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 Kimberley Swimming Club (KSC), a base club where swimming is about enjoyment, personal growth, and community, alongside opportunities to represent the club in galas and competitions.
Club Purpose & Philosophy
At Kimberley Swimming Club, the focus is on helping every swimmer reach their full potential in a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment. The club emphasises high-quality teaching for swimmers of all ages, supporting skill development without undue pressure. The culture prioritises fun, support, and injury-free training, while promoting team spirit, mutual support, and community.
KSC is committed to equal treatment for all members regardless of age, ability, or background. While the club fosters enjoyment and personal development, it also provides opportunities for swimmers to participate in inter-club galas, Nottinghamshire leagues, County Galas, and Midland District Competitions.
Importantly, Kimberley SC supports the county swim squad and Nova Centurion, providing pathways for athletes to progress while remaining connected to the club’s strong community foundations. This ensures swimmers can reach their full potential while benefiting from Kimberley’s supportive and inclusive environment.
Training Across Nottinghamshire
Accessibility and variety in training locations are key. KSC holds sessions across four venues in North Nottinghamshire:
- Ken Martin Pool, Bulwell
- William Gregg Leisure Centre, Heanor
- Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Bilborough
- Victoria Leisure Centre, Ilkeston
Training takes place every day of the week except Tuesdays, giving swimmers flexible access to structured coaching.
A Close-Knit, Diverse Community
Kimberley Swimming Club has 200 registered members, including:
- 100 train members
- 55 compete members
- 45 support volunteers
Members range in age from 6 to 20 years, with four adult swimmers over 21. The club includes 88 male and 125 female members, fostering a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all.
A Legacy Built on Community
Founded in 1977, KSC has operated continuously as a volunteer-led, community-based swimming club. Originally focused on teaching local children to swim, the club has grown into a respected development and competitive club, maintaining a strong community identity throughout decades of change.
Following changes in 2017 and 2024 including the council’s management of beginner swimming lessons and the closure of Kimberley Leisure Centre pool KSC adapted by focusing on:
- Skill improvement for swimmers confident in deep water
- Competitive pathway development for swimmers at Level 5+
Partnerships with Liberty Leisure and a talent identification programme have supported smooth progression from swimming lessons into club training, helping maintain numbers while staying true to the club’s values.
Personal Development in Action
KSC supports structured training across ages and abilities, helping swimmers gain confidence, resilience, and self-belief through regular participation in galas, leagues, and championships. Swimmers learn to handle success and disappointment, develop teamwork skills, and build friendships that extend beyond the pool.
Teamwork and shared responsibility are central to KSC’s ethos, reinforced through:
- Relay events requiring trust and coordination
- Club-wide training sessions spanning multiple squads
- Shared goals at galas and competitions
The club also encourages community involvement through sponsorship of school swimming galas, participation in remembrance parades, sponsored swims, and family-friendly social events like the annual Christmas ‘elf’ bowling event.
Club Culture & Traditions
Members describe Kimberley Swimming Club as supportive, inclusive, and welcoming. New members often find the club like joining a new community, once integrated, they experience strong friendships and a sense of belonging.
Key club traditions include:
- Novice Gala – offering beginner swimmers a relaxed competitive experience
- Club Championships & Presentation Evenings – celebrating achievement, improvement, and commitment, often with a themed fancy-dress element
- Club Captains – elected annually by swimmers, with winners presented at the Presentation Evening
- Pink & Yellow T-shirt Races – celebrating measurable achievements in speed and distance, with a fun, social focus
- Annual Christmas ‘Elf’ Bowling – inclusive family event with games and buffet
These traditions reinforce KSC’s family-friendly, inclusive culture, blending personal development, celebration, and community spirit.
Supporting Volunteers and Coaches
KSC invests in volunteer and coach development through structured support aligned with Swim England standards. This includes:
- Funded teaching qualifications for members and volunteers aged 16+
- Swim England Aquatics Coach Mentoring Programme for coach development
- Coaching pathways via the Institute of Swimming (Assistant Coach, Swimming Coach, Senior Coach)
- Teaching and poolside helper qualifications
- Safeguarding, welfare, and CPD training
- Governance workshops for committee members and volunteers
Informal mentoring occurs naturally within the club structure, supporting new coaches, helpers, officials, and committee members to develop confidence, leadership, and governance skills.
Recognised Excellence
In 2024, Kimberley Swimming Club was named East Midlands Swimming Club of the Year at the Swim England Regional Awards. The recognition highlighted:
- Recovery and growth following operational challenges
- Strong governance and volunteer commitment
- An inclusive, family-friendly culture alongside competitive achievement
This award reflects the club’s sustained positive impact on members and the wider community.
Joining the Club
Kimberley Swimming Club focuses on swimmers who already have basic water confidence and want to improve technique or compete.
New swimmers normally start with a trial session, which allows coaches to assess ability and place the swimmer in an appropriate squad.
For trial enquiries:
- Alan (Club Chair / Trial Enquiries): 07929 575199
This is the recommended first step for joining and becoming part of the Kimberley SC community.
