Competitive Galas
Henley Swimming Club participates in a number of galas throughout the year, often against much larger local clubs. Galas are usually within an hour’s drive for most families.
The aim of HSC’s coaches is to provide our young swimmers with an introduction to competitive swimming in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. All of our swimmers (especially the senior members of the team) who participate in galas are expected to encourage their team-mates and lead by example. Parents who attend are also instructed to make some noise for Henley!
Gala invitations are at the coaches’ discretion .
Upcoming Gala Dates
7 June 2026, Reading SC Sprint Meet
20 June 2026, Invitation -Bourne End Club Championships
April 2026, Club Championships at Windsor
Club Events
Henley Swimming Club takes part in an exchange programme with Leichlingen SC in Germany. Whether our German friends travel to the UK, or Henley’s team visits Leichlingen, there is a very competitive (and also very friendly) gala event between the two clubs. Event winners receive medals and bragging rights for a year!
In addition, Henley SC holds an annual Club Championships which all swimmers are expected to attend. Swimmers race against their team-mates and there are medals and trophies for the top three swimmers in each stroke, per age group. This event is normally held at Windsor Leisure Centre where there’s plenty of viewing space for parents. The championships are an important date in the calendar for many reasons: it’s a great chance for the swimmers to see how they have progressed and for the coaches to get current times; the club has the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of ALL of our swimmers, regardless of ability; and the parents and carers can see the results of all of those taxi services!
Long distance time trials also take place annually, generally over a period of 2–3 weeks during senior squad training sessions.
Awards night is always a popular date in the Henley Swimming Club diary! The venue is Reading Canoe Club and both parents, carers, coaches and swimmers alike enjoy the chance to celebrate a year of swimming with an awards presentation, good food and music.
In recent years the club has taken its senior swimmers to train at the Olympic 50m pool at Queen Elizabeth Park in London. It is an exciting day out for our swimmers who rarely experience training in a longer pool, and it serves as great motivation that they have swum in a pool where Olympic champions were crowned.