History

Pontefract Marlins is a competitive swimming club affiliated with Swim England in the North East Region. The club competes regularly, and has swimmers who race at all levels. The club is made up of promising, dedicated, talented athletes and is home to swimmers who represent Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain and Able2 Pontefract Special Olympics.

The club is made up of hard working volunteers who love the sport and are dedicated to developing young athletes.

The club is not just open to swimmers who want to compete, but also those who want to stay fit or just be part of a team.

Marlins encourages participation in a range of aquatic sports, such as open water, biathlon and triathlon.

The Club is originally from Minsthorpe, however due to the old pool closing back in 2013. The club moved to it’s new home in Pontefract and after a few years it was decided it would remain there as the town’s representing club.

Training

We swim up to 4 times a week. Sessions are availble for swimmers of all ages above 5 years old.

The club follow a season training plan that is broken into macrocycles —> mesocycles —> microcycles. This is a rounded training plan that focus on Indivudual Medley (All 4 recognised strokes). Emphasis is put on focusing on all areas of swimming, skills, technique and fitness. We offer seperate sessions for adults and kids and enter competitions for both.

The club breaks up for 2 weeks during summer and 2 weeks during Christmas & New Years.

Racing

We are a very competitive club and take part in around 10 external galas a year, these are liscened ran galas hosted by other swimming clubs at different pools across Yorkshire.

We run 4 internal competitions in a League format, that rewards swimmer’s performances with points each gala that accumilate at the end of the year. These are ran at our own pool that we train at.

Swimmers who achieve qualifying times for counties and regionals are encouraged and fully supported by the club.

Culture

The club puts a big emphasis on the development of swimmers and the environment they are in. We believe swimming plays a massive part in building a healthy lifestyle that improves physical health, mental health, focus/concentration in and out of education, build character, help swimmers build friendships, a sense of team spirit and community.

Community / Club Activities

Marlins look to create and build a sense of community. This is done by creating a positive atmosphere, runnining charity events and helping those in need. Every volunteer, swimmer and parent plays a big part in what the club looks to be and become.