of the UK Coaching Framework (UKFC) – a pioneering initiative set to change the face of coaching in Britain.

Sports Coach UK, the lead agency for the development and UK wide implementation of the Framework, has selected swimming to be the first sport to formally pilot the UKCF and will look to implement the framework across its four disciplines – swimming, diving, synchronised swimming and water polo – from later this year.

Once British Swimming – the national governing body for the sport – has confirmed its acceptance and outlined its UK-wide work programme, it will receive official trailblazer status.

Swimming has been working towards the UKCF since the development of its UK Coaching Certificate qualifications and hopes to finalise the relationship with Sports Coach UK by mid-September.

The key features of the framework include the establishment of policy, management and implementation systems to further develop and enhance coach, and therefore athlete, pathways in the UK.

British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes said the framework will provide swimming with the structure it needs to improve the quality and number of coaches and teachers within the sport.

He said: "The UKCF provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for a sport to make a quantum leap in the quality of the teachers and coaches it deploys into the swimming pools of the UK and we believe we will build the world's best aquatic coach education and development system which will be beneficial for everyone in the industry. It's a truly wonderful opportunity."

The UKCF sets out three main phases of development over three, seven and 11-year timescales. Key outcomes include enhancing the quality and quantity of coaching, increasing the number of qualified coaches leading to sustained and increased participation in sport, and improving performances in sport.

Five key actions have been identified to make a difference and help achieve the outcomes by 2016 - The UK Coaching model, Front-line coaching, Support for coaches, Licensing, registration and specialist qualifications, and Research and development.

Robert James, chief executive of the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association, said: "I think that being a trailblazer sport for the UK Coaching Framework will provide swimming with an excellent opportunity to develop a professional and dedicated licensed young workforce ready to lead the Great Britain in its quest for success at the London 2012 Olympic Games."