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History

History of Basildon Swimming Clubs

Origins and Early Years

The history of swimming clubs in Basildon dates back to the early 1960s, during a period of significant development in the town. Recognising the need for recreational facilities, local authorities prioritised the creation of swimming amenities, leading to the establishment of Basildon Swimming Club in May 1963. The club quickly grew, attracting over a hundred members despite the challenges of lacking a dedicated swimming pool. For its first five years, the club trained at Barstable Grammar School’s pool, which had limited facilities but served as a crucial foundation.

Development of Swimming Facilities

In 1966, the council resolved years of deliberation by announcing the construction of a swimming complex near Basildon Town Centre in Gloucester Park. The complex, opened in April 1968, featured a 33⅓m pool and a smaller teaching pool, providing essential facilities for both competitive and instructional swimming. These modern amenities significantly boosted Basildon Swimming Club’s profile, allowing it to implement advanced training programs and host competitions.

Growth in the 1970s and 1980s

The 1970s and 1980s marked a period of significant growth for Basildon Swimming Club. The new facilities attracted more members, and the club began to establish itself competitively, participating in regional and national competitions. This era saw the club expand its training programs and improve its competitive performance, laying the groundwork for future success.

The Early 1990s: Temporary Split and Reformation

The early 1990s were a turbulent time for Basildon Swimming Club, with a temporary split that saw a faction training at Lake Meadows in Billericay. Despite this division, the club quickly reformed, reflecting its resilience and commitment to serving the community. In this period, the club was renamed Basildon & District Swimming Club, reflecting a broader community base and aligning with regional development.

The Split in 2000: Emergence of Two Clubs

In May 2000, Basildon & District Swimming Club split into Phoenix Swimming Club and Basildon Swimming Club, driven by organisational differences and divergent visions for the future of competitive swimming. Phoenix Swimming Club focused on high-performance, competitive swimming, aiming to produce elite athletes. In contrast, Basildon Swimming Club adopted a broader, inclusive approach, emphasising community programs and opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Both clubs operated independently throughout the 2000s, regularly participating in competitions and galas at Gloucester Park.

Basildon Sporting Village: A New Era

In 2005 the swimming pools long term future was thrown into doubt when plans to build a ‘centre of sporting excellence’ to include a 50m International size pool at the northern end of Gloucester Park were announced. This would later become known as the “Sporting Village” when, following official approval, construction got underway in 2009 and Gloucester Park swimming pool closed on Sunday 24th April, 2011. Its replacement, housed within the Basildon Sporting Village opened the following weekend on Saturday 30th April, 2011.

The creation of Basildon Sporting Village marked a new era. Part of a major investment in local sports infrastructure, the village features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 100-station gym, athletics tracks, and various other amenities. It has become a premier destination for athletes and sports enthusiasts, providing top facilities for a wide range of sports and activities.

The Merger: Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club

In 2011, Basildon Swimming Club and Phoenix Swimming Club merged to form Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club. This merger aimed to pool resources, enhance competitive opportunities, and streamline operations to better serve the local swimming community in Basildon. The newly formed club benefited from the larger and more advanced facilities at Basildon Sporting Village. The Olympic-sized swimming pool enabled the club to accommodate a greater number of swimmers and provided the resources needed for comprehensive training programs.

Early Years and Achievements of Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club

The early years of Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club focused on integrating members, coaches, and cultures from the two original clubs. Significant organisational efforts were made to establish new training schedules, coaching staff, and competitive teams. The club adopted new colours, (inspired somewhat by the local Taxi colour scheme!) the club decided to combine the yellow and black of Basildon Swimming Club with the red of Phoenix Swimming Club to form the new orange and black identity.

Since its formation, Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club has seen substantial growth in membership and achievements. The club’s training programs were enhanced with the addition of experienced coaches, many with backgrounds in competitive swimming at high levels. This expertise helped elevate the club’s performance, leading to notable successes in regional and national competitions.

Legacy and Future

The development and growth of Basildon’s swimming clubs reflect a dynamic history of community engagement, competitive success, and continuous improvement. From the formation of the original Basildon Swimming Club in 1963 to the modern facilities at Basildon Sporting Village, the clubs have played a vital role in promoting swimming and fostering athletic excellence in the region. Today, Basildon & Phoenix Swimming Club stands as a testament to this rich legacy, poised to continue its tradition of excellence and community service well into the future.