Entering three teams into the National Arena Swimming League is a deliberate and important part of the Bluefins pathway. It is also no small undertaking. Ask any head coach what it takes to field just one Arena League team and they’ll tell you — the task is enormous. Selection planning, eligibility checks, availability juggling, relay construction, squad balance, logistics, travel, and contingency planning all sit behind the scenes.

Keeping teenagers engaged in swimming is one of the biggest challenges across the sport. National research consistently shows high dropout rates during the mid-teens, with many swimmers stepping away from the sport due to pressure, school commitments, or loss of enjoyment. Against this backdrop, Bluefins has achieved something rare: five consecutive years of growth in our 15+ age group. From 2021 to 2025, our senior swimmers have risen from 27 to 58.

Just like every club swimmer, Bluefins love a new hat. Whether it’s for training or racing, there’s just something about pulling on a new hat that makes you feel part of something bigger. Since our 2020 relaunch, hats have become more than just kit — they’ve become part of our identity and culture. Outside the club, our hats spark plenty of curiosity too — and one of the questions we’re asked most often is: “What are the different hats about?”

The Bluefins Masters squad made a statement at the Swim England National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, turning their love for relays and racing into a weekend of medals, British Records, and unstoppable team spirit. This year’s team was the club’s largest ever at Nationals, featuring several new faces making their Sheffield debut. Our Senior 18–24yrs swimmers — Bradley, Olly, and Josh — raced in their first National Masters Championships, gaining valuable

Across both weekends, Bluefins Masters proved once again why they are the dominant force in Hampshire. From endurance to sprints, relays to individual showdowns, every swimmer played their part in delivering points, medals, and memories. With a commanding lead from the very first session and consistency throughout, Bluefins secured the club trophy yet again — adding another chapter to their proud tradition of Masters success.