BASC essentially has two sides to its club; the development side, known as the ‘Thursday Club’ and the competitive side for squad training.

The Thursday Club runs weekly classes between 4.00pm and 6.50pm. Children can start (places permitting) from the age of 5. The initial group is called the ‘Ducklings’ and it is structured to give non-swimmers water confidence through play, games and movement. At an early stage the four competitive strokes are introduced and as the children gain in ability they are promoted through the groups up to stage 5. During these stages swimmers are encouraged to attempt to gain distance awards from 10m upwards.

Once stage 5 is complete the children are introduced to the Personal Challenge Award Scheme. The scheme, endorsed by the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association (SASA), teaches the children personal life saving techniques. Their efforts are rewarded with a certificate; bronze through to gold.

Once at this level swimmers are invited to try out for the competitive side of the club. If they are successful, and again spaces permitting, they are invited to attend 3 one-hour training sessions per week as Beginner Trainers. The basic skills taught during the early stages are now honed as we try and get the best from our swimmers. Trainers are encouraged to attend swimming galas throughout Scotland as they develop further. As a swimmer develops they are invited to move through the groups from Junior, Intermediate, Advanced and finally Senior. Each group offers more training opportunities and lengthens the weekly training time. A Senior swimmer can train up to 8 hrs per week in the pool. For each age group there are 3 grades of swimmer A,B and C depending on their individual times for each stroke.

To complement the pool training, land (gym)
training may also be offered twice per week during the winter months.

Unfortunately SASA ruling does not allow swimmers under the age of 8 to compete in their galas. This really dictates the age at which a swimmer can try out for BASC.

If you have a young child and are interested in giving them the opportunity to learn to swim then you can contact us at the e-mail link below. Or if you are already an experienced swimmer and fancy the challenge of competitive swimming contact us for further details.