HOW TO JOIN BASINGSTOKE BLUEFINS SWIMMING CLUB 💙

September 2025

💙 Thank you for your interest in joining Basingstoke Bluefins! We’re delighted that you’re considering becoming part of our team.

Whether you’re a child progressing from swimming lessons, a teenager ready to step into competitive training, or an adult keen to swim with a supportive Masters community, there’s a place for you at Bluefins.

Step 1: Book a Trial

We regularly hold trial sessions for swimmers of all ages and abilities. At the trial, our experienced coaching team will assess your strokes, skills, and confidence in the water. Don’t worry—it’s not a test. The aim is simply to find the squad that best matches your age, ability, and goals.

The 2024/2025 season was phenomenal, and it proved to be our busiest trialling period yet — with multiple weekly trial sessions running from September right through to July!

✅ For younger swimmers — this might mean starting in our Skills Academy.

✅ For swimmers who want to swim for fitness rather than competition — we offer a dedicated Club Pathway.

✅ For competitive swimmers — placement may be in one of our Competitive Development, County Development, or Performance pathways.

✅ For adults — we run a thriving Masters programme, welcoming everyone from “back to the pool” swimmers to national champions.

At this stage, you’ll get to meet our amazing Ali. You’ll soon discover why she’s the engine of our admin team. No questions are silly questions — she’s had her own kids’ journey through the club, and her experience is second to none.

Step 2: Placement in the Right Squad

Following your trial, we’ll recommend the most suitable squad for you or your child. Each of our squads has a clear focus:

• Skills Academy (Children 7+) — for swimmers who have completed Swim England Stage 6 or higher (or similar). Progression from Learn to Swim, refining core fundamental skills such as push off, streamline, dolphin kick, and breathing timing. Building strong technique, learning new drills, and becoming familiar with the coaching environment.

• Club Pathway (Teenagers 10–17) — we understand not every swimmer wants to compete. Bluefins strive to offer alternative routes for swimmers who just want to swim better, gain fitness, and create good habits for a lifelong love of the sport.

• Competitive Development Pathway (Children 8+) — bridging into structured training, these are the early steps into competitive swimming, developing all four strokes, racing skills, and training habits. This is where swimmers put those skills to the test with regular racing. Great attendance is key for progress.

• County Development Pathway (Children 10+) — structured training, honing advanced skills, with 100% attendance critical for progression. Focused on achieving County times and refining skills for higher-level competition.

• Performance Pathway (committed swimmers) — for those aiming for success at County, Regional, and National level, with high training expectations and a clear focus on performance.

• Masters (18+) — for all abilities, from fitness swimmers to national medalists. Whether you’re returning to the pool or pushing toward high-level Masters competition, it’s all wrapped up in a welcoming, social environment.

  
  

Step 3: Start Your Bluefins Journey

Once placed in a squad, Ali will guide you through the next steps. You’ll receive everything you need to get started, including:

• Training schedules and locations

• Membership and fee information

• Guidance on kit and equipment

• Competition details and calendar highlights

  
  

More Than Just Swimming

Bluefins isn’t only about training — it’s about being part of a community:

• Friendships and team spirit that last a lifetime

• Learning discipline, resilience, and self-motivation

• Team competitions, galas, and social events that bring the whole club together

  
  

Ready to Take the Plunge?

👉 You’re one click away from an unforgettable aquatic future… contact our amazing Ali and book your trial today.

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

🐬 Join the Bluefins Family — Where Potential Becomes Performance.

💙 Discover Bluefins

At Bluefins, we’re proud to celebrate every swimmer’s pathway — from the youngest in our Skills Academy to our performance squads chasing big goals. ✨ Come and see what makes our club special: exceptional quality coaching, community spirit, pathways of progression, and performance success stories. 🚀 Contact our amazing Ali to discuss pathways and arrange a trial - Find out more at bbfsc.org - Your journey starts here.