Swimming clubs Post Reply

[MayaM]

Hi, can anyone recommend a swimming club?

My 8 year old would like to do more swimming than his weekly 30mins at the leisure centre and I've been looking for a club. So far I've found Wimbledon Dolphins / Wandsworth SC / Merton Pisces / Leander.

How do you choose one (if you get in that is, I know they have trials)? What is it like?

Thank you from a clueless mum!

[dinosaur]

Hello - 

I have worked with families who had children at Leander and Wandsworth SC. It can be a very tough experience as there are often changes in coaches / coaching styles /  training times and those 2 clubs focus on the swimmers who are already very good, which can either motivate developing swimmers or put them off altogether!

One family moved to Dulwich Dolphins and were very happy. You should look at that one if the travel isn't too bad. A huge factor is finding out where they train and if can you get there easily. Also ask about turnaround in the coaches / social events / how often feedback given etc.

[MayaM]

Thank you dinosaur, that is very interesting. It's a hard balance between being challenging enough but not too serious too early. Also he as well as younger siblings do other activities too, so any changes to training times would be really annoying!

We are near Wimbledon so been looking for clubs nearby and Dulwich is unfortunately too far.

[TFP]

it might well be worth asking one of his current swimming teachers. especially any of them who might have kids of their own, e.g. my kid's teacher at balham leisure centre has at least one child who swims with leander.

[Goldhawk]

You may be able to swim more with the leisure centre - my child was offered a mid week squad session in addition to their regular lesson

Otherwise I would recommend Leander

[atbattersea]

Battersea Jacs swim at Tooting Leisure Centre three times a week https://www.bjsc.uk

Merton Swordfish swim at Wimbledon Leisure Centre and Morden Leisure Centre.

Streatham SC swim at Streatham Leisure Centre https://streathamswimmingclub.org/

Mitcham Marlins swim at the Canons Leisure Centre https://www.facebook.com/mitchammarlinsswimmingclub/

These four clubs, along with Wimbledon Dolphins (mentioned above) swim in regular inter-club competition (Pentagon League).

[MayaM]

Thank you everyone, good idea to speak to his teacher.