performance Swimming

The University of Surrey Swim programme is one of the six Swim England National Performance Centres. This status has been achieved in recognition of the unique club-university synergy, along with the provision of world-class facilities and elite coaching. Each performance squad swimmer receives individual customised support with the aim of maximising performance.

Why Surrey?

The University of Surrey Swim Team has seen significant progression and success since moving to Surrey Sports Park 50m Pool in 2010. The Team works in partnership with Guildford City Swimming Club and is managed by their group of world-class coaches, with experience at Olympic, Commonwealth, World and European level. The University Swim Team is in the top division of the BUCS Team Championships and ranked as a top 10 performing university.

Performance Programme Benefits

  • Elite coaching and support from professional coaches and support staff.
  • National Performance Squad athletes receive up to 20 hours per week pool training.
  • Dedicated Strength & Conditioning programme delivered by expert coaches and best-in-class technology including Teambuildr and a full suite of VALD testing technology to optimise performance and recovery.
  • Full-service player support including dedicated physiotherapy, massage clinic, medical support, performance nutrition, sports psychology and performance lifestyle advice.
  • £2100 annual contribution to training fee’s (made directly to Guildford City Swimming Club).
  • Places in the National Performance Squad are limited. Where the number of eligible candidates exceeds the number of places available then the highest performers based on World Aquatics points will be given priority.
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Swimming pool
Gym
Gym 2
Gym 3
AGPs
Grass Pitches
Studios
Arenas
Tennis Courts
Spin Studio
Treatment Room

Facilities

  • 50m, 8 lane, Olympic standard swimming pool for training and recovery including sauna and steam room.
  • Dedicated all-weather training facilities at Surrey Sports Park including x10 Grass and x3 3G pitches.
  • Newly refurbished 120 station gym and strength & conditioning area with 9 Olympic platforms in Surrey Sports Park.
  • Dedicated High Performance S&C gym
  • Outdoor gym rig, indoor halls, studios, squash, tennis, padel and more.

Coaching Staff

Lee Spindlow

Lee Spindlow

Chief Coach:

Lee is a seasoned professional with over 20 years’ experience across elite sports coaching, sports development, and club management. Lee has coached junior European medallists and senior qualifiers. Recently, he coached at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has also guided a Paralympic swimmer to three medals and a world record. As a Coach Mentor for Swim England, he supports the development of fellow coaches. His philosophy centres on empathy, strategic thinking, resilience, and helping individuals grow through adversity to reach their full potential.

 

Lewis Dunford

Lewis Dunford

National Performance Squad Lead Coach:
 
Extremely experienced at all levels, Lewis has coached athletes to international representation including World Championship and Commonwealth level. His person-centric approach ensures athletes become the best person, athlete and performer they can be in and out of the pool.

 


Sergey Mandra

Sergey Mandra

National High Performance Squad Lead Coach:
 
Sergey brings over 15 years of coaching experience with Guildford City, having worked across Academy, competitive development, Masters and High Performance squads. He has coached swimmers to Regional and National competition and international para-swimmers at European and World Championships. A Level 3 Swim England Senior Coach, Sergey has led the Senior National Squad since 2023 and combines extensive development experience with a positive, performance-focused approach.
 

CURRENT Swimmers

Delphine Riley

Delphine Riley

COURSE: Sport and Exercise Science

HONOURS: Commonwealth Games 2026 (Guernsey)

Will Sellars

Will Sellars

COURSE: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

HONOURS: Commonwealth Games 2026 (Cayman Islands)

Megan Hansford

Megan Hansford

COURSE: Sport & Exercise Science

HONOURS: Commonwealth Games 2026 (Jersey)

 

key competitions

  • BUCS Short Course – November
  • Winter Nationals – December
  • BUCS Long Course – February
  • British Championships – April
  • British & English Summer Nationals – July

performance squad criteria

Female swimmers with more than 700 World Aquatics Points and Males swimmer with more than 650 World Aquatics Points in an Olympic event will automatically be invited to start training with the National Performance Squad. All other freshers will be invited to start with the BUCS Squad. For more details surrounding eligibility please see the GCSC website - Guildford City Swimming Club University of Surrey - Guildford City Swimming Club

Dual Career FINANCIAL SUPPORT

A University Dual Career is a pathway where sport and education are both valued and is an opportunity for an individual to reach their sporting, academic, work and life potential. The Dual Career Programme is therefore in place to support high performance athletes who are studying alongside their sporting commitments.

Award Criteria

  • The Elite Tier supports student-athletes who have represented their country, performing on an international stage and/or at the highest-level in their sport.
  • The Talent Tier supports student-athletes who are part of professional or national development programmes and/or international student representation.
  • The Performance Tier supports high performing student-athletes who are also supported as a member of one of the seven High Performance Sport Squads.
  • Apply for Dual Career status here
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Benefits of the programme

  • Financial support to aid competition fees, travel, equipment, pre-season, accommodation & parking
  • 1-to-1 Practitioner support fund
  • Dedicated Performance Lifestyle advisor
  • Team Surrey Membership (fees paid)
  • Surrey Sports Park Membership (fees paid)
  • Dual Career training kit


 
S&C

Academic support

Those who have been identified by Team Surrey and are part of the dual career programme may be eligible for grade reduction consideration. Students not taking a science A-level, can be considered for a Sports and Exercise Science with Foundation Year BSc. This is on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on year of entry, and applicants must meet any subject-specific entry requirements.

How to apply to the performance swim squads

To make an application please email Lee Spindlow, Chief Coach lee.spindlow@gcsc.co.uk with the following:

  • Your name and DOB
  • Current personal best times and the dates that they were swam
  • A brief statement of why you are interested in swimming at the University of Surrey and your future swimming ambitions.