We look to provide an opportunity and the encouragement needed to enable swimmers to develop and explore the possibilities of competitive swimming.

Being part of the Academy will not guarantee a place in the competitive squad but with our focus being on good technique and stroke development we hope that this will give every swimmer the best opportunity to perform well in the Colchester entry trials.

We realise competitive swimming may not be for every child, so once they are of a good standard and have reached the appropriate age we will offer them the opportunity to apply for a place in either our water polo section or a place in our Academy Teen Training Squad.

The Academy Administration

The Academy Managers
Stephanie Young & Donna Cowan

The Academy Secretary
Julie Firth

Step-by-Step Return VIDEO
(important to view)

Step-by-Step Return Presentation
(important to view)

Day:    Tuesday Session  
Time:  6.45 – 7.45pm
Venue: Garrison

Day:     Wednesday Session
Time:   5.45 – 6.45pm
Venue: Garrison

Day:    Thursday Session (pit)
Time:   5.00 – 6.00pm & 6.00 – 7.00pm
Venue: Leisure World

Day:    Friday Session
Time:  5.30 – 6.30pm & 6.30 – 7.30pm
Venue: Garrison

Day:    Friday Session
Time: 7.30 – 8.30pm
Venue: Leisure World

PAYG CLINICS

Time:  5.00 – 5.45pm & 5.45 – 6.30pm
Venue: Leisure World
£5.00 per session

Day:    Sunday (pit)
Time:  8.00 – 9.00am
Venue: Leisure World
£6.00 per session

Hour classes - £9.25 per class

Annual Membership Fee - £18.00

Please note that in the event of a pool closure out of the control of the Academy, refunds will not be given.

Enrolment into the Academy is by trial only.

Information regarding trial dates can be obtained from the Academy Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If interested in attending, you must contact Julie Firth at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.

The Academy is one of the pathways into our Club's competitive swimming Squad's section. Entry into the Squads Section via the Academy is not guaranteed.

Swimmers who are able to competently demonstrate the entry requirements set by the Head Coach for the Junior Squad may be offered a trial in the Club's Squads section.

Laura Rowe is our Transitions Manager who will assist swimmers and their parents transition into the world of competitive swimming.

The Academy Transition Manager
Laura Rowe

VENUE: GARRISON POOL

Learn 2 Train Development
Wednesday evening 4.00pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday evening 4.30pm - 5.00pm
Friday evening 5.00pm - 6.00pm
Friday evening 6.00pm - 7.00pm

Academy Training Squad
Tuesday evening 6.00pm - 7.00pm

***Friday evening
All hour sessions (except lane 1 which is half an hour)

VENUE: LEISURE WORLD POOL

Academy Stroke, Turn and Dive Clinic (PAYG)
Sunday 8.00am - 9.00am (Pit)

Academy Training Squad
Thursday evening 6pm - 7pm (Pit)
Friday evening 7.30pm - 8.30pm