Club Info
Everything you need to know about Dartes. From training times and how to apply for membership, through a potted club history, qualifying times for major meets, and everything else you need as a member of Dartes or a potential member of Dartes.
The Dartes Squads

Which to Choose: Competitive or Performance
Performance Stream
Demand for places within the Performance Stream is high. The higher up the Performance ladder, the harder it is to retain a spot. Entry to Phase 4 generally requires Yorkshire qualifying times; Phase 5 hopefuls should be aiming for a minimum of a North East Regional final. To achieve these high levels there are progressive training standards adhered to by all swimmers in the Performance Stream. Those standards are relatively easy in Phase 1-3, take a serious jump in Phase 4, and are extremely tough in Phase 5 (16+ hours training each week).
Entry into the Performance Stream comes from any of Doncaster's competitive clubs or our own Competitive Stream. It is strongly advised to start in the Performance stream early (age 8-10) alongside club swimming. The accumulated extra hours of training in those early years prepares the young athlete for the demands of Phase 4. Those entering Phase 4 without spending time in Phase 1-3 tend to struggle.
Anyone from outside Doncaster wishing to join the Performance stream are welcome to apply for a trial. Spare places may be available from time to time.
Competitive/Participation Stream
The Competitive Stream aims for a similar level to Doncaster's other competitive clubs. It takes young swimmers from DCLT's Learn to Swim programme and provides a minimal commitment route into competitive or participation swimming. If you're looking for a relaxed approach to swim training, this is the route for you. It offers competition at a local level through leagues and open meets hosted in nearby towns.
At a young age (under 12) it may be possible to move across to the Performance Stream if suitable. Climbing up through C Squad to B Squad, and then into A Squad may well provide all the competitiveness a young swimmer desires. C Squad and B Squad are largely focused on participation/fitness swimming for those who dislike competition. Whatever your level, its likely there's a spot for you.
Performance Stream in Detail
Phase 1, 2, 3 (Junior Development 8-12 yrs)
Typically the entry point to the Performance Stream.
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
Before entering this squad, the following two forms must be completed:
- Membership Application (PDF)
- Recommendation Slip (PDF)
- Phase 1 monthly fees: £14 (1 session)
- Phase 2 monthly fees: £26 (2 sessions)
- Phase 3 monthly fees: £60 (5 sessions)
- Coach: David Cuthbert / Jordan Allerton
Phase 4 (Age Group, 10-14 yrs)
After graduating from Phase 1-3, the next step is Phase 4.
Here we develop key skills and build a strong fitness base.
- Introduction to Phase 4
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
- Logbook
- Code of Conduct
- Phase 4 monthly fees: £70
- Coach: Jordan Allerton
Phase 5 (Youth 12+ yrs)
The pinnacle of Performance swimming in Doncaster.
Recent Phase 5 members have been National medalists, Olympic trialists, and members of British Junior Teams.
A hard-working few have represented their nations at Olympic, World, and Commonwealth level.
- Introduction
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
- Logbook
- Code of Conduct
- Phase 5 monthly fees: £85
- Coach: David Cuthbert
Competitive Stream in Detail
A Squad
Local level competition and open meets.
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
- Monthly fees: £28
B Squad
Local leagues and participation.
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
- Monthly fees: £25
C Squad
Social, fitness, and participation swimming.
- Training Times
- Standing Order Mandate (PDF)
- Monthly fees: £15 (1 session) / £20 (2 sessions)
Information for Members
Introduction to Dartes
Everything you ever wanted to know about the Dartes scheme but never thought to ask:
- What is DARTES?
- Our Feeder Clubs
- In Performance
- The Logo and Graphics
Competitions, Advice, and Guidance
Details about meets we'll be attending and qualifying times, etc.
- Events Calendar
- First Meet Info
- Meet Protocol - What is expected of you on the day of the competition.
- Online Entry Form
- Constitution (ver 2020)
- Monitoring Growth
Policies and Procedures
Here you will find various policy documents and procedures.
- Complaints Procedure
- GDPR Policy
- Photo/Video Statement
Risk Assessments
Below are a number of Risk Assessments (and associated documentation) that members may be interested in:
- Outdoor Land Training (risk assessment)
- Outdoor Land Training (guidance/consent)
- Outdoor Land Training (map)
- Pool Training (guidance/consent)
- Town Fields Land Training (risk assessment)
- Town Fields Land Training (guidance/consent)
- Town Fields Land Training (map)
- Mere Lane Park, Land Training (risk assessment)
- Mere Lane Park, Land Training (map)
- Woodlands Park (risk assessment)
- Woodlands Park, Land Training (map)