^{Club History of Cinderford and Lydney Swimming Clubs}

Cinderford & District Swimming Club

was founded in 1977 and initially catered for non-swimmers as well as competitive swimmers, adding a dedicated Masters section in 2004 and operated from the site at Cinderford now Freedom Leisure, Cinderford (formerly called Double View Swimming Pool, then Heywood Sports Centre).  It was run entirely by volunteers: made up of qualified coaches and teachers who ran the training programme, dedicated parents and others who helped to make it such a success– with everyone on a voluntary basis.  Pam James has been Head Coach since 2004 until her retirement in September 2024 assisted throughout by Jayne Wallace.

In recognition of the high standard of governance and effectiveness of the club, it was awarded SwimMark accreditation – Swim England’s quality standard for swimming clubs, which it has held since 2005.

Lydney Swimming Club

was founded in 2000 by Julie Shepherd just after the pool at Whitecross Leisure Centre was opened, now Freedom Leisure, Lydney.  Again the Club relied heavily on volunteers and only paid coaches and poolside staff with everyone else volunteering their time freely for the promotion of the Club and swimming.  In later times, Lydney also included Masters and Open Water swimmers.

Forest of Dean Swimming Club

Cinderford and Lydney Swimming Clubs are combining in October 2024 to create the Forest of Dean Swimming Club, the Head Coach for this single Club is Craig Skinner.

The new Club is affiliated to Gloucester County Association, Swim England South West and Swim England: www.swimming.org/swimengland (the national governing body for swimming clubs in England).

Our aims

Our aim is to ensure that swimmers learn and develop good stroke technique, improve their speed, their self-confidence and meet many friends of differing ages.  Comprising of over 115 swimmers, the Club competes at all levels from novice galas to National competitions. Training sessions are held four times a week at Freedom Leisure, Causeway Road, Cinderford and 3 times a week at Freedom Leisure, Church Road, Lydney.  Across the groups there are graded ability sessions for all swimmers who are given the opportunity to progress through the club to achieve their maximum potential.  Success is not only measured by such tangibles as awards, it’s also by individual improvement, self-esteem and individual and team goals achieved.

Learn to Swim

We use the Swim England Learn to Swim programme (Stages 5 and above) for teaching swimming. This is a continuation of the Learn to Swim programme used in local swimming pools. Swim England awards are available at each stage, either a Certificate and/or Badge and the more advanced Aquatic Skills Framework (stage 8, 9 & 10) which prepares swimmers for competitive swimming.

The Club has also adopted the New Swim England Club Awards, aimed specifically for swimming clubs and early competitive swimmers. The Awards will include education in using a pace clock, hydration, nutrition, and setting goals, as well as stroke technique and swimming skills.

Our club is committed to improving the ability and development of all our swimmers, to get them ready to compete.

Competitive Squad

Forest of Dean Swimming Club is a competitive swimming club.  Our swimmers are encouraged to enter friendly galas as soon as they are able.  Competitions provide a great deal of fun and enjoyment and are keenly anticipated by the swimmers. By the time they reach the Competition and Performance Squads, swimmers are expected to take part in galas, open meets, Counties, Regional and National Competitions (if they have achieved the required times).