Brian DeVal

Swim England has said the decision to close pools in the new tier four areas is ‘heartbreaking but understandable’ – and called for them to be allowed to reopen as soon as restrictions can be eased. Prime Minister Boris Johnson this afternoon announced a new strict set of measures following a surge in cases after … Read more

A new £100 million National Leisure Recovery Fund will be a ‘shot in the arm’ for swimming pools across the country and help safeguard the long-term future of ‘cherished’ facilities. The National Leisure Recovery Fund was announced by Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, at the end of October and … Read more

Nicola Latty, the chairperson of the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group, reflects on a challenging year for Masters swimmers and looks ahead to moving forward again in 2021. Masters swimmers have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity to keep fit during 2020. From weird and wonderful online fitness classes, to swimming using tethers and venturing into open water, … Read more

Swim England President Ian Mackenzie is to stay in the role for a further 12 months until May 2022. With the majority of Swim England events being cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, Ian has been unable to carry out the usual duties associated with being President. Therefore the Swim England regions, who … Read more

British Swimming has announced that the British Swimming Championships will be held at the London Aquatics Centre in 2021. The competition was due to take place between 14–19 April this year but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now take place a year later, from 13–18 April 2021. The event will feature … Read more

Aquatics clubs could win £5,000 in a nationwide competition to help raise awareness of the massive social value of sports clubs and organisations. Charity Made By Sport is offering the financial incentive as part of its #ClubsInCrisis initiative which aims to highlight the importance of clubs and their need for critical funding. Research carried out … Read more

The Prime Minister’s latest coronavirus announcement was certainly inevitable… the impact of the statement nevertheless another huge blow to our sports, clubs, members, coaches and teachers. When Boris Johnson announced leisure facilities would shut once again as part of a month-long lockdown to help slow the spread of coronavirus, my overriding emotion was one of … Read more

Masters swimmers are being asked to put forward their views on what format the British Masters Championship should take in 2021. With coronavirus restrictions still covering large parts of the country, the Home Countries Masters Swimming Management Group has taken the ‘difficult decision’ that a ‘normal’ British Masters Championship will not be possible next year. … Read more

Clubs can receive top tips on the best ways to boost their coffers through fundraising campaigns at online Swim England seminars. The recognised national governing body’s Head of Fundraising Michael Mogan will be leading two sessions in November which will detail the best ways to create a plan to help raise money. It comes as … Read more

Swim England has created a five-point roadmap outlining a ‘safe and effective’ route to returning to swimming competitions. The recognised national governing body has confirmed it is currently at stage three of the pathway following the launch of Level X Racing. Dates for advancing to stages four and five have yet to be confirmed but the next … Read more