Halesowen swimming club is celebrating its return home to Halesowen Leisure Centre.

The club faced an uncertain future, battling universal national lockdowns of all pools and social gatherings throughout 2020.

They utilised digital platforms, a first for many, to come together to stay fit and socially connected and to support one another through a time of uncertainty, ‘the worst pandemic to affect our country since the 1900s’ with many of swimmers' parents working on the front line including critical care.

Post-pandemic with life resuming to a semblance of normality, the club was told it faced the news their home pool at Halesowen Leisure Centre would close at the end of August 2021 and not reopen until October 2022.

Despite the pool's closure, members of the committee, coaches and parents were committed to ensuring that swimmers still had the best possible opportunities to benefit from their commitment to the sport.

Swimming offers life-saving skills, fitness benefits and social well-being.

It equips children with exceptional life skills to emerge as positive goal-orientated team workers and healthier adults of the future.

The club organised multiple out-of-area pool venues (Aston University, KEGS (write in total), Crystal Leisure centre, Haden Hill and Dudley Leisure centres).

Coaches, swimmers and their parents demonstrated their loyalty and commitment by meeting the daunting challenges of travelling further to enable accessibility for their children. x

Now, with over 300 members, many swimming at the county, regional and national final levels, the club has finally returned home to the newly refurbished leisure centre in Halesowen.

The club celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2023, a prudent opportunity to recognise the resilience of young swimmers and countless volunteers spanning more than half a decade.

Ahead of their celebrations, the club is looking to team up with local businesses keen to offer sponsorship. for more information contact hscsponsorship1963@gmail.com