Colchester Swimming Club’s academy has gone from strength to strength.

A total of 11 young academy swimmers have made the step up to the club’s competitive junior swimming squad, after just 30 weeks of teaching and coaching.

The successful academy swimmers promoted to club’s competitive junior swimming squad were Gabriel Annis, Anola Jordan, Ross Jordan, William Pestell, Charlotte Tree, Sam Lemnell, Finlay Keating, Edward Cox, Holly MacCarthy, Lizzie Woods and Seb Tiley.

Colchester SC head coach Michelle Young said: “These swimmers were selected on the basis on their stroke technique, fitness, attitude and potential to develop under our new coaching structure.

"As a coach it is fantastic to welcome into our squads so many new talented young swimmers, who have been learning their sport under our own teachers and coaches in the Academy.

"Our Junior Squad coach, Steph Young, teaches in the Academy and helps the swimmers with the transition into competitive swimming.

"I am convinced that the Academy, under Donna Cowan’s expert management, will continue to inspire Colchester’s youngsters to want to enjoy competitive swimming and the benefits it brings.”

Colchester swim academy manager Donna Cowan added: “The children have worked so hard each week to perfect their technique and some of them even enjoyed their first taste of competitive swimming in our Club Championships in November."

Trials for the academy take place tonight (Thursday) at 5pm.

Children who attend should already have knowledge of the basic swimming strokes.

If parents are interested in their children having a trial, they should ring 07583 685518.

Alternatively, contact Julie Firth for details at academy.enquiries@colchesterswimming.com