Free Inspired to Try taster sessions aim to discover next generation of para-swimmers

Clubs across the country are hosting free taster sessions to help discover the next generation of para-swimmers as part of the Commonwealth Games Inspired to Try campaign. 

The sessions will be hosted by 12 clubs throughout July and August and aim to get disabled youngsters more active in the water.

Places can now be booked on the sessions which are for youngsters aged between six and 17 years old with physical and sensory impairments.

Great Britain’s Maisie Summers-Newton and Ellie Robinson are just two swimmers who were ‘discovered’ at para-swimming taster sessions – and between them, they have both gone on to win Paralympic, world, European and Commonwealth titles.

Martin Lees, Swim England para-swimming development manager, said: “Birmingham 2022 is only weeks away and I am excited to see English para-swimmers compete with some of the world’s best.

“Hopefully they will enjoy plenty of success and we will see them on the podium.

“It’s good to see swimmers such as Poppy Maskill and Maisie Summers-Newton, who have come through the Swim England talent pathway, get the chance to compete on the international stage in front of a home crowd.

A lot of fun

“I know they have both been inspired by past and current Paralympic champions.

“If you have been inspired by their achievements and want to get into swimming, the Inspired to Try programme is the perfect opportunity for you to get involved.”

The clubs hosting the sessions are Birmingham Marlins, City of Coventry Swimming Club, City of Derby Swimming Club, City of Manchester, Crawley Swimming Club, Gloucester City Swimming Club, London Borough of Hounslow, Mid Sussex Marlins, Richmond Dales, Royal Tunbridge Wells Monson SC, Runnymede Swimming Club and Swindon ASC.

Stephanie Gadd, Swim England programme officer – growth, added: “This has been a fantastic project to be involved with.

“It’s a great opportunity for disabled children to get involved in swimming and to experience what club opportunities exist in their local area.

“It promises to be a lot of fun so I’d encourage people to get involved and book their places quickly so they don’t miss out.”

Those keen to take part must be confident in deep water and be able to swim 10m unaided.

Book on the Inspired to Try para-swimming taster sessions

Bassetlaw Swim Squad

• Friday 29 July, 14:30pm to 15:30pm
• Book a place

Birmingham Marlins

• Friday 15 July, 8.15pm to 9.30pm
• Book a place

City of Coventry Swimming Club

• Monday 11 July, 4.30pm to 5.15pm
• Monday 18 July, 4.30pm to 5.15pm
• Book a place

City of Derby Swimming Club

• Sunday 17 July, 9am to 10am
• Book a place

City of Manchester

• Sunday 17 July, 9am to 10am
• Book a place

Crawley Swimming Club

• Friday 15 July, 7.15pm to 8.15pm
• Book a place

Gloucester City Swimming Club

• Monday 18 July, 5.45pm to 6.30pm
• Book a place

London Borough of Hounslow

• Sunday 10 July, 3.30pm to 4.30pm
• Book a place

Mid Sussex Marlins

• Wednesday 20 July, 6.30pm to 7pm
• Saturday 23 July, 9.15am to 9.45am
• Book a place

Northampton Swimming Club

• Saturday 23 July, 10:30am to 11:30am
• Book a place

Richmond Dales

• Saturday 30 July, 1pm to 3pm
• Book a place

Royal Tunbridge Wells Monson SC

• Saturday 23 July, 11.30am to 12.30pm
• Book a place

Runnymede Swimming Club

• Saturday 23 July, 1pm to 1.30pm
• Saturday 23 July, 1.30pm to 2pm
• Book a place

Swindon ASC

• Wednesday 20 July, 7.15pm to 8pm
• Wednesday 20 July, 8pm to 8.45pm
• Book a place