Reading Swimming Club, established in 1885, is one of the oldest clubs in the country. It is a large and progressive club involving eight training and development squads (with around 300 members), a thriving Masters squad, a strong water polo section and a large teaching programme. The club's headquarters are at Central Pool, Battle Street, Reading (off Oxford Road, just west of the town centre) and a number of other venues in and around Reading are currently used for training and teaching.
In the last 25 years, under successive chief coaches, the club has enjoyed many successes including qualifying for the National Speedo Inter-League Cup Final 14 times. There is also a long tradition of national team selection from Reading swimmers, with British Olympian, world championship team member and UK record-holder Rebecca Cooke a current member and Scottish record-holder and world championship team member Ian Edmond having spent his formative years at the club. The club enjoyed a particularly strong record in distance swimming during Stephen Hill's time as chief coach from 1995-2001.
To provide a development programme which will encourage the mass of competitive swimmers, whatever their levels of ability and achievement, to derive benefit and enjoyment from swimming.
There is a place for everyone within the squad structure of the club, if there is a willingness to commit oneself to the training requirements.
Pursuit of excellence
Highest level of commitment to training
Fun
Social
Achievement of personal potential
Fitness
Learn to swim
Character building
--------------------------