Jingle Bell Splash Meet rounds off the year in style

A SUCCESSFUL event, which attracted over 300 swimmers and hundreds of spectators over a weekend of competition, rounded off the year in style for hosts Bassetlaw Swim Squad; the performance squad system of the BPL Your Swim Academy.

The Jingle Bell Splash Meet took place at Your Space Worksop Leisure Centre and was an end-of-year celebration for swimmers of all abilities – from early stage competition up to performance swimming – creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

As well as welcoming spectators to the centre, for the first time, the event was also livestreamed on BSS’ official YouTube channel; opening it up to an even bigger audience.

BSS Performance Swimming Coach Liam Marshall said: “Events like the Jingle Bell Splash give swimmers, especially younger ones, a chance to experience competition in a low-pressure, joyful environment.

“This builds confidence, encourages participation and gives pride in their achievements beyond times and rankings.

“For the wider community, it’s a chance to come together, support local talent, not just in the county but up and down the country, and showcase the sport in a welcoming way.”

Hosting events is also a great way to raise the profile of the BPL Your Swim Academy performance squads and Your Space locally and the perfect opportunity to promote the benefits of swimming.

Staff and volunteers can also gain valuable experience working on them.

Liam added: “These events encourage greater retention in the sport, help with recruitment and give volunteers, coaches and swimmers something exciting to work towards.

“Staff and volunteers gain real-world experience in event planning, poolside management, officiating and swimmer support.

“It’s a chance to refine organisational skills, develop leadership and work collaboratively in ways that training sessions don’t always allow.

“Many of our team also step into assistant roles they wouldn’t normally do, helping them grow both professionally and within the swimming community.”

Over the past few months, Liam and his colleagues have been working to build even stronger links with the community to further highlight local swimming opportunities and grow participation.

He added: “My role has expanded into areas of community engagement, event leadership and programme development.

“I’ve worked on building stronger communication channels with families, creating opportunities for wider involvement and ensuring our sessions and events cater to a broad range of abilities.

“What’s worked particularly well is focusing on relationships, listening to swimmers and parents and creating experiences that feel meaningful and fun for everyone involved.”

Planning is already underway for additional events throughout 2026, including themed swim meets and a swim camp in Spain.

Liam added: “The aim is to build on the momentum from 2025 and make swimming even more visible, accessible and enjoyable across Bassetlaw for all.”

A big thank you to everyone who was involved in the event and to Blind Man Media (Callum Kettlewell) for some incredible photography.