Club History

The club was founded in 1977 and is run entirely by volunteers: dedicated parents and others who are motivated in making the club the best it can be.  In 2004 a dedicated Masters section for swimmers aged 18 and over was added. A committee is elected annually to manage the running of the club and qualified teachers and coaches run the training programme, these are all voluntary positions.

The Club is affiliated to Gloucester County Association, Swim England South West and Swim England: www.swimming.org/swimengland (the national governing body for swimming clubs in England).

In recognition of the high standard, the governance and effectiveness of the club, we have been awarded SwimMark accreditation – Swim England’s quality standard for swimming clubs.

Our aim is to ensure that swimmers learn and develop good stroke technique, improve their speed, their self-confidence and meet many friends of differing ages.  Comprising of over 130 swimmers, the Club competes at all levels from novice galas to National competitions. Training sessions are held four times a week at Freedom Leisure, Causeway Road, Cinderford.  Across the groups there are graded ability sessions for swimmers and all swimmers are given the opportunity to progress through the club to achieve their maximum potential.  Success is not only measured by such tangibles as awards, it’s also by individual improvement, self-esteem and individual and team goals achieved.

Learning to Swim

We use the Swim England learn to Swim programme (Stages 5 and above) for teaching swimming this is usually a continuation of the Learn to Swim programme used in local swimming pools. Swim England awards are available at each stage, either a certificate and/or Badge and the more advanced Aquatic Skills Framework (stage 8, 9 & 10) which prepares swimmers for competitive swimming.

The Club has also recently adopted the New Swim England Club Awards, aimed specifically for swimming clubs and early competitive swimmers. The Awards will include education in using a pace clock, hydration, nutrition, and setting goals, as well as stroke technique and swimming skills.

Our club is committed to improving the ability and development of all our swimmers, to get them ready to compete.

Competitive Squad

Cinderford & District Swimming Club is a competitive swimming club. Our swimmers are encouraged to enter friendly galas as soon as they are able.  Competitions provide a great deal of fun and enjoyment and are keenly anticipated by the swimmers. By the time they reach the Development and County Squads, swimmers are expected to take part in galas, open meets, Counties, Regional and National (if they have achieved the required times).