A new ten-week development programme designed to support young swimmers as they move beyond traditional swimming lessons and into a more structured, coached environment has been launched.
Inspire to Swim is being delivered by Richmond Dales Amateur Swimming Club at Catterick Leisure Centre.
The programme is open to swimmers aged eight to 16 who have achieved Stage 5 swimming competence or equivalent.
Aimed at increasing participation and confidence in swimming, Inspire to Swim aims to provide a pathway from learn-to-swim sessions into club-based activity.
Under the guidance of qualified Swim England club coaches, participants work on stroke development, breathing techniques, starts and turns, alongside broader learning around water safety, basic strength and conditioning, nutrition and hydration.
Director of swimming Keith Hall said: “Our focus is on giving young people a clear pathway into swimming as a sport, not just an activity. We want to give them the skills, knowledge and confidence to continue swimming long term.
“This could be competitive swimming, one of the other aquatic disciplines, or simply swimming for fitness and fun.”
He said the sessions were designed to be supportive and engaging, encouraging personal improvement while helping swimmers understand what it means to be part of a structured swimming programme.
He added that the initiative complemented existing learn-to-swim schemes delivered by local leisure providers, helping bridge the gap between lessons and regular club swimming.
Swimmers are welcome from across Richmond and the surrounding areas.
The full ten-week course costs £40, which includes pool access, professional coaching, an Inspire to Swim T-shirt and a water bottle.
Club chair Liz Byrne said: “As one of the most inclusive swimming clubs in the country, we strive to deliver competitive swimming training to all.
“Our swimming family offers great opportunities for young swimmers and their families to get involved, not just on the sporting side, but through volunteering and the social side of the club too.”
At the end of the programme, swimmers can follow one of four pathways: progressing into competitive club swimming, continuing as recreational swimmers, being signposted to other aquatic sports such as diving, artistic swimming or water polo, or choosing not to pursue swimming further — but leaving with improved skills, confidence and positive experiences in the water.
The next Inspire to Swim programme begins at 1pm on Saturday, January 17 at Catterick Leisure Centre.
For further information or to enrol a young swimmer, contact Keith Hall by email at admin@rdasc.org.uk.
