Portsmouth Northsea Swimming Club was founded in 1927 when a group of swimmers met in the ‘Northsea Arms’ at Stamshaw, ironically not far away from our present ‘Home’ at the Mountbatten Centre. Here they decided to form a Swimming Club, which they called Northsea SC. The name was then altered to Portsmouth Northsea Swimming Club some years later.
Since that time, the Club has gone from a modest start to being one of the leading clubs in the country. Many of its past members have been selected for international representation at junior and senior level, including competing at Olympic Games. In addition, we have provided coaching staff and physiotherapists to the Great Britain and England Teams. Our most notable successes to date are Gemma Spofforth who in 2009 was crowned World Champion in the 100 metres Backstroke, and Katy Sexton who was crowned World Champion in 2003 for the 200 metres Backstroke as well as awarded an MBE in the 2004 New Year's Honours.
To develop the depth of talent, the club runs a very successful Learn to Swim Programme in a number of locations throughout Portsmouth. We take children from the age of three and follow the national swim teaching plan, teaching them basic water skills and providing the opportunity for these youngsters to move into the competitive side of the Club.
To provide competitions for our members, we run Club Championships each year as well as host four very popular Open Meet competitions. The professionalism and dedication of the Club has seen the Easter Swim Festival become one of the premier swim events for age group and youth swimming in the country. For many years, Portsmouth Northsea has competed in the Arena League, having won the southern region competition many times. This is one of the top competitions for club swimmers and we have won the trophy three times, and come runner up on the other occasions.
In 2009 we moved from our well established long term home of Victoria Swimming Baths in Portsmouth, to a brand new 8 lane 50m pool at The Mountbatten Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth.
