Repton claim first-ever National Arena League Cup title at Sandwell

It was all change at this year’s National Arena Swimming League as both finals welcomed first‑time winners at a brand‑new venue.

The 2026 finals weekend was held for the first time at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games pool, creating a superb stage for racing across 7–8 March.

Nearly 400 clubs and over 16,000 swimmers took part across the three regional rounds earlier in the season, representing all six regional leagues.

The 51‑event programme spans swimmers from as young as age nine through to 18 and above, and features 50m and 100m events, the open age 200m IM, 4×50m relays and a mixed 8×50m Freestyle relay.

The top 20 clubs progressed to finals weekend, with teams ranked 1–10 contesting the National Arena League Cup Final and those ranked 11–20 competing in the Plate Final.

Repton win cup final for the first time

Repton earned their first-ever National Arena Swimming League Cup Final victory after a fiercely contested afternoon at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre on Sunday 8 March.

The 56th cup final lived up to expectations, producing a tight, hard‑fought contest between 10 of the strongest clubs in England and Wales. Last year’s champions Guildford City and previous winners Mount Kelly were in the mix throughout, with the lead changing hands multiple times.

However, Repton, representing the West Midlands League, showed impressive strength across all age groups to emerge as deserved winners.

Repton’s Director of Swimming, Jamie Main, praised the team’s achievement: “I’m so proud of the team. Swimmers, coaches, team managers and supporters – everyone has played their part to get this win.

“It’s a remarkable achievement from inception to National Champions in six and a half years.”

View the full results here.

Bromley celebrate first national Plate Final title

The National Arena League Plate Final, held on Saturday 7 March, saw Bromley SC (Southern League) claim their first title after a tightly contested afternoon of racing.

They finished on 354 points, ahead of Basildon Phoenix (342) and RTW Monson (308).

Head Coach, David Court, expressed pride in the resilience shown by swimmers and the wider club community, saying: “Bromley have attended the Arena League Cup or Plate Final for the last eight years – and every time it has been a great experience for our swimmers.

“In the last six years our club has lost five pools to closures, with our home pool shutting its doors two years ago which has significantly impacted our athletes.

“Despite this, we have continued to develop our club and kept pushing forwards, which is a testament to our coaches, volunteers and the amazing loyalty, dedication and commitment of our membership.”

View the full results here.