Free Inspired To Try taster sessions aim to attract more to take up artistic swimming

Three Yorkshire-based artistic swimming clubs are staging free fun and engaging taster sessions in a bid to attract more youngsters to take up the sport.

It is part of Swim England’s Inspired To Try campaign ahead of this year’s hugely popular Combo Cup, which is taking place at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Pool on Saturday 8 July.

Borough of Kirklees Artistic Swimming Club, City of Bradford Artistic Swimming Club and South Yorkshire Swans Artistic Swimming Club are all offering eight to 17-year-olds the opportunity to try the sport out for the first time.

All participants will receive a medal for taking part and be eligible for two tickets to the Combo Cup, which is a celebration of all artistic swimming clubs from across England coming together to show off their Free Combination team performances in front of large and enthusiastic crowd.

Stephanie Gadd, Swim England programme officer – growth, said: “It’s exciting to see these clubs be a part of the Inspired To Try campaign around the Combo Cup

“We hope these fun and engaging free taster sessions will hopefully lead to more children getting involved in this exciting sport.

“The Combo Cup is a thrilling event to watch and who knows, we might see some of the youngsters attending these taster sessions in action at the competition in the future.”

Maria Ramos, chair of the Swim England Artistic Swimming Leadership Team, added: “We are excited to bring the Combo Cup to Sheffield for the first time in its history – and we are thrilled the local clubs are able to offer young people in the area a chance to try out this popular and fun Olympic sport.” 

How to sign up

Youngsters keen to take part need to be confident in deep water and be able to swim unaided for a minimum of 50m in two recognisable strokes.

Borough of Kirklees Artistic Swimming Club kick off the sessions on Monday 19 June at Almondbury Pool, Old High School Site, Almondbury, between 5:15pm and 6pm.

The club are also hosting a second session on Sunday 25 June at Holmfirth Leisure Pool, Huddersfield Rd, Thongsbridge, Holmfirth, between 3:45pm and 4:30pm. Places for both sessions can be booked by emailing [email protected].

The Rotherham Leisure Complex will host the South Yorkshire Swans Artistic Swimming Club’s session on Wednesday 21 June between 8pm and 8:45pm.

Places can be booked by emailing [email protected].

Meanwhile, City of Bradford Artistic Swimming Club are staging two sessions at Shipley Pool.

The first is on Saturday 24 June and the second on Saturday 1 July.

Both are being held between 4pm and 4:45pm and places can be booked by emailing [email protected].

To find out more about how to get involved in artistic swimming, and find a club near you, visit discover.swimming.org.