The head coach of Watford Swimming Club has “huge expectations” for the future after it ended the year on an “incredible” high.

The club competed in the final of the National Arena Swimming League, London Region and finished sixth.

This was a great achievement as there are a total of 46 teams in the league and was reward for the hard work put in by the swimmers and coaches, backed up by the club committee and team of volunteers.

December also saw the Swim England National Winter Championships, where Matt Aldred and Ben Taggart represented Watford.

Both swimmers performed impressively, with personal best times set by Aldred in the 100m and 200m butterfly, and season's best times for his clubmate in the 100m and 200m breaststroke.

The club has also seen some excellent individual performances in the pool at galas in recent months and new club records have been set by a number of swimmers, including Monty Brewster, Esmee Hui, Amy Harper, Aldred and Niamh O’Meara.

The club are hoping the fine results will continue at the Swim England Herts County Championships this month when Watford will be sending one of their biggest ever teams to take part.

Watford Swimming Club chair Gareth Harper said: “2023 has been a great year for Watford Swimming Club. We have a new coaching team, with Jamie Irvine starting as our new head coach back in February. Our swimmers are going from strength to strength.

“We have managed to get some new pool time starting in January and we have plans to grow our squads over the next two to three years. The future looks really bright for Watford Swimming Club.”

Watford head coach Jamie Irvine said: “We have a fantastic group of swimmers at the club, who are performing really well at the moment.

“Coming sixth in the National Arena league was incredible, and Matt and Ben’s performances at Winter Nationals bring to an end a fantastic cycle for the club.

“I have a great coaching team, and the club’s volunteers all pull together to make Watford Swimming Club a great place. I have huge expectations in the months and years ahead.”

If you are interested in joining Watford Swimming Club, contact the club by emailing membership@watfordswimmingclub.co.uk