A Year of Growth, Achievement and Community
2025 has been a landmark year for Swim England North East Artistic Swimming, defined by exceptional performances, growing participation, strong community spirit, and continued investment in the future of the sport. Across every level of artistic swimming — from novice athletes taking their first steps into competition, to Masters swimmers performing on a national stage — the region has demonstrated its strength, resilience, and ambition.
Throughout the year, clubs across the North East consistently showcased the depth of talent within the region. Competitions, regional development opportunities, and national events highlighted not only impressive results, but also the dedication of coaches, volunteers, officials, and families who continue to support the sport.
Strong Performances Across Regional and National Competitions
The season began with an exciting and highly successful Yorkshire Novice Artistic Swimming Spring Competition in May at the John Charles Aquatic Centre. Clubs from across the region delivered outstanding performances in figures, duets, combination teams, and Masters events.
City of Bradford Artistic Swimming Club enjoyed particular success throughout the competition, producing standout duet and Masters performances, while City of Leeds delivered the highest-scoring combination team routine of the event with their Buzz Lightyear-themed performance. The event demonstrated the incredible standard of artistic swimming being developed across the North East.
Momentum continued into June at the NE/NW Multi-Regional Competition in Manchester, where all five North East regional clubs competed against strong opposition from across both regions. North East athletes achieved medal success across multiple figure categories, with swimmers from City of Bradford, City of Leeds, Borough of Kirklees, and Gateshead all earning podium finishes.
The region’s strength was further demonstrated in July at the Swim England Combo Cup and National Masters Championships at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. All five North East clubs were represented on the national stage, with routines competing across multiple age groups and divisions.
Among the highlights:
- City of Leeds achieved a top-seven finish in the highly competitive 15&U Division 1 category.
- City of Bradford narrowly missed the medals in the 13–18 Division 1 event with their “Legally Blonde” themed routine.
- Clubs across the region showcased creative choreography, technical development, and strong team performances.
The championships reflected the growing competitive standard of artistic swimming within the North East and the increasing confidence of athletes competing nationally.
Developing the Future of the Sport
A major success throughout 2025 has been the region’s continued focus on athlete development pathways.
The North East Regional Squad programme provided opportunities for swimmers from multiple clubs to train together, develop technical skills, and prepare for higher-level competition. The announcement of the 2025–2026 Regional Squad highlighted the strength and depth of talent emerging across the region.
The Yorkshire Artistic Swimming Development Programme also selected a large number of swimmers from North East clubs for the 2025–2026 county programme. Athletes from South Yorkshire Swans, City of Bradford, and City of Leeds earned places on the programme, recognising both individual talent and the high-quality coaching environments within the region.
Training camps and grade days throughout the year provided valuable opportunities for swimmers to continue progressing technically while also building friendships and connections across clubs.
Celebrating Leadership, Volunteers and Community
One of the defining themes of 2025 has been the strength of the artistic swimming community in the North East.
In September, the region celebrated a significant milestone as Tracy Wyke marked 10 years as North East Regional Artistic Swimming Manager. Tracy’s leadership, organisation, and commitment to the sport have played a vital role in developing artistic swimming across the region. Her work supporting clubs, organising competitions, coordinating training opportunities, and representing the region nationally has helped create a thriving and inclusive artistic swimming community.
The year also highlighted the incredible dedication of coaches and volunteers across the region. In December, Gateshead Artistic Swimming Club announced a significant leadership transition as long-serving Head Coach Clare Bewick stepped down after 12 years of service. Clare’s contribution to athlete development and club growth has left a lasting impact on artistic swimming in the North East. Sophie Robinson was announced as the incoming Head Coach, reflecting the region’s continued investment in developing future leaders within the sport.
Artistic Swimming on the National Stage
In November, City of Bradford Artistic Swimming Club gained national recognition after their Masters team appeared on BBC Four’s “Dance Passion” programme. Performing at the historic Ilkley Lido in extremely challenging conditions, the team represented both their club and the wider artistic swimming community with professionalism, creativity, and resilience.
The feature brought artistic swimming to a wider audience and showcased the passion, athleticism, and teamwork involved in the sport.
Building for the Future
Across 2025, Swim England North East Artistic Swimming has continued to strengthen participation, athlete development, and club collaboration. The region has welcomed new swimmers into clubs, expanded opportunities for coaches and officials through courses and qualifications, and continued to create positive environments where athletes can thrive.
From local competitions to national championships, from grassroots participation to Masters representation on television, 2025 has been a year full of achievement and progress.
Most importantly, the year has demonstrated the power of community within artistic swimming. The commitment of athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, parents, and clubs has ensured that artistic swimming in the North East continues to grow stronger.
As the region looks ahead to 2026, there is tremendous optimism for the future. With a growing talent pathway, dedicated leadership, and a passionate artistic swimming community, Swim England North East Artistic Swimming is well positioned for continued success both in and out of the pool.
