Team Galas
The Club competes in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Diddy League for swimmers in the 9 – 12 age groups. There are three galas in this series, which takes place from March to June and the club competes against other clubs in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas.
We also take part in the Derwent League - this is a series of 3 galas throughout March, April and May and is a team competition between 6 local clubs - Dronfield were the 2025 Derwent League winners. At this event there are individual and relay events for specified age groups and swimmers are selected by the Head Coach and notified of their selection near the event.
In addition, we sometimes enter teams in local ‘friendly’ and novice galas throughout the year for all age groups. Depending on the gala there can be any combination of ages from 9 year old to Open (16 and above) age group. In novice galas our aim is to expose the lesser experienced swimmers to gala conditions before they are thrown into a competitive league or ‘Open’ gala. In both friendly and league team galas the criteria for selection is on speed, strength of stroke and a commitment to swimming.
Dronfield Dolphins competes to win - we are a competitive club, and it should be every swimmers aim to be selected to represent the club. Teams are selected by the coaching staff, with co-operation and consultation from the team managers. The Team managers are responsible for the team on gala day. We try to inform swimmers as soon as possible that they have been chosen to represent the club, which is usually at least two weeks before a gala. When a swimmer is chosen to swim for the club, it is the responsibility of the swimmer to confirm their availability with the Team Manager. If transport is being arranged for the gala then the Team Manager needs to know as soon as possible so that they know how many spaces are required. If swimmers do not turn up for a gala or do not inform the team manager in sufficient time then this could well affect their selection for future galas. It is very difficult to find a substitute swimmer at short notice; and one person missing could mean that a relay team cannot swim, thus denying the team of valuable points.
