County Development is the first step on the County Pathway, where swimmers aged 9–14 learn to handle tougher sessions, race more often, and measure themselves against County standards.

Swim England and Aquatics GB encourage a balanced approach to competition.Young swimmers should experience a range of strokes and distances, including 400 m, 800 m and 1500 m freestyle, to build a strong foundation for future success in the sport. Early distance exposure isn’t about specialising — it develops complete swimmers with the fitness, pacing control and resilience needed to progress confidently through the sport.

If your child is in our Skills Academy, Competitive Development, or County Development Squads, you may have already come across Swim England Rankings. This is often the first moment swimming feels “official” — times appear online, filters sort results, and suddenly every swim has a number attached to it. 🏊‍♂️📲

At Bluefins, we believe the difference between good and great coaching lies in the details. Every turn, every breakout, every drill better than the last. Our coaches bring focus, analysis, and feedback — the keys to refining technique and driving improvement. And while passion drives us forward, it’s precision that turns it into progress.🏊‍♂️✨ Above all, it’s all about coaching — the quality of what we do, the detail in how we do it, and the relentless drive to be the best.

The 1500m freestyle may be the ultimate test of endurance in swimming, but the 800m sits just behind it — and Bluefins are once again raising the bar. With 83 swimmers entered across all age groups, the 800 at this Sunday’s Club Champs opener promises a showcase of grit, determination, and team spirit.