Regional Award Winner: Swimming Club of the Year – Blythe Barracudas

We are pleased to announce Blythe Barracudas as the winner of the Swim England West Midlands Swimming Club of the Year Award 2024.

This club has made a huge positive impact on its members and the wider community. The clubs commitment to supporting their members through all aspects of the sport, whether that is to compete, coach, or volunteer, is a testament to their success.

Blythe are regularly praised for their community feel and welcoming nature to all swimmers, going above and beyond with the coaching and care provided.

“Blythe Barracudas is a relatively young club in Solihull with the underlying ethos that every swimmer and every family is welcome, included, supported and treasured. The club is open and honest, nurturing and caring, with a fantastic team environment and an aim to support every swimmer to achieve their personal ambitions.”

“Blythe understands not every swimmer aims to be an Olympic champion and caters for every level of capability and potential, while uplifting those athletes who are driven to achieve with the highest-quality coaching and support.”

“The coaching at Blythe is excellent and the commitment from coaches and swimmers has fostered this. There is a great community feel in squads and a very supportive nature.”

The club is “a member of Junior and Arena Leagues, but ensures all swimmers experience competitive swimming (where desired) through Mercian and SwimGainz Development Leagues and one-off galas and meets, as well as its own licensed club championships.”

Blythe was recently selected by Solihull Council to host the Summer Water Festival, offering free water confidence sessions and lessons. Blythe has strong links with many local Learn to Swim provisions as well as its own lessons programme, and is closely associated with the performance programme at City of Birmingham SC.

“It has close friendships and camaraderie with all other West Midlands clubs, understanding that we are all here for the swimmers, working together to achieve our best for them.

“Blythe actively aims to keep fluidity and motion in its committee, ensuring an energy, momentum and creativity which sets it apart from other clubs.”

Well done Blythe Barracudas!


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