Who We Are

Club Background: 

'The Kingfishers Swimming Club'

The Club is affiliated to the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) and during 2009 the club achieved Swim 21 accreditation which is the ASA's mark of quality.

Swim 21 has been subsequently replaced by Swimmark Accreditation which the club still holds.

We provide a friendly, positive and encouraging environment for our members to achieve their goals.

Our current membership stands at 100.

For the rules of Armthorpe swimming club click the button below:

To view the recent successes of Club swimmers click the button below:

To view a collection of scrapbook photos from our members click the button below:

History of Armthorpe Swimming Club

The Club was formed in 1976 by George and Betty Griffiths, J.Loydd and Pete Dinsdale, shortly after the opening of the then new Armthorpe Leisure Centre. Our first President was Harry Schofield who was an ex mayor of Doncaster. He remained as our President until his death in 2004.

The Club Committee at the time was Secretary Helen Caswell; Treasurer Pam Mercer and 'Money Collector' Marjory Dinsdale.

Peter Dinsdale was one of the first to introduce D.A.R.T.E.S.

Over the years the club has grown in strength and has always been one of the top competitive clubs in Doncaster, having produced 13 National Age Group Champions and many individual finalists in addition too many Yorkshire Champions.

The Kingfisher logo was chosen by the swimmers who were asked to put logos forward and 'Kingfisher' won.

George Griffiths was Chief coach aided by his wife Betty.

Malcolm Foy organised the buying of equipment for the newly founded club.

A.S.C. were the first in Doncaster to buy their own lane ropes with the help of members fundraising. 

Harry Schofield proved to be an excellent liaison person with the Council.

Harry Schofield presenting medals at the Schofield Championships

The club has two branches: Once swimmers have achieved Stage 7 of the NPTS which must now be achieved through the DCLT (Leisure Centre teaching lessons) they have the option to progress to our 'Rookie Lifeguard/Survive & Save' or Competitive section. 

For Rookies and Survive & Save we follow the programmes developed by the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) UK who are the leading provider for Water Safety education, rescue techniques and resuscitation. Rookie has been developed in conjunction with the Amateur Swimming Association to compliment the National Plan for Teaching Swimming. 


The Competitive section has always been one of the most successful in the area, challenging for top spot in several leagues and championships each year. 

We have three squads - A B and C. 

Our swimmers range from 6 years old to 18 years of age.

The People Behind the Scenes

Assistant Coaches and Support Staff

The club is built upon the work of all the volunteers who give up their time. No one gets paid but every member of the poolside team either has or is working towards ASA qualifications in teaching or coaching swimming.

The support staff and parents are vital cogs behind the scenes undertaking many tasks - the Chairman, Secretary, Team Managers, Lifeguards, Treasurer, Events Secretary, Welfare Officer, Swim Mark Officer, Membership Secretary.

We are fortunate to have a great team of qualified and experienced coaches, teachers and poolside helpers.

Officers

President: Derek Fretwell

Chair: Pete Hardy

Vice Chair: Helena Honeybone

Treasurer: Michele Stilborn

Secretary: Maureen Hardy 

Open Meet Secretary: Paul Whiteley 

Equipment Secretary: Claire Burkill 

Welfare Officer: Mary Firth 

Head Coach Lifesaving: Ian Fillingham:

Chief Coach & Swim Mark Officer: 

Kevin Frost: 

Thank you for all your efforts!

Everyone is an integral part of the club and we are thoroughly grateful for the help and time gifted by so many hardworking individuals. 

Club President

To act as a figurehead both within and outside of the club. The club president is an honorary role supporting the work of the Club and presenting a public face of the club at all times.

Club Chairperson

The club chairperson is the principal officer for the club and is elected by the club members.

Vice Chairperson

The Vice Chairperson works closely with club chair supporting them to undertake the leadership and governance responsibilities of the club. Generally speaking, the Vice Chairperson will look to step into the role of Club Chairperson when the chairperson is unavailable.

Club Treasurer

The Treasurer of the club is responsible for producing and managing the club’s accounts and finances and will oversee all income and expenditure for the club.

Club Secretary

The Club Secretary is key to the smooth running of the club. They provide a main point of contact for administration, information and communication.

SwimMark Coordinator

The SwimMark Coordinator is the key point of contact for SwimMark, Swim England’s recognised kite-mark for the development of effective, ethical and sustainable clubs.

Equipment Officer

The Equipment Officer provides a central point of contact for all kit and equipment queries and takes the lead on developing the best value for parents.

Club Welfare Officer

This role is essential in providing a first point of contact for children, parents and adults within the club who have a child safeguarding or welfare concern.

Team Manager

The Team Manager ensures team cohesion at aquatic events and competitions.  This may include the organisation of the logistics where the competition is at a different venue.

Poolside Helpers

Our Training Venue

Check out the home of 'The Kingfishers Swimming Club'

Unfortunately DCLT the pool operators will not allow us to hold any swimming competitions at Armthorpe so we usually use Adwick Leisure centre for our league Gala and home Championship