Join a club
Find out how to join a club!
If you enjoy swimming and want to start taking things a bit more seriously the best thing for you to do is join a club. In a club structure you can compete; try your hand at the disciplines of diving, waterpolo or synchronised swimming or even offer support outside of the pool by becoming a volunteer.
You should be able to find a club that meets your standard or age, so it does not matter if you are looking to get involved as an adult or a child.
Whether your aim is to be an Olympic Champion or to join a club to enjoy the social programme, always remember aquatics is great fun.
Finding a club
There are many types and levels of club so you should be able to find one to meet your age or level of experience.
Find out as much as you can about the club, what it is aiming for and who runs it.
If you want to ensure you belong to a club that provides the best possible support and environment then check to see if your club has swim21 accreditation. This is our 'quality mark' for clubs in England and shows that the club is committed to helping athletes, teachers, coaches and administrators to continually improve and reach their full potential. Specifically it means:
· the club is implementing the ASA’s Child Protection Policy
· the club’s coaches/teachers and volunteers are appropriately qualified
· the club is offering suitable opportunities to encourage you or your child to achieve potential (in line with the Long Term Athlete Development )
If the club is not part of the scheme ask them why? It may be that the club needs more support with management, teaching, coaching and officiating and you could help them!
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