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Swimming
Swimming is available to all abilities at University of Birmingham, whether you are a beginner or an international competitor. From casual swimming, through to high-performance training, there are opportunities for everyone to take part. Discover more about what is on offer below.
Student Club
The University of Birmingham Swimming Club is a friendly club for swimmers of all abilities ranging from first-time competitors and social swimmers to National medallists. Each of our four squads have dedicated session times led by qualified coaches who have experience developing swimmers from club level through to the International stage.
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Ranked top five at the BUCS long course and short course championships, we offer the opportunity to train and compete in a prosperous environment whilst completing your degree. All training sessions
currently take place in our 50m swimming pool within University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness.
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If you are interested in joining, please get in touch with Head Coach, Gary Humpage, and/or the Club Presidents using the contact information below.
Key Contact
Head Coach: Gary Humpage
Committee: [email protected]
Our club consists of approximately 150–200 members and caters for swimmers of all abilities. We have a High Performance squad, which trains for BUCS and National competitions. Competitive squad, for people who are looking to qualify and compete at Nationals throughout the season. Regional Development for swimmers looking to achieve and compete at Regionals (West Midlands Swimming Championship).
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Finally, Fitness, for swimmers wanting to improve their technique, fitness and racing experience. Our club also has a strong social element with squads training alongside each other, organising regular integrated socials and club activities to encourage team spirit and member engagement.
Training Times
- High performance:
- Monday morning, Monday evening, Tuesday morning, Wednesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday evening, Friday morning, Saturday afternoon.
- Competitive:
- Tuesday morning, Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, Thursday evening, Friday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon.
- Development
- Tuesday evening, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon.
- Fitness:
- Wednesday afternoon, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon
High Performance also have two coached S&C sessions a week in the performance gym and Competitive and Development squads have one circuits session a week.
These sessions are subject to change as they are reviewed at the end of each season. Exact times will be confirmed by the club upon registration.
Competition Opportunities
Our swimmers compete throughout the year with exciting individual racing schedules ranging from local Level 3 meets to British Championships, Summer Nationals and international competitions.
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Target meets are carefully planned to suit each squad with ample opportunities to compete at University specific events like BUSL and BUCS short course/long course.
Performance Swimming
The University of Birmingham’s Performance Sport Centre offers
specialised sports science and medicine support to help performance athletes achieve their highest potential. Our dedicated team of experts work closely with individuals to create an integrated training and support plan which benefits from the University’s leading sport science research.
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With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert staff, our performance athletes are supported through additional strength and conditioning sessions plus sports physiology, physiotherapy, psychology
and nutrition support.
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Practitioners work closely with swimming coaches to deliver a holistic, athlete-centred training plan.
Our performance program runs from September through to July
encompassing BUCS Championships, British Championships and Summer Nationals every year.
Swimming Membership for Swim Club Members
Our Sport & Fitness centre offers club members the chance to swim casually whilst at Birmingham.Â
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A swimming membership gives you access to the 50m swimming pool, which is a hub of activity: improving health, fitness and swimming ability in all ages. It has been designed and timetabled to ensure there are always lanes available for members to swim, therefore your swimming membership is never limited.
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Swim membership allows you access to the pool with a variety of sessions to cater for all. Your membership also includes use of the steam room and sauna to relax pre- or post- swim.
Inclusion, Accessibility and Disability Practices
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Our club actively welcomes individuals of all skill levels, offering multiple squad tiers to ensure accessibility and equal opportunity. We also align with Swim England’s inclusivity standards by encouraging all squads, regardless of ability, to compete in events such as BUSL, Club Champs and Master’s meets.
Fundraising initiatives- including swimming marathons- engage all squad levels while supporting charitable causes.
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Our club also prioritises inclusivity in social settings, organising sober
events and ensuring that sports nights accommodate non-drinkers by providing soft drinks.
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Our current Inclusion Secretary email provides members with a
confidential channel to raise concerns or queries- ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.
The University of Birmingham Swimming Club is managed by an elected student committee, supported by coaches.
Membership Price
As part of signing up to a Sports Club you are agreeing to the Sport and Fitness Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, Sports Club Code of Conduct and other UB Sport policies. Click here to head to Sports Club Benefits to read them.
Memberships are priced for the whole year (but do not have to be paid in one installment) and ensure all sessions are fully covered by one of our coaches.
High Performance: £750
Competitive: £720
Development: £400
Fitness: £288
Membership prices are subject to change and dependent on training hours.
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£605 High Performance membership
*This is an approximate list of what the club membership may include. This can change at any point, so please confirm with the club directly on what this membership includes.