Preparation for Counties - Bicester Blue Fins

Posted: Wednesday November 19, 2008

Twelve young talented swimmers of the Bicester Blue Fins Amateur Swimming Club are doing their very first training camp at Club La Santa this week.

Supported by three parents who used to help out Coach Jill Hopkins at home as well, the eleven girls and one boy of two different top squads are doing their preparations for the coming Counties Championships in February right here. The 11-17 years old County or even Regional swimmers who are presently staying at CLS belong to approximately 150 swimmers of their club. They were lucky to get the last four available apartments as there are school holidays in Great Britain and lots of British swimming clubs are doing their training camps here at the moment. Otherwise they had come with more than twelve swimmers to enjoy the advantages of the 50m Olympic Pool instead of their 25m pool at home in the Bicester and Ploughley Sports Center.

The Bicester Blue Fins Amateur Swimming Club was formed in 1950 and belongs to the ASA South East Region as well as to the Oxfordshire and North Buckinghamshire ASA. Its swimmers could celebrate numerous successes and compete in many Open Galas at all levels.

In comparison to their training schedule back home in Bicester where they train 10,5 hours per week, they are having two training sessions per day, each time for two hours. These sessions are mostly orientated on technique and pace work and less on long distance. Furthermore they are having morning runs and are participating of course in various CLS’ activities like Stretch&Relax, Aerobics, kayaking or beach volleyball, too. As mentioned above, all swimmers are here at Club La Santa for their very first time but not Coach Jill Hopkins. She spent her vacations here four times before and is familiar with the complex, facilities and the surrounding. “I knew already how it looks like. That we’ll have everything we need for our training camp, all the great facilities and a safe environment.” Especially the last one was very important for her and the parents. “I was able to answer all upcoming questions about this camp and could ensure that the kids are in good hands all the time. There are no night clubs or things like that but nevertheless they don’t get bored after our sessions because of the amount of activities or other opportunities to spend one’s leisure time. I’m so happy to bring them here, it was definitely not the last time!”

We wish all Bicester Blue Fins swimmers good luck for your coming Counties! Hopefully we will see you and your club again next year!