Who will emerge triumphant at National arena Swimming League finals?

It started with almost 300 clubs and more than 10,000 swimmers – and this weekend the winners of the National arena Swimming League will be confirmed at the Cardiff International Pool.

The culmination of the national inter-club competition takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 March with 20 of the country’s top clubs taking part in the B Final and Cup Final.

Guildford City are the defending Cup Final champions and will be looking to retain the title they won last year but the face stiff competition from a stacked field.

Lee Spindlow, Guildford’s head coach, said: “We’re looking forward to a competitive weekend of fast swimming. 

“This is an important weekend for us as it gives us an opportunity to come together as a team and challenge ourselves against the strongest programmes in the country. 

“It’s always an honour to qualify for the finals weekend and we’re very much looking forward to working hard as a team to get the best result we can.”

The Cup Final takes place on Sunday and the line-up includes past winners Mount Kelly and Millfield plus Winsford SC, from the North West League, who are making their first ever appearance at Finals weekend.  

Camden aim to defend crown

In the B Final, which takes place on Saturday, London’s Camden Swiss Cottage will be aiming to repeat their 2024 success.

Head coach Adam Taylor said: “We are looking forward to competing against some of the best teams in the UK. 

It’s our seventh National Final appearance in a row and the arena League continues to be a fantastic opportunity to come together, have fun and see how much we can raise our performance as a collective. 

“Best of luck to all involved.” 

Two clubs are in the B Final line-up for the first time – Norwich Swan, representing the East Midlands league, and Blythe Barracudas from the West Midlands league.

Norwich include double Paralympian gold medallist William Ellard in their squad as they look to make a mark on the competition.

A host of other internationals will be in action across the weekend, with the event also an opportunity for swimmers to achieve a qualifying time for next month’s Aquatics GB Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre.

The arena League’s 51-event programme covers 50m and 100m events for all age groups, an Open 200m Individual Medley, 4x50m relays and a mixed 8x50m freestyle relay.

All the finalists were invited to race in Cardiff following the regional rounds which were held before Christmas.

Live coverage of the B Final on Saturday and Cup Final on Sunday will be streamed on the arena League’s website and can be viewed by clicking here.