Winchester City Swimming Club hoping to produce Olympians by 2028

Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club has been teaching people across the district to swim since 1901.

The club recently launched its strategy, taking it up to 2026. The CEO is Grant Robbins who previously worked for Swim England as its head of talent with the likes of Adam Peaty and James Guy. 

The swimming club has ambitions to send swimmers to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 

In its new strategy, the club said: “We currently have 1,000 members across our swim programmes, and we also support up to an additional 500 non-members each year through our community aquatics programmes. 

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“Our athlete-centred, coach-led, and member-supported philosophy aims to ensure that all our stakeholders have a safe environment and positive experience to full in love with the water for a lifetime.

“Our fantastic 50 metre facility at Bar End, together with several other venues in the city enable us to work collaboratively with our stakeholders to provide a professional positive experience for all our members.”

By 2026, the club wants to compete in more national and international events. They also want to have more pools and coaches, as well as having an accredited training centre for teachers, mentoring and coaches. 

Mr Robbins said: “With a committed group of athletes, staff and volunteers, Winchester City Swimming Club really wants to put its mark on the sporting landscape by collaborating and supporting exciting opportunities that help make all of our members aspire to realise their sporting ambitions, but also give them skills for life. We passionately believe in our progressive pathway will develop people from learn to swim to Olympic qualification and all the best bits in-between.”

For more details about the club, visit wcpsc.org.uk.