Swimming

Swimming at Cardiff Met offers opportunities for all abilities. Whether you want to train for national competitions or simply enjoy recreational swimming, our programme combines performance pathways, student employment, and community outreach.

Train and Compete

Our swimming programme is built for progression. Through our partnership with City of Cardiff Swimming Club, students access elite coaching and facilities at Cardiff International Pool (50 m). We run three squads to suit different levels:

• City of Cardiff National Squad for international and regional level athletes, training 9–14 times per week.
• CMET Competitive Squad for British and regional level swimmers, with 3 sessions weekly at Cyncoed Campus.
• CMET Social Squad for those who want structured training without the pressure of competition, meeting twice weekly.

Students compete in BUCS and BUSL events, and selected athletes receive free City of Cardiff membership worth up to £120 per month. This pathway offers access to international training camps and competitions.

Student Opportunities

Swimming at Cardiff Met isn’t just about performance, it’s about developing your career. Our Learn-to-Swim programme for ages 3–16 provides paid roles for students as instructors or assistants. You’ll gain hands-on experience, improve leadership and communication skills.

In addition, second and third-year students can access placements in areas like coaching, performance analysis, and sports media, giving you practical experience that complements your degree.

Community Impact

We believe swimming should be accessible to everyone. Through Met Community, we deliver outreach programmes across Cardiff, including water safety education and free swim sessions in schools and community hubs. Students involved in Learn-to-Swim often progress into these roles, helping us increase participation and confidence in the water city-wide.

Facilities

Our main pool is located at Cyncoed Campus in S-block, behind the tennis centre. It’s a 25 m, 4-lane pool with shallow and deep ends, ideal for lessons and recreational swimming. Students receive free MetActive membership, which includes pool access during recreational swim times, fitness centre access, and group classes.

Get Involved

Joining is simple. Students can sign up for the swimming club via the Students' Union Sport website or email aquatics@cardiffmet.ac.uk. Recreational Swimming bookings are available through the Cardiff Met Sport app.

For more information:

• Ryan David, Aquatics Development Manager: rdavid@cardiffmet.ac.uk
• City of Cardiff Swimming Club: Graham Wardell (Director), Dale Frantzeskou (Head Coach).