About Us
Kingston Royals Swimming Club is
the only competitive swimming club in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
and, is consistently in the top three swimming clubs in the County of Surrey.
It is certainly one of the biggest swimming clubs in the County.
Formed in 1980 from the
amalgamation of Surrey Ladies and Kingston Swimming Clubs, Kingston Royals
Swimming Club (KRSC) provides both recreational and competitive swimming for
approximately 220 competition swimmers who have attained the necessary standard
to gain entry into the Club. Pool time is provided at the
Kingfisher
pool, Kingston and the
Malden
Centre, New Malden and several other out-of-Borough pools.
An
additional 210 “Cadets” are provided with a high quality structured swimming
tuition programme to enable approximately 40 (8/9 year olds) to join KRSC as
ordinary members each year.
Commitment to training at least three times per week
ensures that a sound disciplined attitude to swimming (with obvious benefits for
personal enhancement outside the Club) is the culture within the membership from
the youngest age.
The Club actively ensures that all swimmers compete in both club and
inter-club galas, and (for those who achieve the relevant standard) County,
Regional and National competitions.
There
is a strong Masters section (age 25+) with a number of National and even World
champions.
Training is provided for up to 20 Triathlete competitors and
the Club also supports a Water Polo team made up of 25 regular players.
Club Structure
The focus of the Club is on competitive swimming for which the members are
expected to train hard. Entry into the Club is based on a number of criteria
including (but not exclusively) performance, commitment, aptitude, attitude and
style. Progress is made through the Club via the Tadpole, Development,
Junior, Triple 'A' and National Squads.
A Club Squad exists for those older
swimmers who wish to maintain membership with reduced commitment.
Professional coaching is
provided to the exacting standards of the Club’s Coach – John Wright –
assisted by the Assistant Coach. Other Club
teachers act in a supporting role to ensure that there are usually two qualified
KRSC staff for each training session.
Club night on Friday at the
Malden
Centre, New Malden provides a focal point for the week’s training and
activity with most Squads swimming during the evening (5.00pm to 10.00pm). The Club Coach is
available to discuss swimming concerns with parents and there are always
Committee Members present for further advice or guidance.
KRSC is managed by an active
Committee structure composed mainly of dedicated parents of (past and/or
present) swimmers. All positions are honorary and the Executive Committee
meets at least eight times a year to receive reports from the Finance,
Competition, Membership and Social Committees. There are no paid administrators
within the Club and the voluntary support provided by the parents is by
necessity very strong. There are a minimum of 30 parents who serve on the
various committees (see Who’s Who) together with an additional 20 parents who
regularly serve as officials at galas/competitions.
The training and competition
year for the Club coincides with the academic year whilst the financial year
runs with the calendar year.
The Annual General Meeting of the Club is
held in February of each year.
