COMMITMENT is the name of the game for parents whose youngsters are involved in sport. And nowhere is that more evident than swimming.

Swimmers train almost daily, early morning and often later, so parents not only have to get them there but alter household routines.

They understand this in the Bostock household in Bromley Cross. Fifteen year-old Arran Bostock is a talented swimmer and member of Bolton Metro Swimming Squad where dad Elliot is chairman.

“Yes, sometimes it is difficult to be Arran’s dad rather than the chairman, and vice-versa, but I try to get the balance right,” says Mr Bostock.

Arran began swimming when he was still a pupil at Eagley Infant School at six. “I think I enjoyed swimming because I was good at it,” he states.

When he moved up to Eagley Junior School, he began having lessons at Horwich Leisure Centre and, as his swimming skills became obvious, moved into the Bolton Metro Swimming Squad set-up which nurtures young talent.

“In swimming, it’s all about the long-term and building up strength, stamina and skill,” says Mr Bostock. Training at BMSS is structured and, although disciplined, allows for personal fluctuations without intense pressure.

As a parent, he acknowledges that it is parents who often put children under the greatest pressure to succeed. As BMSS chairman, he deals with parental expectations while stressing the slow but steady progress the club prefers.

The daily routine is demanding. Arran trains at Horwich Pool several mornings a week from 5am to 7am – “because,” explains his father, “that’s not a time that’s popular so it’s available to us.”

So, Arran gets up at 4am, has a bit of toast with chocolate spread, before his Dad takes him to Horwich.

Mr Bostock is operations director of an international company and based at home so can organise his day. He takes Arran and then spends the next two hours either going to the shops or working on his laptop.

There is also training later on other days in the week, and two hours on Saturday mornings.

Because a fellow BMSS member lives nearby, the two sets of parents often co-operate on transport – “but that’s typical of parents at the squad,” adds Mr Bostock. “They are very supportive of each other.”

Arran, who goes to bed around 8.30pm to 9pm, is doing well at Turton School. “Youngsters who have the discipline of a sport like swimming often perform well academically,” states Mr Bostock.

Arran is a member of the squad’s performance group (there are also academic, junior groups and an initial link group). BMSS members come from Bolton, Bury, Chorley and further afield and use several different pools for training.

Swimmers aim for set times, with national times the ultimate goal. While Arran admits he would like to swim for his country, he’s happy to keep enjoying his sport and improving gradually. “And that,“ comments Mr Bostock, “is really what it’s all about.”

n For more information about Bolton Metro Swimming Squad go to www.bmswimquad.org.uk