UoG swimming initiative boosted by share of £100k in national funding

A University of Gloucestershire programme making swimming more accessible will benefit from a share of £100,000 as part of a national initiative to support Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes driving positive changes in their community.

The Swim 4 All scheme provides University students and staff with access to social swimming sessions and swimming lessons – led by qualified student coaches from the University’s UniSport team – in a safe and welcoming environment at GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester.

Former British Para-swimmer George Kelman-Johns, who co-founded Swim 4 All while he was studying at the University, has been awarded a £9,959 grant from the ChangeMakers initiative to support the student-led scheme in 2025.

In partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, Team GB, and ParalympicsGB, the ChangeMakers initiative is providing a total of £100,000 for 16 Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes to support their community activities this year.

The Swim 4 All initiative is designed to help all the University’s 11,000 students and 900 staff enjoy the benefits of swimming, with tailored support in place to overcome obstacles to participation, such as a lack of confidence around water, issues around being unable to swim, or concerns about swimwear.

Led by George Kelman-Johns, the not-for-profit programme currently involves six University students – Emmie Parsons, Caitlin Bound, Ella Grigg, Millie Tout, Jemima Gascoyne and Willow Irwin – who volunteer their time to teach participating students and staff.

Over the past three years, Swim 4 All has supported 149 students and staff as part of the University’s physical activity and wellbeing programme, ‘Move Your Way’, delivered by the UniSport team, that provides recreational activities for staff and students to enhance their physical and mental health.

Swimming is proven to reduce the risk of serious illnesses, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, while also helping participants to lose weight, improve strength and mobility, and reduce stress levels.

University of Gloucestershire students and staff pay £10 a year to take part in Swim 4 All, with the money going towards supporting the programme.

George Kelman-Johns, a 2024 BSc (Hons) Physical Education and Coaching graduate, said: “I’m extremely proud and absolutely delighted to have been selected as a recipient of funding from the ChangeMakers initiative to enable the Swim 4 All scheme to go from strength to strength.

“As we aim to encourage more people to be more active more often, the grant will help to fund pool hire, coaching and new equipment so we can continue to support students and staff to enjoy the benefits of swimming within a friendly, inclusive and relaxed environment.

“Whether they’re just enjoying being in the pool with friends, or having swimming lessons with a qualified coach, we want everyone to have a positive time and to look forward to spending time in the water.”

Matt Tansley, Head of Sport and Active Life at the University, said: “George has used his passion for swimming and his own experiences to develop something really innovative that means more of our students have the opportunity to enjoy the water and learn a new skill in a safe and inclusive environment.

“We are delighted to be able to support George and Swim For All, and I am sure it will only become even more popular next academic year.”

University of Gloucestershire staff or students interested in taking part in Swim 4 All should email [email protected]