Swimming to success: A new partnership to get more Aussie kids into the pool and learning to swim

Swimming to success: A new partnership to get more Aussie kids into the pool and learning to swim

Building on the success of the Aquastar Swim School model, a new partnership with Sport Star Academy will provide more opportunities for children to participate in Australia’s favourite sport. 

Over the last five years, owners Gareth Cope and Peter Smith have grown from a single location to now operate five Aquastar Swim Schools across Bayside and Metropolitan Melbourne. Currently 3,500 students attend Learn to Swim lessons with Aquastar each week with more than 30 primary schools using Aquastar for their annual swimming and water safety programs.

The formidable partnership, Aqua Star Academy, is a new step forward for both Sport Star Academy and Aquastar Swim Schools in providing crucial swimming skills for Australian children. With plans for national expansion, Aqua Star Academy will reach more families and primary schools right across the country. 

Sport Star Academy Founder, Peter Nikolakopoulos says that this partnership is more important than ever before to get kids active and learning to swim. 

“Over more than a decade we have played a pivotal role in keeping Aussie kids active,” he said. “Whether it’s football, cricket, tennis, basketball or swimming, we are committed to nurturing a love of sport and creating a movement of change for tomorrow’s grassroots leaders.”

“Swimming is by far the most popular sport in our country. Approximately 1.5 million Australian children aged 0-14 participate in organised swimming.¹ Sadly, children aged under 17 accounted for 15% of drowning deaths in Australia in 2020/21. In this same year there was also a 30% increase in the total number of drowning deaths across all ages.² Swimming skills and water confidence will stay with these children for life.

With the rise in the popularity of backyard swimming pools and our national love of water sports, it’s now more important than ever that our kids have those vital swimming skills.”

After growing Sport Star Academy from coaching one child to a now national franchise business Peter brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience in kids sport. His partners in Aqua Star Academy are equally experienced in the swim school industry with their own business chops on their resumes.

Gareth Cope holds a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science and worked in personal training and gym management for many years. After realising the need and potential for quality swim schools in Melbourne, he became Owner Operator of Aquastar Swim Schools in 2007. Peter Smith, now CFO of the business, joined him in 2015 bringing a strong financial background and corporate experience to the table.

Aqua Star Academy is now on the lookout for their first 100 partners to join the team and launch the franchise across the country. Community heroes who are eager to run their own business within a proven franchise business model in a thriving industry are invited to express their interest by visiting https://sportstaracademy.com/franchise.