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Our Squads
Our Squads
Structured Pathways for Every Swimmer
At Bristol North Swimming Club, we offer a clear and supportive pathway for swimmers to grow and thrive throughout their journey. With seven progressive squads, plus our Diamond Youth (ages 16–18) and Diamond Masters (18+), we ensure that every swimmer—regardless of age or experience—has a place to develop, compete, and enjoy the sport.
Our annual training programme, designed by our Head Coach and wider coaching team, focuses on technical development, fitness, endurance, and competition readiness across all strokes. As swimmers move through the squads, training intensity, frequency, and duration increase to match their evolving goals and capabilities.
Most swimmers join us from Swim Development or externally, entering our Steel squad between the ages of 7 and 10. From there, they progress through to our top group—Platinum. Progress is tracked through individual reports aligned to squad goals, and when those goals are met, swimmers are ready to move up.
As a competitive club, we encourage all squad swimmers to take part in competitions. We understand this can feel daunting, especially for younger members, so we host a range of friendly events throughout the year to ease the transition and build confidence.
Training takes place across several pools in North Bristol, from Sunday to Friday depending on squad. To learn more about our current timetable and pricing, please get in touch—we’d love to welcome you to the club.
Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim
Swimmers join our swim development classes from the term they turn 4. They will progress though two stages – Learn to Swim Beginner and Learn to Swim Improver. In Learn to swim we focus on water confidence as well as basic skills of swimming on your front and your back.
They are taught by our team of level 2 qualified teachers as well supported by our pool helpers in the water.
In swim development, swimmers will work towards stages 1 and 2 of the Swim England Pathway as well as achieve their 5m and10m Distance Awards.
We hold our lessons at Winterbourne Academy on Sunday afternoons. See below for our full timetable and get in touch for our prices.
If you wish to join our swim school, please email learn@bristolnorthsc.org.uk with your name, your swimmers name and date of birth.
Swim Development
Swim Development
Swimmers enter into Swim Development 3 typically when they are 5 or 6, progressing through to Swim Development 1 when they typically reach between 7 and 9 years. When in Swim Development, we start to focus on technique, ensuring swimmers have mastered the basics in all four strokes and turns before they progress to our competitive squads.
They are taught by our team of level 2 qualified teachers as well supported by our pool helpers in the water.
In swim development, swimmers will work towards stages 3 to 5 of the Swim England Pathway as well as achieve their 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m, 25m, 50m and 100m Distance Awards.
We hold our lessons at Winterbourne Academy on Sunday afternoons. See below for our full timetable and get in touch for our prices.
If you wish to join our swim school, please email learn@bristolnorthsc.org.uk with your name, your swimmers name and date of birth.
Steel
Steel
Steel is the first of our 7 competitive swim squads. Steel is designed for swimmers aged 6 to 9 under who are working at National Plan Stages 7 and 8. Swimmers in this squad will continue developing their technique in Freestyle, Backstroke, and Breaststroke, while building confidence in the fundamentals of Butterfly. They will also learn to read and use the pace clock, helping them to swim within the lane effectively and prepare for progression to the next stage. They will also learn to tumble turn and perform a basic competitive dive from the deck.
Copper
Copper
Copper is for swimmers aged 11 and under who are working at National Plan Stages 9 and 10. Swimmers in this squad must demonstrate all four strokes to an efficient standard, along with correct starts and turns in each stroke. They are also expected to perform a competitive dive start from a block. The Copper Squad develops a strong technical foundation and prepares swimmers for progression into higher-level squads and competitive swimming.
Iron
Iron
Iron is for swimmers aged 12 and under who can swim all four strokes efficiently. Swimmers in this squad are also expected to demonstrate correct starts and turns in each stroke, as well as competence in Individual Medley (IM). This squad helps build all-round technical skills to support progression to higher levels of training and competition.
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze is for swimmers aged 9–13 who have achieved County times or are close to County consideration times. This squad is designed for those ready to manage a higher demand in training and beginning to develop the skills needed to work towards regional qualification. Training includes sessions alongside older County swimmers, as well as Regional and Regional Potential squads, ensuring the right balance of challenge and age-appropriate development.
Silver
Silver
Silver is for County and Regional Potential youth swimmers aged 13–14+.Swimmers who can commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week, focusing on continued development without the full intensity of the Platinum Squad (14+ hours per week). Sessions often run alongside Platinum, as well as follow sets tailored to their goals while progressing towards County and Regional success.
Gold
Gold
Gold is aimed at swimmers aged 9–12/13 who are working towards achieving Regional and National qualifying times. Swimmers in this squad will already hold County times. Training is carefully balanced, with sessions alongside older Regional swimmers as well as with County and County Potential squads, ensuring age-appropriate development.
Platinum
Platinum
Platinum is for Regional, National, and Regional Potential youth swimmers, providing a highly focused training environment for those aiming to achieve and perform at the highest levels. With a minimum commitment of 14 hours per week, swimmers in this squad follow demanding training sets designed to push performance while often training alongside Silver Squad to ensure age-appropriate progression and strong team cohesion.
Diamond Youth
Diamond Youth
Our Youth Masters' Squad offers coached sessions to swimmers who are in year 12 and 13, aged 16+
They swim along side our Masters squad and we cater for a wide range of abilities; whether working on basic technique and fitness, improving swimming for triathlon, or swimming to compete in regional, national, and international competition.
Predominantly based in Filton, we train at a number of pools in the north of Bristol over the course of several evenings during the week. Get in touch to find out our current timetable and prices.
Diamond (Masters)
Diamond (Masters)
Our Masters' Squad offers coached sessions to adult swimmers (18+).
We have one of the largest Masters squads in Bristol and cater for a wide range of abilities; whether working on basic technique and fitness, improving swimming for triathlon, or swimming to compete in regional, national, and international competition.
Predominantly based in Filton, we train at a number of pools in the north of Bristol over the course of several evenings during the week. Get in touch to find out our current timetable and prices.
Our Time Table
Our Time Table
Tailored Training Across North Bristol
At Bristol North, we’re proud to operate across three training sites in the North of Bristol—giving us the flexibility to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate coaching to every swimmer in the club.
Each squad follows a carefully structured timetable designed to support their development. From our entry-level Steel squad, with two pool sessions per week, to our elite Platinum squad, which trains up to ten times weekly across pool, land, and classroom-based sessions, every swimmer receives the right balance of challenge and support.
This progressive structure ensures that swimmers build technique, endurance, and confidence at every stage of their journey—while also learning about nutrition, mindset, and injury prevention through our wider athlete support programme.
Our Locations
Our Locations
We use a number of locations within North Bristol to ensure that all our swimmers gain the best our of their training time.
Please click on each of our locations to get directions.
Our Coaching Team
Our Coaching Team
Exceptional Coaching, Rooted in Community
Bristol North is proud to be the only club in Bristol with four Swim England Level 3 coaches on our team. This elite group brings a wealth of experience, technical knowledge, and passion to every squad—ensuring our swimmers receive the highest standard of coaching at every stage of their journey.
Our Level 3 coaches lead a dedicated team of volunteer teachers and coaches drawn from our Masters squad, parents, and the wider swimming community. Many of these volunteers have earned their Level 1 and 2 coaching qualifications through the club, and we continue to invest in their development—offering training opportunities both within and beyond Bristol North.
This blend of professional leadership and grassroots commitment creates a coaching environment that’s both expert-led and deeply personal—helping our swimmers grow in confidence, skill, and performance.
To get in touch with a coach, please email Headcoach@bristolnorthsc.org.uk or complete the form on the Join Us page.
Malcolm - Level 4 Coach
Malcolm is one of the county’s most experienced and respected swimming coaches, and we’re proud to have him as a longstanding member of the Bristol North coaching team. Over the years, he has guided swimmers to the podium at National level on 22 occasions—a testament to his technical expertise, dedication, and ability to inspire peak performance.
From early on, Malcolm recognised that great coaching thrives in a well-run, well-organised club. His commitment to structure and standards has helped shape Bristol North into the supportive, high-performing environment it is today—where coaches can focus on what matters most: helping swimmers succeed.
Petrina - Head Coach - Level 3 Coach
We’re proud to be led by a highly qualified and deeply experienced Head Coach whose passion for swimming and athlete development shines through every session.
Her coaching journey began at Filton Sports Centre and Splash Happy Swim School, where she built strong foundations in teaching and technique. She went on to serve as Lead Coach at Severnside Tritons Swimming Club for many years, before progressing to Deputy Head Coach at Southwold Swimming Club.
Now, we’re fortunate to have her at the helm of Bristol North—bringing her wealth of experience, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to every swimmer and squad. Under her leadership, our coaching team continues to grow, innovate, and inspire.
Rob - Level 3 Coach
Rob has been coaching at Bristol North Swimming Club for around 15 years. He is a Level 3 coach and an Advanced swimming teacher. He is keen to impart his extensive knowledge as a coach, teacher, and competitive swimmer.
Rob began teaching and coaching in the 70s at Weston-super-Mare and subsequently at Southwold Swimming Club, where his father was a founder. He also coached at Thornbury and Severnside Tritons, and as Head Coach at Southwold. During this period, he coached swimmers at County, Regional and National levels including a swimmer who went on to compete in the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Rob began his competitive swimming career with Soundwell Swimming Club and subsequently at several different clubs in the region. He set a Gloucester County record in the 100-metre backstroke Championship, which he won on two occasions. He participated at District and National levels.
He returned to swimming as a Master after a 25-year hiatus, setting three British masters age group records and winning multiple golds in backstroke at British National level.
Rob was ranked 5th worldwide in 2024, and 1st in Europe in 2023 and 2024 in backstroke events.
Rob was the winner of the Dowty 'Sportsman of the Year' multi-sport competition, which required all contestants to participate in sports outside their main experience.
Steph - Level 2 Coach
Steph is one of our Swim England Level 2 coaches and has been a valued member of Bristol North for over a decade. Her coaching journey began as a volunteer assistant, and through commitment and continuous development, she has become a key figure within our senior squads.
As one of our lead coaches at the higher end of the club, Steph also delivers land training sessions—helping swimmers build strength, resilience, and performance both in and out of the pool.
Beyond coaching, Steph is a passionate Masters swimmer who competes regularly throughout the year. Her love for the sport is matched by her adventurous spirit, having completed a Channel relay swim, conquered the full length of Lake Windermere, and finished an Ironman.
Steph brings energy, experience, and inspiration to every session—embodying the values of Bristol North and showing our swimmers what’s possible with dedication and heart.
Chloe - Level 2 - Coach
Chloe has been a valued member of Bristol North for over 15 years, bringing warmth, experience, and consistency to every corner of the club. Her coaching journey began as a volunteer poolside helper, and through hard work and commitment, she earned her Level 1 coaching qualification and Level 2 teaching certification.
Today, Chloe coaches across multiple squads, including our Swim Development and Learn to Swim programmes—helping swimmers of all ages build confidence, technique, and a love for the sport. Her calm presence and deep understanding of swimmer progression make her a trusted figure for both new and experienced members.
In January 2026, Chloe started her level 2 coaching qualification.
Outside of coaching, Chloe is a dedicated Masters swimmer who competes regularly throughout the year. Her continued involvement as both coach and athlete reflects her passion for swimming and her belief in lifelong participation.
Reuben - Level 1 Assistant Coach
Reuben is a Level One Coach and Assistant Coach at Bristol North. He was involved in competitive swimming for over ten years, starting his journey in Bristol before moving on to swim for Plymouth Leander, where he competed internationally with the Swim England team.
His swimming career then took him to Loughborough University, where he trained alongside some of the fastest swimmers in the country, including world-class athletes such as Adam Peaty, Daniel Wiffen, and other international competitors.
Reuben is now excited to share his knowledge and experience to support both the junior and masters squads at Bristol North, helping swimmers develop their skills and bring a competitive edge to the pool.
Julie - Level 1 Coach & Level 2 Teacher
With over 20 years of experience as a Level 2 swimming teacher, Julie is our Swim School Co-ordinator. She leads the Bristol North Learn to Swim programme. Julie is also a swimmer herself, having represented Bristol Central and Gainsborough Masters, as well as her county as a teenager, before returning to the sport in 2019. This lifelong passion was sparked early; at 16, she became the youngest-ever recipient of the Woodcock Shield for her services to swimming.
Today, Julie is a Teacher and Coach within our club. She currently holds a Level 1 Coaching qualification and is advancing toward Level 2. Her expertise extends across the entire pool environment as a certified lifeguard and J1 official.
Louise - Level 2 Teacher & Coach
Louise is currently a level 2 swimming teacher working with our swim school on a Sunday.
Her love for swimming started from a young age and has been a competitive swimmer at Southwold Swimming Club for over ten years where she now swims in masters and has recently made a return to racing.
Louise’s first job was around a pool as a lifeguard and later became qualified as a level 2 swimming teacher. Nearly five years later, she is progressing her knowledge of the sport through gaining coaching experience ready to complete her level 2 coaching qualification.
With a passion for health and fitness, Louise is also currently working towards become a qualified yoga teacher and hopes to work with swimmers outside of the pool to share how yoga has benefited her in and out of the pool.
Michelle- Level 1 Assistant Coach
Michelle began as a parent volunteer on the poolside as her daughter is a swimmer at the club.
In September 2024 she gained her Level 1 Coaching qualification and I support the coaches on a Wednesday predominantly.
She comes from a swimming background. In her teens she regularly competed at a county level.
After taking a rather long break from swimming and returned to the sport in 2020.
Michelle has also completed several triathlons and a marathon in 2021. She likes to keep active!
Coaching enables me to support swimmers through their journey and performance.
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