Newham and UEL SC – A blueprint for sustainable diversity in aquatics

At first glance, Newham and UEL Swimming Club might look like any successful London swim club.

But beneath the surface, it’s a model for sustainable inclusion and a powerful case study in what happens when commitment meets community.

Led by Chair, Michael Laniyan, the club has taken a deliberate, long-term approach to ensuring swimming is open to all, regardless of background, income or ambition.

A club that reflects its community

“We’re a multicultural club,” Michael explains. “Our swimmers and parents come from diverse backgrounds, ethnically, culturally and economically. That creates unique challenges, but also a huge opportunity.”

One of those challenges is affordability. “The kids we really want in the water are often the ones who can least afford it.” That’s why the club has focused on keeping fees as low as possible. Top squads training eight to nine times a week pay just £90/month, lower than what’s typically charged by comparable clubs.

This is made possible through club-run events like galas and raffles, with all profits reinvested to subsidise costs for families. Discounts are also offered to siblings, a small but important step toward inclusivity.

Pathways for everyone

What truly sets Newham and UEL apart is their tiered, accessible structure. Whether you want to reach nationals or simply swim for fitness, there’s a place for you.

• Performance squads – National and regional pathways for elite athletes.
• Competitive development squads – For swimmers developing toward performance level.
• Club squad – Designed for those who love the sport but may not want to compete.
• Masters squad – An 80-strong group proving it’s never too late to dive in.

The club also works closely with Swim England’s talent identification programmes, operating a ‘Talent Link’ system that connects Learn to Swim participants with weekly training in the club environment, building a smooth transition toward club membership.

Developing coaches from within

Perhaps one of the most innovative features of Newham and UEL’s model is their coach development pathway.

Young swimmers who excel and remain in London for sixth form or university are offered a coaching route within the club.

Many complete their Level 1 and 2 qualifications while continuing to swim – and some, like the club’s head coach, progress all the way to senior leadership.

“They become role models,” Michael says. “When other swimmers see their teammates becoming coaches, it’s powerful. They know it’s possible and that respect is already there.”

What’s next: The final hurdle

Despite all their progress, Michael is clear on the club’s biggest challenge – funding. “We can’t subsidise places for the families who need it most, not yet. We’re doing everything we can with what we have, but without sustained sponsorship or strategic partnerships, we hit a ceiling.”

It’s a call-to-action to the wider aquatics community and those in a position to help with funding – invest in grassroots inclusion. Help clubs like Newham and UEL do what they’re already doing, at scale.

Newham and UEL Swimming Club is proving that diversity in aquatics doesn’t happen overnight. It happens over years, through care, strategy and leadership from within the communities it serves.