Foster has been a member of UK Sport's Elite Coach Programme whilst also working with elements of the GB Rowing Squads.
 
Both UK Sport and the ARA (Amateur Rowing Association) today welcomed the move, believing that the international experience gained will be of great benefit to his long-term development as a world class coach.
 
Foster remains a part of the long-term vision for rowing in this country, in particular as the sport aims for major success at London 2012.

 

Foster - twice an Olympic medallist and member of the four that so memorably won gold in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 - had moved directly into coaching roles within the British rowing system following his retirement from competitive rowing.
 
He immediately showed promise and in 2004 British Rowing successfully nominated Foster for a position in the first ever intake of UK Sport’s ground-breaking Elite Coach scheme which aims to produce up to 60 home grown elite level coaches by 2012.

 

Now he is looking forward to his role with the Swiss. “This is a great opportunity to lead a squad and put into practice some of the skills I’ve learnt from UK Sport’s Elite Coach Scheme and to advance as a coach”, said Foster.
 
Liz Nicholl, UK Sport’s Director of Performance, said that the move will not threaten Foster’s place on the scheme:
 
“Whilst the programme takes coaches nominated by their governing bodies and works to build their skill base around their day-to-day responsibilities, every opportunity should be taken to further individual development.

 

"In Tim Foster’s case it looks as though international experience with another rowing programme, especially in a head coach role, may be the best way of gaining significant experience in the short-term.
 
“Talking with Tim, I am convinced that, like everyone involved in the programme, his long-term aim is to deliver success as part of the GB system. As he demonstrated during his time as an athlete, he is passionate about winning medals for his country.

 

“Elite Coach is all about seizing the best opportunities to fast-track our best talent - which in a number of cases will mean gaining experience both at home and abroad. Tim will therefore remain part of UK Sport’s Elite Coach scheme until his intake completes its three year journey this autumn, and we wish him well with the Swiss team.”
 
David Tanner, GB Rowing's Performance Director, said: "We're delighted for Tim.  We believe that this will enrich him as a coach and will give him the opportunity of heading up a programme which is something he is particularly keen to experience".