The Heart of Garstang Gators
There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the smile, the pride, and the sense of achievement on a swimmer’s face after a gala. It’s the moment they’ve trained for, the reward for hard sets, and quiet determination. That joy is why we coach, why they swim, and why it matters.
Galas and what they are all about
A swimming gala is a competitive event where swimmers race against others in their age group or ability level. It’s like a sports day for swimmers, full of excitement, cheering, and personal challenges. Galas can be team-based, where clubs compete against each other, or individual, where swimmers aim for personal bests.
For many swimmers, a gala is the highlight of their training. It gives them something to work towards, a goal to aim for. Whether it’s improving a time, mastering a new stroke, or simply finishing a race confidently, every swimmer has their own target. Galas help build resilience, focus, and pride. They learn how to handle nerves, celebrate success, and bounce back from setbacks.
It’s also a chance to be part of a team. Swimmers cheer each other on, wear club colours, and feel the buzz of representing Garstang Gators. For younger swimmers, it’s often their first taste of competition. For older ones, it’s a stepping stone to bigger meets or qualifications.
Most importantly, galas create moments; the smile after a race, the pride in a medal, the joy of seeing hard work pay off. That sense of achievement is what keeps swimmers motivated and coming back for more.
Swim your own race. Be in competition with no one but yourself!
MICROLEAGUE NORTH WEST
Big Dreams Start Here
The North West Micro League is where young swimmers take their first dive into competitive racing — and where confidence, teamwork, and pride begin to flourish. Designed for swimmers aged 9 to 12, it’s a brilliant introduction to gala life, offering a fun, supportive environment that celebrates effort as much as achievement.
With three divisions and eight teams in each, the league brings together clubs of all sizes across the region. Garstang Gators proudly compete in Division C, where our swimmers race against other local teams in exciting, fast-paced galas. For many, it’s their first time wearing club colours, hearing the cheers, and feeling the thrill of the starting whistle.
Unlike open galas, Micro League events are more informal and a lot more fun. There’s less pressure and more encouragement, perfect for building confidence and learning the ropes. Swimmers get to race in relays, support their teammates, and enjoy the buzz of being part of a team. It’s competitive, but it’s also joyful.
Each gala is a stepping stone. Swimmers set goals, chase personal bests, and learn to handle both nerves and success. Coaches and parents watch with pride as smiles beam from the poolside, proof that hard work and courage pay off.
Micro League isn’t just about medals; it’s about moments. It’s where young swimmers discover their potential, build friendships, and fall in love with the sport. For Garstang Gators, it’s the perfect place to grow, compete, and shine.
Microleague 2026 Fixtures
Sunday 8th March – Darwen Leisure Centre, BB3 1PW
Sunday 17th May – Volair Huyton, Knowsley Culture and Leisure Park, L36 6EG
Saturday 27th June – Palatine Leisure Centre Blackpool, FY4 2AP
NORTH LANCS SWIM LEAGUE
Teamwork in Every Lane
For swimmers aged 12 and over, the North Lancashire Swim League offers the next step in competitive racing. It’s a structured, exciting league where clubs across the region compete in a series of galas, testing skill, stamina, and team spirit at a higher level.
Unlike the more informal Micro League, this league introduces swimmers to more intense competition, with races across multiple age bands and strokes. The league is split into two divisions, each with 7 to 8 teams, and results are based on points earned across several meets. Swimmers represent their club in individual and relay events, with every race contributing to the team’s overall standing.
For Garstang Gators, it’s a chance for older swimmers to step up — to race with purpose, chase personal bests, and contribute to the club’s success. It’s also a brilliant way to prepare for open meets and county-level competition, building confidence and experience in a supportive team setting.
The league fosters commitment, resilience, and pride. Whether racing for points or cheering from poolside, every swimmer plays a part. It’s not just about winning — it’s about growing, striving, and representing the Gators with heart.
Unfortunately for the 2026 Season we will not be entering a team into this league as we do not have the required number of older swimmers to be able to compete.
Fast Swims, Big Wins, Happy Faces
OPEN GALAS
One Team, Many Journeys
Upcoming Galas
• Burnley Bobcats Last Gala – 10th & 11th January, Darwen Leisure Centre
• Lancashire County Championships – 24th & 25th January, 7th & 8th February 2026, Manchester Aquatics Centre
• Burnley Bobcats Racing for Regionals – 28th Feb & 1st March, Darwen Leisure Centre
• Carnforth Otters Last Gasp Gala – 14th March, Salt Ayre Leisure Centre
• North West Regional Championships – 28th & 29th March, 25th & 26th April, 2nd & 3rd May
• Wigan SC Summer Sizzler Sprint Meet – 31st May, Wigan Life Centre
• GARSTANG MEDALS GALA – 6th June, Palatine Pool Blackpool
• Liverpool Splash and Dash Gala – 14th June, Liverpool Aquatics Centre TBC
• Kendal Mint Gala– 27th & 28th June, Kendal Leisure Centre
• North Lancashire Development Meet– 4th & 5th July, Palatine Pool, Blackpool
• North Lancs Championships – 26th and 27th September, 3rd October, Palatine Pool, Blackpool
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Open galas mark a swimmer’s personal journey, a chance to step beyond the club and test themselves against wider competition. These events are about more than medals; they’re about growth, resilience, and discovering what’s possible. Every race is a new challenge, every time a target to beat. Swimmers learn to set goals, handle pressure, and celebrate progress, whether it’s a PB or simply a stronger swim.
Reaching a County qualifying time is a major milestone. It shows commitment, consistency, and technical skill. From there, the path continues: Regional times demand greater speed and precision, while National qualification places a swimmer among the top in the country; a true mark of excellence.
But the journey isn’t just physical. It builds character. Swimmers learn discipline, time management, and how to balance sport with school. Training sessions, tough sets, and academic deadlines, it’s a juggling act that teaches responsibility and drive.
That’s why universities value competitive swimmers so highly. Achieving at County, Regional, or National level shows not just talent, but the ability to manage workload, stay focused, and push through challenges. It’s proof of a well-rounded student, someone who can thrive in both the pool and the classroom.
For many, open galas are the start of something bigger. A journey of ambition, achievement, and pride.
