Abba

Let's give Alleyns the benefit of the doubt. We have had an engaged conversation with them yesterday, about about both short-term solutions and longer term options. They have already agreed to let the Club continue to swim at the school until the end of the year. They have apologised for the way they communicated with Tigersharks and have made commitments in writing about helping find a solution that suits both them and Tigersharks. I will continue to post updates as we hopefully continue to make progress.

Important update - I am pleased to say that a few club members (myself included) and Krys (the Tigersharks coach) met with Alleyns to discuss reasonable next steps. The School apologised for the way Tigersharks had been treated and we are now in a dialogue to try and save the Club. This is still very much a "watch this space" but there is a glimmer of optimism for the Club. Thanks again for all your support.

The 150 swimmers is the monthly count of regular swimmers over the Monday, Thursday and Sunday sessions the club has (had) access to. The total Club membership count is 217. Tigersharks have supported national swimmers to achieve high standards in swimming and water polo. Krys is a gifted coach who has helped many ambitious individual athletes, myself included, who holds a world ranking of 5 in the 200m Butterfly. It is not the Club's goal to achieve just numbers or status. We support challenged swimmers who are not suited to high level achievement. WE ARE A COMMUNITY CLUB offering bursaries and reduced rates. Inclusion is at our heart.

We have a thriving sporting culture in the East Dulwich area and so I am extremely disappointed to announce that Alleyns School has decided to take away the pool time they rent to a local swim club that encourages kids and parents to train together. Tigersharks Swim Club has trained at Alleyns pool for 27 years and has been given 2 weeks notice by the school to terminate that relationship. It is devastating to both the group of 150 swimmers and the coaching team - it is their livelihood. We are trying to change the decision and so if you have ever swam at Tigersharks, know someone who has, or would just like to support us, please add your name in the comments below as we try and petition the school on the basis of community, inclusion and just downright fairness. Thanks so much in advance.