Swim Clubs

Competitive swim programs will allow you to benefit from the very best tutoring available, and experience the exhilarating world of competitive swimming. Do you think you have what it takes to become a professional swimmer? Do you dream of swimming for your state, or even for your country? Well, you may not turn into an Olympic swimmer overnight, but if you have your sights set firmly on winning that gold medal, swim club is a very good place to start.

Who Can Join?

Different swim clubs have different rules regarding membership. While some clubs will take on new swimmers, with the aim of training them to professional standard, others will want to see some evidence of your talent before admitting you to their ranks. That will probably mean going along to a try-out, at which you'll be put through your moves and formally assessed. Don't worry if you're not the best swimmer in the world. Coaches are looking for swimmers with potential, not necessarily people who are already excellent swimmers.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of joining a swim club will vary from club to club. If you're a high school or college student, your school may have a swim club you can join for free. If not, you can expect to pay a weekly, monthly, or annual fee to attend professional club.

We Want You on Our Team!

We Want You on Our Team is a campaign run by USA Swimming, the national governing body for competitive swimming. The campaign is designed to encourage young people to participate in swim clubs, and to promote the many health benefits of swimming.

Run in conjunction with Discovery Communications, the campaign encourages swim teams to promote themselves by running events and competitions in their areas. You can read more about the initiative, and download a registration form, at the official We Want You On Our Team website

Choosing a Swim Club

With so many swim clubs to choose from, it's important to make sure you join a club that's right for you. Many clubs hold open days and events designed to allow the general public to find out more about them, and going along to one of these is a good way to check out the club before joining.

If there aren't any scheduled events in your area, a quick phone call to the club you're interested in will normally be enough to get you an appointment to view. Just explain that you're thinking about joining, and a member of the staff will usually be happy to show you around and let you see what they have to offer.

When you visit the club, you'll obviously want to check out the facilities and chat with the staff about the type of training they offer. It's also a good idea to observe a swim club meeting if you can, so that you can decide for yourself whether the club seems like a place you’d fit in.

If you're not sure where to start looking for a club, visit the Club Swim website. It contains a searchable directory of clubs and you can search by activity to make sure you find a club that's suitable. Search for clubs offering synchronised swimming, diving and water polo as well as traditional swimming lessons.

What to Wear to Swim Club

In most cases, a traditional one piece or pair of trunks will suffice, although some clubs may also require you to wear a swim cap. Check with your club to make sure you turn up with the appropriate clothes for your session.