🦢 About the Club
About Reading Cygnets
A competitive swimming club for people with learning disabilities — now in our 45th successive and successful year.
🏊 Our History
Over Four Decades of Excellence
Reading Cygnets was formed in April 1981, supported by Reading Borough Council. What began as a small community initiative has grown into one of the most respected inclusive swimming clubs in the country — now in its 45th successive and successful year.
Our present Chairman, Gordon Dart, is the grandson of our former Chairman and Founder Member, the late Ron Phillips, MBE — a legacy of dedication that runs through everything we do.
The club is an affiliated member of Swim England and an accredited member of Special Olympics Great Britain, giving our swimmers access to competition at the highest levels of inclusive sport.
Membership carries a commitment to the sport: swimmers attend for training on at least two Sundays a month, ensuring every member makes genuine progress and feels part of a real team.
"To provide every swimmer with the opportunity to compete, improve, and belong — regardless of ability."
— The Reading Cygnets Mission
💙 What We Stand For
Our Values
Inclusion
We believe swimming is for everyone. Every swimmer at Reading Cygnets is welcomed, supported, and celebrated — whatever their starting point.
Excellence
We are a competitive club. Our qualified coaches push each swimmer to be the best they can be, with personalised coaching in every lane.
Community
Built on decades of friendship and shared purpose, the Cygnets community extends far beyond the pool — to families, carers, and supporters alike.
📍 Find Us
Where & When
Training takes place weekly. Here's everything you need to know before your first visit.
Location
Rivermead Leisure Centre
Richfield Avenue, Caversham
Reading, RG1 8EQ
Training Time
Every Sunday Evening
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Members must attend at least two Sundays per month.
Membership
Open to swimmers with learning disabilities. Prospective members are welcome to come along to a taster session before committing.
Get in touch to find out more →
Proud Members Of
🦢 Join the Family
Ready to Start Swimming?
Whether you're a swimmer with a learning disability looking for your club, a parent exploring options, or someone who wants to volunteer — we'd love to hear from you.