BEYOND SWIM LESSONS - Keep Swimming with Basingstoke Bluefins Club Squads
- Sep 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Parent Guide Series - January 2026
Club Squads for Ages 10–17
Swimming lessons give children a strong foundation. They learn the strokes, build water confidence and begin to enjoy regular time in the pool. But many families reach a stage where lessons alone no longer feel enough. Lanes can feel crowded, age ranges are wide and progress can begin to plateau.
That is where Basingstoke Bluefins provides the next step. Our Club squads for ages 10–17 offer a clear pathway beyond swim lessons, giving young swimmers the opportunity to continue developing in an environment that feels more structured, more focused and more appropriate to their age.
A Step Up from Learn to Swim
At Bluefins, swimmers train in age-based squads (10–13 and 13–16). This ensures sessions feel balanced and suited to their stage of development. Swimmers train alongside peers of a similar age rather than sharing space with much younger or older children.
Rather than lessons, we call them training sessions. They are a step up from learn-to-swim, with greater focus on technical detail, efficiency and skill development. At the same time, there is no expectation to compete. Not every swimmer wants to race, and that is completely valid.
Two Clear Pathways – Both Equally Valued
For some swimmers, Bluefins becomes the launchpad to competition. Many progress through our structured competitive pathway into performance squads, racing at county, regional and national level.
For others, the goal is different. Staying active. Maintaining fitness. Being part of a squad. Building routine and friendships. That is where our fitness pathway plays a vital role. It allows swimmers to continue improving their skills and staying connected to the sport without the pressure of racing.
We recognise that education matters. As swimmers move into GCSE and A-Level years, flexibility becomes important. Our pathway supports balance, allowing swimming to complement school rather than compete with it.
Both routes are equally respected. Our aim is not short-term success but long-term engagement and lifelong participation in swimming.
Coaching That Goes Beyond the Basics
What sets Bluefins apart is the quality and structure of coaching.
Our sessions focus on:
Technical development and stroke efficiency
Aerobic fitness and endurance
Skill discipline and session ownership
Confidence that extends beyond the pool
We operate a clearly defined pathway structure and maintain consistent coaching ratios to ensure swimmers are seen, supported and developed properly.
A Community Club with Purpose
Basingstoke Bluefins is a community club at the heart of North Hampshire. We support over 400 members across swimming and water polo and operate structured pathways from entry-level development through to performance and fitness squads.
We are a registered charity and receive no external financial support. Everything we deliver is built through the commitment of swimmers, families and volunteers who believe in providing sustainable opportunities for young people.
Our focus is simple: create an environment where young people can stay active, stay connected and stay involved in swimming for the long term.
Why It Matters
Sport builds more than fitness. It builds resilience, discipline and confidence. Swimming is one of the few sports that can genuinely support lifelong participation.
By moving beyond swim lessons into a Club squad, young swimmers take an important step. Not necessarily toward competition, but toward structured development, belonging and long-term health.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your child has completed learn-to-swim stages and is ready for more structure, more challenge and more opportunity, Bluefins is ready to welcome them.
Find out more, get in touch, or arrange a trial today: Find out more at bbfsc.org - Your journey starts here.
Written by Spencer Turner
Head of Swimming, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club
