Market Drayton Swimming Club is celebrating a record-breaking performance at the West Midlands Summer Championships, highlighting the strength of swimming talent being nurtured in the town.
Held over five days at the prestigious Sandwell Aquatics Centre, the championships brought together some of the region’s most talented swimmers. Market Drayton Swimming Club achieved its best-ever representation at the event, with 16 swimmers qualifying for 89 events – a significant increase on last year’s 12 swimmers competing in 55 events.
Across the competition, the team entered 71 races, with an impressive 40 finishes inside the top ten. The swimmers returned home with an outstanding medal haul of nine medals, including one gold, two silver and six bronze.
All competitors earned their places by achieving qualifying times at previous galas, demonstrating the commitment and hard work required to reach regional level.
Head Coach Luke Harris praised the team’s achievements.
“We’re immensely proud of our swimmers’ performances at the West Midlands Summer Championships.
“Our swimmers displayed high class in their attitude, technical ability and race speed. They produced a fantastic set of results credited to their hard work, and the dedication of the support network around them. We run a small programme, and taking 16 swimmers to the competition and delivering an excellent set of performances highlights the talent our programme has to offer.”
The success story continues with two club members progressing to national competition. Ava Highfield, aged 14, has qualified for both the British and English National Championships, while Paige Simpson, aged 15, has qualified for the English National Championships. Both swimmers will compete this July at the renowned Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield against some of the country’s best young athletes.
A Fantastic Community Asset
The achievements of Market Drayton Swimming Club also shine a spotlight on one of the town’s most valuable community facilities – Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre.
The pool is not only home to the swimming club but is also open throughout the week for public swimming sessions, family fun swims, fitness activities and swimming lessons. Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, introduce children to swimming, train for an event or simply enjoy time in the water, the facility offers something for all ages and abilities.
For visitors exploring Market Drayton, the swimming pool provides another excellent reason to spend time in the town, complementing the area’s attractions, independent shops, cafés and beautiful countryside. For residents, it remains an important local resource that supports health, wellbeing and opportunities for young people to develop sporting skills.
The success of swimmers at regional and national level demonstrates the positive impact that local facilities can have when supported by dedicated coaches, volunteers and families.
Fundraising for New Starting Blocks
Market Drayton Swimming Club is now fundraising to replace six competitive diving blocks used by the team. The current blocks have been in use since the early 1990s and are now in need of replacement.
Businesses and individuals interested in supporting the club’s fundraising efforts are invited to get in touch via:
Email: mdscsecretary@hotmail.com
Join the Club
Market Drayton Swimming Club welcomes new members from ASA Stage 7 onwards. Prospective swimmers can take part in an initial assessment followed by three free trial sessions.
The club currently has two spaces available and is keen to hear from young swimmers looking to develop their skills, compete and become part of a successful and supportive team.
With regional medals, national qualifiers and a thriving local programme, the future looks bright for swimming in Market Drayton.
