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University of Winchester Swim Team:

Welcome to the official page for the University of Winchester Swim Team! We are a rapidly growing, mixed gender team who enjoy keeping fit, socialising and competing. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just looking to stay active and meet new people, we have a squad for you.

 

About The Winchester Rays:

The Winchester Rays bring together swimmers of all levels and abilities who share a passion for the water. We train hard, support each other and create an environment where everyone can progress - whether your goal is fitness, competition or simply to have fun.

 

 

Squads on Offer:

 

Competition Squad:

Our Competition Squad is designed for experienced swimmers aiming to compete at BUCS, BUSL, Varsity and higher‑level meets. The sessions are led by our qualified coach focusing on advanced technique, race strategy and conditioning. Swimmers must be confident with racing all four strokes up to 100m (butterfly 50m). Our Competition Squad is carefully selected by our Captain and Vice Captain at time trials, where you can find further information below.

 

Development Squad:

Our Development Squad is perfect for swimmers with some experience who want to improve fitness, technique and confidence. The sessions are run alongside our Competition Squad with slower interval times focusing on technique drills and progressive fitness work. Our Development Squad is the ideal stepping stone towards competitive swimming including BUCS and BUSL participation.

 

Training Times for Development/Competition Squads:

Pool training: Wednesdays 12pm - 2pm at Bar End - Winchester Sport & Leisure Centre

Land training: Thursdays 6:30pm - 8pm at the Fitness Studio (on campus)

 

*Please note that attendance to training is MANDATORY if you are wanting to participate in BUCS and BUSL (there are exceptions for students who are on placement and are therefore unable to attend training). An ASA membership number is also required for Development/Competition Squad members wanting to compete at BUCS*

 

Social Squad:

Our Social Squad is a welcoming, low‑pressure squad for swimmers who want to stay active, enjoy the water and train socially. The sessions are not coached where swimmers are able to come and go as they please during the allocated time slot.

 

Training Times for Social Squad:

Pool training: 2pm - 4pm at Bar End - Winchester Sport & Leisure Centre

 

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Goggles
• Towel
• Water bottle

Additional for Development/Competition Squads:

• Fins
• Kickboard
• Pull buoy
• Hand paddles & snorkel (optional)

 

 

'Give It A Go' Session & Time Trials:

If you are interesting in joining one of our swim teams, our 'Give It A Go' session is open to all students which takes place on the first Wednesday after Fresher's Fayre. It’s a great opportunity to meet the team, try a training session, ask any questions and meet other freshers looking to join. If you'd like to join our Competition Squad, you'll need to attend time trials which will also take place during this session. This helps us to place swimmers in the right squad based on technique, fitness and experience.

 

Give It A Go Session/Time Trials: Wednesday 30 September 2026 12pm - 2pm at Bar End - Winchester Sport & Leisure Centre

 

There will also be a guided walk to the pool run by one of our committee members which is open to everyone for our 'Give It A Go' session. The meeting point is likely to be near first year accommodation, but please find further confirmation on our Instagram page (linked below).

 

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Social Events:

Other than swimming, we have a large social presence at weekly pres and BOP every Wednesday with new themes announced each week. We also do lots of other social events including team meals, tour, pub golf and sober socials. At our end of year team meal, we like to take the opportunity to celebrate each and every one of our successes, no matter how big or small, where team and social awards are presented.

 

Fundraising Events:

We also run charity and fundraising activities throughout the year, such as:

• Movember
• Sport swap
• Sponsored swims
• Bake sales
• Collaborative charity events with other societies

 

 

Why Join Swim?

Joining the University of Winchester Swim Team means:

• Staying fit and active
• Meeting new friends
• Being part of a supportive community
• Improving your swimming technique
• Access to competitions and events
• Enjoying a balanced mix of sport and social life

 

Whether you’re competitive or casual, there’s a place for you!

 

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Committee 2026/27:

 

Our committee works hard to keep the club running smoothly and ensure every member feels welcome:

 

Captain: Matt Deutschmann

Vice Captain: Molly Staples

Social Sec & Wellbeing Rep: Holly Cave

Social Sec & Social Media Rep: Ella Phillips

Social Sec: Oscar Harris

Fundraiser: Phoebe Cook

 

 

Social Contact Details:

Stay connected with us:

Instagram: @uowswimteam

Tik Tok: @uowswimming

 

We can’t wait to welcome you to the team!