Roots in Basingstoke

Competitive swimming in the town stretches back more than 50 years. Basingstoke and District Amateur Swimming Club, founded in the late 1960s, built a proud tradition of competitive swimming, producing generations of athletes who raced at County, Regional and National level.

From 1989, under the guidance of Head Coach Steve Greenfield, the club developed talented Age Group swimmers who went on to represent GB Juniors, with swimmers reaching European Junior, making Basingstoke a firm choice for young swimmers to begin their journeys. Many of those athletes have since returned, now giving back as coaches or competing proudly in the Masters programme.
 

Britannia Swimming Club, established in the mid-1980s, steadily grew over 20 years, creating a welcoming environment where swimmers could enjoy the sport, develop skills and take part in competition.
 

A New Club With Purpose

In 2005, the two clubs came together to create one identity, Basingstoke Bluefins. Stronger together, the vision was clear: to give every swimmer in Basingstoke the chance to thrive. By maximising pool time and streamlining opportunities, Bluefins offered the community a clearer, stronger pathway in the sport.

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Under the leadership of Head Coach Graeme Thomas and his team, the club entered a period of rapid progress. Training was modernised, ambition lifted and pathways strengthened. Bluefins swimmers not only reached County and Regional level, but advanced to the British Championships, with one narrowly missing Olympic selection. This era established Bluefins as a club capable of producing swimmers for the highest stage while still nurturing grassroots talent.

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A New Beginning (2020 Onwards)

The Covid years tested every sports club. For Bluefins, 2020–21 marked not just a return to the pool but a full relaunch. With fresh coaching leadership, a rebuilt structure and a renewed purpose, the club began a new chapter.
 

Since then, Bluefins has grown into one of the South East’s fastest-rising and highest-performing clubs, breaking records, climbing league tables and welcoming more swimmers and families than ever before. With Spencer Turner as Head of Swimming, Graeme Thomas driving the Performance pathway, and Fleur Turner as Chair, they have brought together an incredible team of coaches, officials and volunteers who continue to power the club forward.

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Pathways for Every Swimmer

Bluefins provides a range of pathways designed to support different ages, abilities and ambitions, from a swimmer’s first experience of structured club training through to international competition and lifelong participation.

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Skills Academy — the bridge between swimming lessons and club swimming. Swimmers continue developing all four strokes while learning lane discipline, training routines, teamwork and the confidence needed to become part of a squad.

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Development Pathway — Club Development, Competitive Development and Focused Development provide different environments for swimmers to strengthen their technique, broaden their skills and explore future opportunities. Competition is introduced where appropriate rather than treated as the only route.

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Club Pathway — Club Fitness provides flexible, fully coached swimming for older swimmers who want to continue improving, maintain fitness and remain part of the club without competition being the main focus.

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Competitive Pathway — Age Group Competitive supports swimmers who enjoy regular training and racing while balancing swimming with school and wider teenage commitments.

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County Pathway — County Development prepares swimmers for regular competition and County Championship standards through stronger technical habits, increasing independence and a broader programme of strokes and events.

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Performance Pathway — Age Group Performance and Youth Performance introduce the habits, preparation and expectations of performance swimming, supporting swimmers competing at strong County and developing Regional level.

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National Pathway — Regional Performance and National Performance support swimmers working towards Regional finals, Home Nation Championships, British Championships and the highest levels of age-group swimming within the club.

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Junior Masters — a flexible pathway for swimmers aged 15–18 who want to maintain fitness, skills and a connection with competition while balancing education, work and other commitments.

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Masters — adult swimming for fitness, friendship and competition. The squad includes returning swimmers, lifelong participants and athletes competing at County, National and international level, with Bluefins Masters swimmers holding numerous British, European and World records.

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Sharks Disability & Inclusion — a supportive programme for swimmers aged 8–18 with disabilities and additional needs. Specialist teachers, coaches and helpers support confidence, aquatic skills, independence and friendships. Sharks swimmers take part in local galas, have represented at the Special Olympics and host an annual Schools Gala for local specialist schools.

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Water Polo — a separate team-based aquatic pathway with an Academy for beginners, Junior Water Polo for players aged 12–17 and Senior Water Polo from age 16. The programme develops swimming fitness, ball skills, teamwork, tactical understanding and competitive experience, with progression into Regional and National talent programmes where appropriate.