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Atlantis Swimming Club is enjoying another outstanding season, retaining its status as  Sussex League champions in July.   As well as being County Champions in one of the most competitive swimming counties in the UK, 11 Atlantis swimmers were selected to compete at the prestigious Aquatics GB and Swim  England National Summer Championships this year, a record for the Horsham club.   Among those is Club Captain Katie McNish, 16, who qualified for backstroke and freestyle events at the National Championships, held in Sheffield at the end of July. Having narrowly missed out last year, Katie achieved five  qualifying times this year and was hoping to reach the final in at least one event.   She joined Atlantis in 2016 and trains in the pool most days. This requires a huge commitment, especially during her GCSEs this year, but the  effort is worth it, she says: ‘It’s something I’m passionate about, so I enjoy training every day. The social side of the club is important to me too, as during my eight years at Atlantis, I’ve made lots of friends.’    ‘People sometimes perceive swimming to be an individual sport, but it’s the opposite, as you see the same people at training and at competitions, so the camaraderie is amazing. Of course there are difficult days, especially as a teenager, when you have the pressure of exams and have to make some sacrifices in your social life too. Morning sessions can be tough in the winter when it’s cold and dark outside, but after I’ve been in the pool, I always feel it’s worth it.’    TRIATHLON TRAINING If the training regime of a keen swimmer sounds exhausting, then spare a thought for Becky Owen. As well as being a member of Atlantis’ Masters squad, Becky represents Team GB in her age group at triathlon, so must maintain fitness not only as a swimmer, but as a cyclist and runner too. Becky swims with Atlantis five times a week and trains in open water in the summer. Yet she also supplements these efforts with gym, cycling and running sessions.   As well as becoming Welsh Triathlon Champion in her age group, Becky has competed at World Triathlon events in France and Spain, and has already qualified for upcoming events in  Istanbul and Australia. She also works as an NHS physiotherapist and further work at  Atlantis is helping to shape her career.    Becky said: ‘I would love to work with elite  athletes eventually, but that is difficult and helping Atlantis swimmers with their strength and conditioning gives me experience that will help me to further my career. The coaches are fantastic, but I try to  contribute something different by helping swimmers warm up,  minimising the risk of injuries and hopefully resulting in better  performances in the water.’              SELF DISCIPLINE Atlantis Swimming Club was founded in 1979 and is one of Sussex’s most competitive clubs, with over 160 active members. It is based at Pavilions in the Park in Horsham (sessions are also held at Steyning and Billingshurst leisure centres) with training sessions for swimmers aged seven and upwards. Many join after progressing through Swim England’s Learn to Swim pathway.    The club offers a range of training sessions, guiding swimmers from Foundation to National levels and placing them in squads depending on their age, ability and dedication. Those in the Foundation squad attend three sessions a week and are introduced to competitive events and regular race nights. They are coached in all four strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly) and those who show dedication and improvement can advance to the Junior  Development and County Development Squads. Here, they will spend eight hours in the pool a week and target qualification for Sussex County events, something that was achieved by 71 members this year, with six becoming County Champions.    The Regional Development Squad requires another step up in terms of commitment, with swimmers training for South East Regional Competitions. No less than 41 Atlantis members qualified for Swim England’s South East Regional Championships this year. Finally, the National Development Squad involves 11 hours of training a week, with sessions held on mornings and evenings throughout the week. Eleven swimmers will compete in the Aquatics GB and Swim  England National Summer Championships, a huge achievement and a record for the club.    Andy Lobley, Head Coach, said: ‘We are  surrounded by very strong swimming clubs in Crawley, Burgess Hill, Brighton, Dorking and Guildford, so our catchment area is relatively small. However, Atlantis has punched above its weight for some time and in recent years has consistently ranked in the top three clubs in Sussex. This year, we have more swimmers than ever achieving times for National  competitions, demonstrating our strength in depth. To have  representation at National and British Championships is fantastic, as they  provide a springboard for elite competitions.’  ‘However, Atlantis is strong at every level of development. Many of our swimmers are not targeting qualification times, but simply love being in the water for their own health,  fitness and wellbeing. If young people are here, then they’re fit, happy and have self-discipline. The commitment required by our members prepares them for life after school and college, and we find that those who go on to university  usually do very well, as they’re already self-sufficient, focused young people.’     SYNCH OR SWIM Atlantis also runs Flamingo Artistic Swimming, its synchronised swimming arm, with former member Ranjuo Tomblin having recently won Team GB’s first European gold medal in 39 years (as well as silver and bronze medals) to become Great Britain’s first ever male  European Champion in Artistic Swimming in the Men’s Solo category.  There is also a Masters Squad for older swimmers who perhaps cannot commit to the schedule of the competitive squads, but still want to swim regularly. One such person is Louis Batten, a long-serving Atlantis member who is now a qualified coach.    Louis said: ‘I’ve been with Atlantis for over 13 years. I joined when I was 10 after progressing through regular swimming stages and still swim several times a week with the Masters  squad. There’s no maximum age for the Masters and you’ll find excellent swimmers of all ages in our competitions. I took some time away from swimming during Covid but found I missed being in the pool, so rejoined Atlantis and started competing again. At an age when people often stop swimming, I needed it in my life and now I feel healthier than ever. It’s also nice to help guide younger swimmers and give something back to the club, which has been such an important part of my life.’    PARENTAL SUPPORT Atlantis is well supported by businesses  including Thakeham Homes, Britweb and Alex Harvey Estate Agents. The club’s success also relies on the commitment of parents. Rather than watching poolside, many choose to join the committee and take on dedicated operational roles or help to organise events, fundraise and officiate. Zoe Cartwright has two daughters who have progressed through the club, with 15-year-old Jas currently in the  National Squad. Zoe has become a senior official and judge and helps run licensed events across the region, including some organised by Down Syndrome Swimming GB.  Zoe said: ‘I love helping as it’s a great way of meeting people. Although we’re always  cheering on our own children at galas and competitions, you get to know parents and swimmers at other clubs too and there’s a great community in the sport. Down  Syndrome Swimming GB organises an annual event which this year was held at K2 in  Crawley. I responded to a request for officials and it was very rewarding, as you could see how much they enjoyed having their own event. Joining Atlantis does require a big  commitment, not just for swimmers, but parents too. Those in the National Squad swim most days, which requires focus and  dedication. Not every child can maintain that, but Jas loves it as it sets her up for the day.’    Jade Orosz is a committee member who has three children at the club, including Lia, a County Champion in breaststroke. Jade said: ‘It’s hard when you have children in different groups and I typically spend about 25 hours a week poolside at Horsham, Billingshurst and Steyning leisure centres. However, the payback is that my children are disciplined and focused. It’s not about any of them  getting to the Olympics; it’s about giving them an understanding of the rewards that come from hard-work. They are learning skills for life, so as a parent, it feels like an investment in their future.’  n  WORDS: Ben Morris PHOTOS: Alan Wright Further information:  www.atlantishorsham.co.uk @atlantisswimmingclub

ATLANTIS SWIMMING CLUB

Atlantis Swimming Club is enjoying another outstanding season, retaining its status as Sussex League champions in July 2024. Full story here.

Table Tennis at Forever Active  (©AAH/Alan Wright)

FOREVER ACTIVE: THE 50+ GROUP

The Forever Active sessions at The Bridge provide an opportunity for older adults to keep fit and healthy in a relaxed, sociable setting. Full story here.

North Sussex Soccer Academy (©Alan Wright)

NORTH SUSSEX SOCCER ACADEMY

On Saturday mornings, youngsters flock to Horsham Park to enjoy football sessions run by North Sussex Soccer Academy. The sessions are held every Saturday from 10 – 11.30am in Horsham Park. For full story, click here.

 

Horsham Indoor Bowls (Pic: ©AAH/Alan Wright)

HORSHAM INDOOR BOWLS CLUB

Like many sports clubs, Horsham Indoor Bowls Club was heavily impacted by the pandemic. By focusing on a relaxed atmosphere and nurturing newcomers, the club’s membership is now. Click here for full story.

Chanctonbury Leisure Centre (©AAH/Alan Wright)

CHANCTONBURY LEISURE CENTRE

In 2020, the future looked bleak for Chanctonbury Leisure Centre. Just months after the first lockdown, the centre operator was struggling financially and there was a risk of it closing. Now run as a registered charity by local trustees, it has been revitalised, with new facilities establishing the leisure centre as a community hub. For full story, click here...

The junior class at Horsham Judo Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HORSHAM  JUDO CLUB

Derek Paxton has devoted his life to judo as a coach, competitor and referee. A work accident left him unable to reach the highest levels of the sport, but he has coached hundreds of people of all ages since establishing Horsham Judo Club in 1976. Here, Derek tells his story

The Billingshurst Belles at Jubilee Fields (©AAH/Alan Wright)

BILLINGSHURST BELLES SOFTBALL CRICKET

The success of England’s women cricketers in recent years, culminating in a famous World Cup win on home soil in 2017, has led to increased interest in the game at grass roots level. For full story click here

Horsham Park Bowls Club (©AAH/Alan Wright)

HORSHAM PARK BOWLS CLUB

The members of Horsham Park Bowls Club enjoy one of the most scenic locations in town. Yet despite its spot at the heart of the park, it’s easy to miss...click here for full story 

Horsham Canoe Club

HORSHAM CANOE CLUB

Horsham Canoe Club meets every Thursday evening during the warmer months at Southwater Country Club, offering novices the chance to learn how to kayak and canoe safely, while also catering for those with more experience. Full story here.

LeAnne and Ranjuo Tomblin

SET4SUCCESS AWARDS 2020

Outstanding young sportsmen and women were recognised at the annual Set4Success awards, held at Christ’s Hospital School on 31 January. For full report, click here

Horsham Bowling Club

HORSHAM BOWLING CLUB: SHORT MAT BOWLS

The modern new facilities in Pondtail Road has attracted new members to Horsham Bowling Club for the quality of its playing green and clubhouse. For full story click here

Horsham FC New Ground

NEW GROUND AT HORSHAM FC

Horsham Football Club has cause for optimism as it embarks on a new chapter following the opening of its impressive ground at Hop Oast. Click here for full story.

Snooker at The Horsham Club

SNOOKER AT THE HORSHAM CLUB

The Horsham Club is a leading team in the Horsham and District Snooker League, winning Division 1 for three years in succession. For full story click here

Sussex Swim School

SUSSEX SWIM SCHOOL

Hilary Silverman founded the Sussex Swim School to avoid going back to an office job after the birth of her son. Now, the award-winning school introduces babies to water and turns them into mermaids! For full story, click here

Horsham Fencing Club

HORSHAM FENCING CLUB

Horsham Fencing Club attracts members of all ages thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and a patient approach to coaching. For a full report click here. 

Flitecrew cheerleaders

FLITECREW CHEERLEADING CLUB

Meet the Flitecrew cheerleaders, based in Broadbridge Heath. From humble beginnings, the club has become hugely popular and is already making its mark in national competitions. Click here for more.

Horsham Swim School

HORSHAM SWIM SCHOOL MAKES A SPLASH

Horsham Swim School is unusual in that it utilises the pool of a private residence, Morriswood, perched in an idyllic spot overlooking the town. For full report, click here

Shipley Community Project

SHIPLEY COMMUNITY PROJECT

Shipley Community Project is inspiring people of all ages to keep active by invigorating a village football ground. We meet project chairman Phil Gibbs. Click here

Horsham Sparrows Girls

SPARROWS PLAY THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

Horsham Sparrows celebrates its 50th birthday in 2017. We visited a Wldcats training session to find out what makes the team the most successful junior club in town. For full story, click here

Horsham Parkrun

HORSHAM PARKRUN

The Horsham Parkrun has been an enormous success since the first run in 2014, regularly attracting over 400 people to every Saturday morning. Read the full story here

Roffey Karate Club

ROFFEY KARATE CLUB

Phil Smith started attending karate classes to keep fit and active after hanging up his football boots. Now as a 66-year-old, 4th Dan black belt sensei, he helps run Roffey Karate Club. Full story here 

Fit to Box

FIT TO BOX WHITE COLLAR BOXING

Whilst Fight Club may have been a key reason for the early success of the sport, it doesn’t accurately portray our local white-collar boxing club, Fit to Box. Click here for more.

Charlie Luke

CHARLIE LUKE: OLYMPIC SKIING HOPEFUL

Charlie, a 15-year-old schoolboy from Small Dole, has taken part in his first international races and is seen as one of the country's top young skiiers. Full story at https://aahorsham.co.uk/content/charlieluke

Horsham Flamingos

HORSHAM'S ONLY SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING CLUB

Horsham Flamingos has its first ever male member, but its the girls who are gearing up for the National Championship with a dazzling routine! For full report see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/flamingos

Comptons Tennis Club

COMPTONS TENNIS CLUB IN LOWER BEEDING

We meet members of the vibrant and sociable club in Lower Beeding, where a new coaching structure is helping the club to grow. Full Story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/comptons

Carl watts

CARL WATTS: GOLF COACH

Carl Watts, the first man to shoot 24 Under Par on the European Tour, is now based at Mannings Heath, where he coaches an unorthodox 'caddie method'.. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/carlwatts

Steve Wilson

STEVE WILSON LAUNCHES MOTD BOOK

The Match of the Day commentator, who lives in Billingshurst, has seen his book of 365 football related stories published by the BBC. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/motd365

Orla Brothers

ORLA BROTHERS: 300 METRE RUNNER

The Horsham schoolgirl has been setting fantastic times int he 300metre and claimed her first medal running for England in the 2015 season. For the full story see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/orlabrothers

Natalie Kane

NATALIE KANE: MOTOCROSS CHAMPION

Natalie Kane is one of the top women's motocross racers in the world. Now she's looking to be the first woman to score a point in the full British Championship! For full report see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/nataliekane

Horsham Hawks

HORSHAM HAWKS BASKETBALL CLUB

orsham Hawks is one of the leading basketball teams in the south east., with the club's striking purple vests instantly recognisable to its rivals. Full report at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/hawks

Harry Harrod

HARRY HARROD, GYMNAST

Harry, a 13-year-old from Kingsfold, has been a gymnast since the age of three. After ten years of practice, he has become rather good at it. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/harryharrod

Alfred Shrubb

REMEMBERING ALFRED SHRUBB

Alf Shrubb was one of the great runners of his time, but as a working class athlete in need of money, was shunned by the athletics fraternity for claiming prize money. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/alfshrubb

Charlie Buckland

CHARLIE BUCKLAND: NINJA KART RACER

Southwater seven-year-old Charlie is following in the footsteps of his dad and grandad by taking up Ninja Karts, racing on the same bill as the banger racers! For full report see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/cbuckland

Horsham Tigers

HORSHAM TIGERS TOUCH RUGBY

Horsham Tigers Touch Rugby team started small, but gradually has grown with men and women playing alongside one another. Full story at https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/tigerstouch

Horsham Youth Cycling Club

HORSHAM YOUTH CYCLING CLUB

Horsham Junior Cycling Club (HYCC) was set up about five years ago for riders aged between seven and fifteen-years-old. For the full story see https://www.aahorsham.co.uk/content/hycc

Horsham ABC

HORSHAM AMATEUR BOXING CLUB

Horsham Amateur Boxing Club has been punching about its weight sicne the day it was founded, as we found out during a visit to the Bob Morris Gym. Click here for More

Melissa Joannides

MELISSA JOANNIDES: EVENTING RIDER

 The 17-year-old from Ashington was ranked the leading Under-21 eventing rider in the South East last year.
 Click here for More

Horsham Youth Triathlon

HORSHAM YOUTH TRIATHLON

The first Horsham Youth Triathlon was held in the Pavilions in the Park on 23rd June and proved to be a big success. It is hoped the event will be repeated in 2014. Click here for More

Southdown Gliding Club

SOUTHDOWN GLIDING CLUB

There are about 80 gliding clubs in the country, but Southdown is the second oldest, having been founded in 1930, and the largest voluntary-run club. Click here for More

Tom Hayward

TOM HAYWARD: A DRIVING AMBITION

Tom Hayward didn't start playing golf properly until 2010, but now he's turned professional and is eyeing a place on the European Tour. Click here for more

Alex Reed

ALEX REED: JUNIOR FIESTA DRIVER

Alex Reed of Horsham is about to embark on his first full season in the new Ford Fiesta Junior championship. Click here for More

Horsham Table Tennis Club

HORSHAM TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Here in Horsham, the game is set to be boosted by the launch of a new Friday night table tennis club for all held at Collyers College. Click here for More

 

Tom Haynes

TOM HAYNES: ASHES TO SMASHES

Tom Haynes has been snapped up by East Grinstead Cricket Club after impressing for the men's team in the village of Barns Green Click here for More

Billingshurst Tennis Club

BILLINGSHURST TENNIS CLUB'S GREAT RETURN

Ten years ago, Billingshurst Tennis Club was not in great shape. There were just two courts, membership was perilously low and with a lack of professional role models, the future was not looking good. Click here for more

Caitlin Ward

CAITLIN WARD TARGETS OLYMPICS

Caitlin was a promising competitor in Karate when she was younger, winning medals and competing in international tournaments all over Europe.But these days the Warnham schoolgirl is focused on rugby. Click here for More

David King

DAVID KING: BADMINTON TALENT

David King is among the best young badminton talents in the country.In May, the Horsham schoolboy enjoyed his most competitive experience to date, representing the South East in the UK Schools Games in London. Click here for More

Horsham Minis Rugby

HISTORY OF HORSHAM RUGBY MINIS

In 1978, Horsham Rugby Club was celebrating its Golden Jubilee, and to mark the occasion the club held its first ever Festival of Mini Rugby... Click here for More

Marco Penge

MARCO PENGE: HE'S COME A FAIR WAY

Marco Penge is one of the most promising golfing talents in the country. Aged only 13, Marco has become a scratch golfer at the same age as Tiger Woods did. Click here for More

Harry Harrod

SET4SUCCESS AWARDS HANDED OUT

Set4Success, the charity which helps talented young sports people in the Horsham District, has given out 14 more awards Click here for More

Harry with his kart

HARRY MAILER'S LE MANS DREAM

When Harry Mailer received a go-kart from his parents on his eighth birthday, the first thing he said was “brilliant - how long do I get to keep it for?’ Click here for More

Southwater relays

SOUTHWATER TRIATHLON RELAYS

There were many teams that turned up at the Southwater Relays on September 4th prepared to fight for victory. Click here for More

Baseball at Five Oaks

HORSHAM JUNIOR BASEBALL CLUB

orsham Junior Baseball Club has swelled to the extent that it now has over 300 members, several representatives in the Great Britain squad and perhaps the best player in the country. Click here for More