Organised through the NSW Institute of Sport, the day visit to Wauchope and Port Macquarie was a fantastic opportunity for aspiring local divers, Jackie McAllister president of the local diving club Diving Mid Coast said.

“We were so excited about having Declan come up and chat to our local diving kids,” McAllister said.

“After the pool was closed for a year we are really trying to inject some freshness into the club and the kids are thriving.

“They were all a bit star-struck meeting Declan but it was great for them to mix with a professional and see the potential of where diving can take them."

Stacey has only been diving for the last two years after switching sports from gymnastics and said he spoke to the kids about never giving up.

“If you have a dream and the passion anything is possible,” Stacey said.

“I hope the kids take away that it you have a great attitude, listen to your coach and give it your all then really anything is achievable.

“I was late to diving so I really want to encourage young kids to get into the sport so they can grow into great athletes.”

Stacey said the students in Wauchope were great to talk with as they wanted to learn as much as they could.

“It was really great I could get out to Wauchope because Diving Australia recognised Wauchope as a place that we really needed to go and I was lucky enough to be chosen to represent the national team,” he said.

“All the students were really engaged and asking questions about my training and the kinds of dives I do.”

Diver and local coach Julia Williams said she was really excited to meet the professional diver.

“It was great that Declan was able to come out, meet us and talk about what being a professional diver is all about,” Williams said.

“I was a bit star-struck at the whole thing but the experience was really cool because it is not everyday you get to meet a Commonwealth Games diver.

“He has certainly inspired me."

Diving Mid Coast trains in Wauchope each week and the squad are very excited to get back into training in term four.

“We are really excited about the upcoming diving season,” McAllister said.

“We have a lot of new talent coming through and are encouraging everyone – adults and kids – who might be interested in diving to get in contact with us to see what we are all about.”

To learn more about Diving Mid Coast contact Jackie McAllister on 0447 172 688.