​Championship Pathways

The competitive pathway for English swimmers progresses through County, Regional and National Championships.
Each stage has specific qualifying times and windows published annually.

Lancashire County Championships

• When: January – February
• Venue: North West 50 m pool
• Entry: Based on published qualifying and consideration times.
• Age groups: Varied each year; check meet conditions.
• The first major step beyond club level, bringing together swimmers from across Lancashire.
• Visit Swim Lancashire →

Swim England North West Regionals

• When: April – May (Long Course) and November (Winter Short Course)
• Age Date: 31 December
• Entry: Qualifying and consideration times published each year.
• Held at major regional venues and an important stepping-stone to national level.
• Visit Swim England NW →

Swim England National Summer Meet (English Nationals)

• When: Late July / Early August at Ponds Forge, Sheffield
• Format: Invitation-only event for the top ranked English swimmers after the qualification window.
• Basis: Long-course rankings.
• The next tier above Regionals and the highest domestic event for English swimmers.
• More Information →

Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships (British Nationals)

• When: July at Ponds Forge, Sheffield
• Organiser: Aquatics GB (formerly British Swimming)
• Qualification: Top swimmers in each age group from national rankings.
• Typical invite numbers: 13/14 yrs – top 20 · 15–18 yrs – top 24 · 19+ yrs – top 20.
• Visit Aquatics GB →