ACTIVE LOCAL /// Swimming
RUTLAND AND STAMFORD MERCURY
PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL SPORT
Le and below
RUTLAND AND STAMFORD MERCURY
Deepings Swimming Club is the only competitive club locally and has around 150 members aged eight to 65 years old. It also offers training to disabled swimmers
and a number of them could make nationals,” she says. “We also have a lot of young talent coming through, helping to feed the club and keep it flourishing.” Lynn and Martyn are supported by a new assistant coach, Zoe Fisher, while a team of volunteer parents work behind the scenes to ensure the club runs smoothly, tackling everything from fundraising, secretariat and welfare to timekeeping and raffles at swimming meets. “As a small, friendly swimming club, we provide an opportunity for children and adults who have the ability and commitment to fulfil their dreams,” says Martyn. “Support is provided by our experienced club coach and a team of dedicated volunteers all of whom have a passion for swimming.” Also ‘helping out’ is a regular visitor to meets held at Deepings Leisure Centre - club mascot ‘Sydney the Seahorse’, whose appearances always lift the spirits of swimmers and volunteers alike! The Deepings swimming team understands that it takes hard work and dedication to become a top swimmer. The Midlands squad trains for up to 16 hours a week, pushing themselves to the physical limits while covering 20-25 miles. It’s a long way from the early days, when the club could only afford to offer four hours of coaching a week. Swimming offers children and adults of all
capabilities an opportunity to compete but is also a great way to stay fit, according to Lynn, who points to a major advantage over outdoor sports. “Swimming is a great sport for everyone. The counties can be some swimmers’ Olympics, but
once they get the competitive bug they can really take off,” she says. “And, of course, with other sports you are dependent on the weather – in swimming, that really doesn’t matter!”.
HOW TO JOIN Deepings Swimming Club is a small, friendly club that competes, and often wins, against much larger clubs, thanks to the professionalism and dedication of both the swimmers and coaches. In order for the club to continue to grow and compete it is always on the lookout for new members. It is a competitive club, so the training is designed to help develop your skills to enable you to compete in the sport. Younger swimmers usually start off at the
weekends, doing an hour on a Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon, with qualified coaches providing advice and support. As you progress, you move into the competitive squads that train during the week. If you are already in Swim School and have achieved Level 6 or above, you can come along for a free trial. It’s not just younger swimmers they cater for. They also have specific training sessions for adults (Masters), and are a Disability Hub Club for
Lincolnshire. Swimmers compete at all levels, from friendly galas against local clubs, in regional leagues, open meets and at County, Midlands and National level with a squad structure and training designed to help everyone achieve their goals. To arrange a trial, visit the website at www. deepingssc.co.uk and complete the ‘Request a Trial’ form under the ‘About us’ tab. You can also speak to Martyn Reynolds on 01778 344653
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