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EnglishWhat swimming ability does my child need to join Bottisham Swimming Club?
Updated
Your child should be around age 8 or older and have reached roughly Level 7 or 8 in their swimming lessons before starting training with Bottisham Swimming Club (BSC). The club trains young swimmers from about age 8 at that level, with most beginners entering the Academy Squad and progressing through C, B and A squads over several years.
The entry benchmark
BSC states two conditions for new young swimmers:
- Age: from about 8 years old
- Swimming lesson level: around Level 7 or 8
Both matter. A child who is 8 but still at an earlier lesson stage would not yet match the starting point the club describes, and a strong younger swimmer below the age range would also fall outside it.
What happens after the entry level
New starters typically begin in the Academy Squad. From there, swimmers move through C squad, then B, then A squad over a number of years. Many stay with the club until they leave college or go to university.
The A squad is for fully committed swimmers aged roughly 12 to 19 who compete regularly.
Joining directly at B or A squad
If your child is already a competent junior club swimmer, they may be able to join the B or A squads directly, up to age 18 — but only if there is space available. This route is for swimmers who already train and compete at club level, not for those starting out.
Age range and club profile
BSC has about 120 members aged between 8 and 19. It describes itself as a friendly, family-orientated club operating to the north and east of Cambridge, and it expects hard work, commitment and good behaviour in the pool.
Training locations and days
| Location | Days |
|---|---|
| Bottisham Swimming Pool | Wednesdays and Thursdays |
| Impington Sports Centre | Sunday afternoon |
| Impington Sports Centre (A squad) | Monday evening |
How to request a trial
Trials are run for swimmers aged 8 and above, three times a year. To be considered:
- Complete a trial request form on the club website.
- The Membership Secretary or Head Coach will get in touch when a trial space becomes available.
If your child is at Level 7 or 8 and around age 8 or older, submitting a trial request is the practical next step. If they are already a competent junior club swimmer under 18, it is still worth asking about B or A squad places, since availability depends on current squad numbers.