We are the elite swimming squad for Derbyshire.
Take a look at our
Training Schedule and
Selection
Criteria to see if you have what it takes.
Club History
The concept of a central elite
swimming squad in Derbyshire was discussed back in the
1970s. Unfortunately the clubs in the area could not agree
and so the idea was considered but never pursued for three
decades.
However in 2001 Julie Gibson, the
Principal Officer for sport at Derby City Council, was given
the task of preparing for a Best Value Review and
this included a scrutiny of the way that Derby City Council
supported swimming. Julie attended a meeting hosted by the
City of Derby Swimming Club, where the idea of the central
elite squad was mooted. Although it was clear the clubs
wanted to discuss options, it was also clear that
independent lead was needed.
A meeting was arranged for early
2002 at
The group quickly requested the
views and support of British Swimming and encouraged all
partners to attend regularly. The enthusiasm of this group,
the ability to work as a team and the desire for progress
were the keys to their success.
By July 2003 six coaches were
interviewed and the squad’s first Head Coach, Mark Rose, was
appointed. A month later swimmers were selected. On
September 8th 2003, 36 swimmers attended the first training
session. The swimmers were asked to select a name from a
choice of three, with Derventio eXcel being the
favourite.
Incidentally Derventio
means in and around the River Derwent, which runs through
Derby. The word eXcel is a play on the X from the
original Club X and our aim for excellence.
In 2005, the squad gained pool
time in the northern part of the county and
In 2008,