Joining Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club

Parent Guide Series - Summer 2026

A Step-by-Step Guide for New Families

Joining a new swimming club is an exciting step, but we understand it can also bring plenty of questions.

Whether your child is approaching the end of swimming lessons, looking for a more structured training environment or moving from another club, our aim is to make the joining process straightforward, welcoming and enjoyable.

This guide explains what to expect, how our assessment sessions work and how we help every swimmer find the most appropriate starting point within Bluefins.

Our focus is not simply on where a swimmer starts. It is about placing them in the environment where they can develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy swimming for years to come.

Who Can Join?

Bluefins welcomes swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Some families join as their children complete swimming lessons. Others are already experienced club swimmers looking for a new environment. We also welcome teenagers and adults who want to continue enjoying swimming through training, competition or fitness.

Every swimmer follows their own journey and we recognise that no two are the same. Our coaches therefore look at the whole swimmer before recommending the most appropriate starting point.

Skills Academy

The Skills Academy is where swimming lessons become structured club swimming.

Designed primarily for swimmers aged 7 to 12, it provides the important bridge between learning to swim and training within a club environment.

Swimmers continue developing all four strokes while learning the routines, skills and confidence needed to become part of a coached squad.

Club Pathway

Not every swimmer wants to compete.

Our Club Pathway provides regular coached swimming for children and teenagers who enjoy improving their swimming, keeping active and being part of a club without competition being their main focus.

It offers structured coaching, friendships and continued development in a supportive environment.

Competitive Pathway

For swimmers who enjoy racing and wish to develop their competitive swimming, our Development and Performance Pathways provide progressive coaching and competition opportunities.

Progression is based on age, technical development, training behaviours and readiness rather than race times alone.

Masters Swimming

Swimming is a lifelong sport.

Our Masters programme welcomes adult swimmers with a wide range of experience, from those returning to the pool after many years through to experienced Masters competitors.

Water Polo

Bluefins also offers Water Polo opportunities for young players wishing to develop ball skills, tactical awareness and teamwork in a fast-moving aquatic sport.

Sharks Disability & Inclusion

Our Sharks programme provides supported swimming opportunities for swimmers with disabilities and additional needs within a welcoming and inclusive club environment.

Step 1: Contact Bluefins

The first step is simply getting in touch.

Our Membership Secretary, Ali, will guide you through the joining process and answer any questions you may have before arranging an assessment session.

To help us recommend the most suitable starting point, we'll usually ask for information such as:

• the swimmer's age

• previous swimming experience

• current Learn to Swim stage or club experience

• whether they have competed before

• any medical, physical or additional support needs we should be aware of

This information helps us arrange an assessment with the most appropriate coach and squad.

If you're unsure whether Bluefins is the right club for your swimmer, please don't worry. We're always happy to discuss the options before arranging a visit.

Step 2: Booking Your Assessment Session

Once we've identified the most suitable squad to visit, we'll invite your swimmer to attend an assessment session.

Although many people refer to this as a trial, it is not a pass or fail test.

Instead, it gives both your family and our coaches the opportunity to see whether Bluefins is the right environment for your swimmer.

Before the session we'll let you know:

• which pool to attend

• the day and time of the session

• where to meet the coach

• what equipment to bring

• anything else you need to know before arriving

  
  

Our aim is to make your first visit as relaxed and straightforward as possible.

Step 3: What Happens During the Assessment?

Assessment sessions take place within a normal squad training session.

This allows our coaches to see how a swimmer responds in a genuine training environment while also giving the swimmer an opportunity to experience what training at Bluefins is like.

Rather than judging swimmers on speed alone, our coaches consider a wide range of factors, including:

• confidence in the water

• current stroke technique

• body position and coordination

• listening and following instructions

• willingness to learn

• readiness for structured club training

• how comfortably the swimmer works within a group

For swimmers joining from another club, we also consider their previous training experience and how they may best fit within our programme.

Our aim is always to find the environment where each swimmer is most likely to enjoy training, continue improving and develop over the long term.

Parents are welcome to watch from the viewing area where available and are encouraged to ask questions before or after the session.

At the end of the assessment, or shortly afterwards, we'll explain our recommendation and the next steps.

Part 2: Becoming a Bluefins Swimmer continued below.

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Part 2:

Becoming a Bluefins Swimmer

Finding the Right Squad

Following the assessment session, our coaches will recommend the squad that best matches your swimmer's current stage of development.

This recommendation is based on far more than swimming speed.

We consider technical ability, confidence, listening skills, training behaviours, physical maturity where appropriate and how comfortably the swimmer can learn within that training environment.

Our aim is always to place swimmers where they will feel challenged, supported and able to continue developing with confidence.

For some families, this recommendation is exactly what they expected. For others, it may differ from their original thoughts. That is perfectly normal.

A swimmer who is placed in the right environment is far more likely to enjoy their swimming and continue making steady progress than one who is moved too quickly into a squad that does not yet match their current stage of development.

Appropriate placement has always been an important part of the Bluefins coaching philosophy. Progression should happen when a swimmer is ready, not simply because of age or race times.

If you would like to understand how our pathways are structured, you can explore the dedicated pathway guides on our website.

What Happens Next?

Once your assessment has been completed, we'll contact you with our recommendation.

If Bluefins is the right fit for your swimmer, we'll explain:

• the recommended squad

• weekly training sessions

• membership information

• club fees

• how to accept your place

• the date of your first session

If we feel another starting point would better support your swimmer's development, we'll explain our reasoning openly and honestly.

Our priority is always to recommend the environment where your swimmer has the greatest opportunity to develop and enjoy their swimming.

Your First Few Weeks

Starting a new club is a big step for many swimmers.

During the first few weeks, our coaches help new swimmers settle into their squad, become familiar with training routines and get to know their teammates.

Every swimmer adapts at their own pace.

Some settle immediately, while others take a little longer to build confidence. Both experiences are completely normal.

Parents are always welcome to speak with the coaching team if they have questions during those early weeks.

Swimming is a long-term journey and we want every family to feel supported from the very beginning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child have to compete?

No.

Bluefins offers both competitive and non-competitive pathways. Many swimmers simply enjoy improving their swimming, keeping active and being part of a club.

What if my child is nervous?

Feeling nervous before joining a new club is very common.

Our coaches understand this and work hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment that helps new swimmers settle into training.

Can my child join from another swimming club?

Yes.

We regularly welcome swimmers transferring from other clubs. Your assessment helps us understand your swimmer's current experience and recommend the most appropriate squad.

Can teenagers still join?

Absolutely.

Many swimmers begin club swimming later than others. We'll recommend the pathway that best matches their age, experience and goals.

Do adults need an assessment?

Adults interested in Masters Swimming are encouraged to contact us so we can discuss previous experience and recommend the most appropriate training group.

What equipment will my swimmer need?

For most assessment sessions and early training, swimmers should bring:

• swimsuit or jammers

• goggles

• swim hat if normally worn

• towel

• water bottle

As swimmers progress, coaches may recommend additional training equipment appropriate for their squad.

What if my child has a disability or additional needs?

Please let us know before your assessment session.

Understanding your swimmer's individual needs helps us provide the most appropriate support and recommend the best starting environment.

Why Families Choose Bluefins

Families join Bluefins for many different reasons.

Some are looking for structured coaching after swimming lessons.

Some want opportunities to compete.

Others are simply looking for a friendly club where swimming remains enjoyable while children continue improving.

Whatever brings you to Bluefins, our aim is the same.

To provide high-quality coaching within a supportive club where swimmers can develop skills, build confidence, make lasting friendships and enjoy swimming for many years.

Ready to Join Bluefins?

If you're considering Bluefins for your swimmer, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

Our Membership Secretary, Ali, will guide you through each stage of the joining process, answer any questions and arrange an assessment session at a suitable time.

We look forward to welcoming you to the club and helping you take the next step in your swimming journey.

Developing Swimmers.

Developing People.

Written by Spencer Turner - Head of Swimming, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club