SIMON LE COUILLIARD gets his first taste of being part of a senior British swimming team when he competes in the European short course championships in Trieste later this week.

The AIB Tiger is part of a 46-strong British team combining youth and experience that will be led by some of the UK’s top swimmers including Mark Foster, defending champion in both the 50m freestyle and butterfly events.

Olympic and World Championship bronze medallist David Davies will also be a figurehead for the many youngsters hoping to make their mark on the international stage.

It will be ideal preparation for the Jersey Commonwealth Games team member in advance of Melbourne.

Le Couilliard is expected to swim in the 200m butterfly event, and possibly the 100m as well.

Le Couilliard, one of the four AIB Tigers in the Jersey Commonwealth Games team, travelled to compete at the Welsh ASA Winter Meet in Swansea last weekend.

The meet was the final qualifying opportunity for swimmers to gain places for their home nations in Melbourne, and while the meet itself was not the fastest, the 18-year-old used itt well for what it was.

‘I am really focussing on the European Short Course Championships in Italy,’ he said.

‘I want to use the European’s as a springboard into 2006 and the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

The meet in Wales was just to get me ready for that.’ Le Couilliard stayed in the UK after the Welsh meet and travelled to Loughborough for a training camp prior to heading to Italy.

Said AIB Tigers head coach Daniel Corden: ‘All the big names are going so it is a big deal to get onto the Great Britain team.

‘He has been to the Junior Olympics and on many National teams at junior level but this is the first National senior team he has made.

‘Being involved will be a great experience for him.’ Ipswich-based Dave Champion will lead the British team as head coach, his fourth year in charge of the European Championship (25m) effort, and he’s excited about prospects for the team.

‘We’re going to Trieste to race hard, swim fast and to enjoy the meet,’ he said.

‘We want to do a very good job as a team and I know we’re all focused on that.

‘The team consists of young swimmers with all of their raw talent and the older, experienced heads who will mentor the younger element.’