Staines Swimming Club are proud to be a recognised SwimMark club and a founder member of a recognised SwimMark club network - the 'four counties network'. We were re-accredited as a SwimMark Club in September 2021 with a new two year accreditation. We have now had SwimMark accreditation for seven consecutive years.
SwimMark (formerly Swim21) accreditation is Swim England's recognised kitemark for the development of effective, ethical and sustainable affiliated clubs.
The opportunity to gain SwimMark accreditation is available to all clubs, across any aquatic discipline (including Masters), regardless of size and activity delivered. SwimMark is about creating the best possible swimming experience for all and raising the quality of aquatics provision across all areas.
SwimMark club also offers national recognition that clubs are providing a quality service for all members, which is recognised by Sport England i.e. all clubs gaining accreditation will automatically receive Clubmark status. Clubmark is widely recognised by potential funders, schools and other partners that can assist with club growth and development.
In May 2017, SwimMark changed to a three module system for recognising quality in aquatic clubs:-
SwimMark Club Essential is a key module which will support clubs to grow membership, develop volunteers and ensure the sustainability of activity in line with the objective of the club
SwimMark Club Network is the second of the three modules to be launched. The aim is to quality assure clubs who work collaboratively to deliver the athlete pathway in their area, and ensure that athletes meet their potential and are retained in the sport. It will assist in identifying gaps in provision and opportunities available for clubs to increase and sustain membership. Each club in the network will be valued for their role. It is agreed between accredited clubs to work towards the following objectives:
To retain and increase Swim England club members
To retain and increase volunteers, teachers, coaches and officials
To raise the standards of performance across appropriate aquatic disciplines
To access SwimMark club Network, your club will need to:
Identify other clubs to form a network with
Ensure all clubs in the network are Swim England affiliated
Have access to the SwimMark online portal
Be SwimMark club Essential accredited
Staines Swimming Club are proud to announce that in January 2016 we signed on as one of the founder members of the 'Four counties' network and as such are now part of a recognised SwimMark Club Network.
SwimMark Performance Environment provides a benchmark for clubs coaching high level athletes across all four disciplines (Swimming, Diving, Waterpolo and Synchro). It is awarded to those clubs who can demonstrate that the pathways, physical environment, coaching practices and support services are all in place for athletes to reach the pinnacle of their aquatic sport, and that the club has historical evidence, to illustrate athletes regularly achieve success through this performance programme.
SwimMark Performance will be assessed in three sections:
1. Pre-requisite / Self Assessment Criteria
2. Physical Environment Criteria
3. Coaching Programme Criteria