Club Purpose & Philosophy 

Welcome to our “Base Clubs in the Spotlight” series, celebrating the unique culture, community impact, and personal development stories that make each club truly special. Today, we shine a light on Nottingham Northern Swimming Club (NNSC), a base club where swimming is more than a sport; it’s a pathway to confidence, friendship, and belonging. 

At NNSC, people come first. The club’s mission is simple yet powerful: to give swimmers from every background the chance to enjoy the water in a safe, welcoming environment at an affordable cost. Every member is part of a community that values character as much as capability. 

Swimming here isn’t just about strokes and laps, it’s about building resilience, fostering friendships, and creating a sense of belonging. The lessons learned in the pool, teamwork, confidence, and perseverance, extend far beyond the water. 

Training Across Nottinghamshire 

Accessibility is key. NNSC proudly holds sessions at multiple venues across Nottinghamshire, including: 

• Harvey Hadden Sports Village 

• Ken Martin Leisure Centre 

• Nottingham High School 

By operating across several locations, the club ensures families can easily access training while providing swimmers with comfortable, supportive spaces to grow. 

A Close-Knit, Diverse Community 

With around 80 members, NNSC strikes the perfect balance between structured training and a personal, welcoming environment. The club operates four main squads for ages 7–16: 

• Teaching Group 

• Development Squad 

• County Development 

• County Performance 

For older swimmers, the Casual Squad includes former competitive swimmers and university students, ensuring lifelong connections to the sport. NNSC also proudly serves as a feeder program for the county swim squad, helping talented swimmers progress while keeping the focus on growth, community, and personal development. 

The club is highly diverse, welcoming members from various ethnic backgrounds, and inclusion and belonging are at the heart of everything NNSC does. 

A Legacy Over a Century in the Making 

Founded in 1908, NNSC is Nottingham’s oldest swimming club and one of the oldest in Britain. From the very beginning, the club aimed to: 

• Develop swimming skills and stamina 

• Instil strong values and a code of behaviour 

• Promote a family-friendly atmosphere for all generations 

• Operate through volunteer-led excellence 

Over 115 years later, NNSC continues to thrive on volunteer support, demonstrating the strength and commitment of its community. 

Personal Development in Action 

NNSC doesn’t just nurture swimmers, it nurtures leaders. Take Marcus Tse, Club Captain and Duke of Edinburgh Award participant. Originally from Hong Kong, Marcus helps teach younger swimmers, translates when needed, and guides new members to feel at home. Through this experience, he has developed confidence, leadership skills, and a lasting connection to the club that he will carry with him to university in Hong Kong. 

Across all squads, swimmers gain far more than technical skills. They build friendships that last a lifetime, learn resilience through challenges, and grow confidence that carries into school, work, and everyday life. Older swimmers have opportunities to mentor, lead sessions, and become role models, a tradition that strengthens the club’s community across generations. 

Club Culture & Traditions 

Members describe NNSC as supportive, welcoming, and friendly. The club thrives on its family-oriented atmosphere, where siblings train together, former swimmers stay involved, and volunteers are celebrated. 

Longstanding traditions foster unity and fun. Presentation evenings celebrate progress and achievements, summer picnics at Wollaton Park bring everyone together for games and laughter, and past participation at Nottingham Pride reflects the club’s commitment to inclusivity. Many coaches started swimming at NNSC as children, illustrating the club’s generational continuity. 

Supporting Volunteers and Coaches 

The club invests in the growth of its volunteers and coaches. NNSC funds training qualifications and provides hands-on mentoring during sessions. By learning alongside experienced coaches, volunteers gain practical experience, confidence, and the tools to inspire the next generation of swimmers. 

More Than Just a Swim Club 

For over a century, Nottingham Northern Swimming Club has been more than a place to train. It’s a community where young people build confidence, families forge lasting friendships, and volunteers give back meaningfully. NNSC continues to ensure that every swimmer feels supported, valued, and inspired to achieve their potential, both in and out of the pool. 

Joining the Club 

New swimmers can join at any time of the year. To get started: 

• Email headcoachnnsc@gmail.com to arrange a trial session. This allows you to meet the coaching team and try out a session to see which group or lane is best for you. Trials are usually held on Fridays at Harvey Hadden Sports Village.