Left to right: Madisyn, Taylor, Jessica and Madison.
There was a real buzz around Aberdeen Sports Village Aquatics Centre as the Scottish National Age Groups (SNAGs) returned from 4–8 April.
Among those competing were four familiar faces – Madisyn, Jessica, Madison and Taylor – all connected to Aberdeen Sports Village’s swimming pathway.
We spoke to them during the event, shortly before their competition team, University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming, went on to be crowned overall winners.
Their journeys highlight the opportunities available through ASV, from first experiences in the water to competitive swimming, volunteering and development opportunities.
Shared success through the swimming pathway
Taylor’s journey began in the Learn to Swim programme at Bridge of Don Swimming Pool. She progressed through the pathway into club swimming and now competes nationally while representing University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming.
Madisyn and Jessica both came through ASV’s volunteer programme, gaining valuable poolside experience while supporting younger swimmers and developing new skills. They are now continuing to progress within the pathway and working towards future teaching opportunities.
Madison joined the volunteer programme at the start of the year and is already developing through the same route, gaining experience while staying closely involved in the sport she enjoys.
Madisyn, Jessica and Madison also swim for Dyce Swimming Club, a partner club of University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming and an important feeder club within ASV’s wider swimming pathway.
Learning and giving back
Competing at national level brings its own challenges, especially when you are one of the youngest in the field.
“It’s cool to be the youngest, but it’s not so cool when you’re racing all the older ones,” Taylor explained. “But it makes you go faster.”
That mindset of learning through challenge is something Madisyn, Jessica and Madison now help pass on to younger swimmers through their volunteering roles.
“I remember coming in on my first volunteering shift, everyone was just so welcoming.”
Their involvement is about more than just swimming technique. It is about building confidence, sharing experience and helping the next generation enjoy the water.
“Everyone learns in their own way. And I think sometimes swimming is more mental than physical. The [Learn to Swim] programme is really good at supporting that.”
“It’s about passing on our passion for swimming and helping younger swimmers enjoy it the way we do.”
From Learn to Swim to National Level
Taylor’s story is a great example of how ASV’s swimming pathway can support long-term development. After starting in Adult and Child lessons at just nine months old, moving into Wee Swimmers programme and progressing through the Junior levels to Club Ready, she moved into club swimming and is now competing nationally at just 10 years old.
Her progress was supported not only through weekly lessons, but by making the most of the wider opportunities available through the programme. Taylor regularly used her Learn to Swim membership for extra public swimming sessions with family, helping to build confidence, improve skills and enjoy time in the water.
She also took part in ASV’s holiday intensive swimming camps, which helped accelerate her development and progression through the pathway.
All four swimmers are continuing their development within a strong performance environment linked to ASV.
A team-first atmosphere
The atmosphere at SNAGs was something all four swimmers spoke about, particularly the sense of team spirit.
“I just love the atmosphere...everyone supports each other.”
For Taylor, competing at SNAGs for the first time made it even more memorable.
“It was my first year, and I got to swim three relays. We dressed up with tutus and tinsel, it was really fun...and seeing other teams dressed up as well.”
Having experienced the pressures of competing at a young age, they were clear about one thing - enjoyment matters.
“The first few years were quite hard mentally because we were so young. But now we’ve learned it’s about enjoying it, and when you enjoy it, you swim better.”
Their advice to younger swimmers reflects that.
“Just try to enjoy it as much as you can. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself...If you’ve made it here, even making a final [is something] people dream about, so just be grateful and enjoy it.”
A pathway in action
Their journeys - from Learn to Swim to national competition - show what the programme at ASV can offer at every stage.
For some, that journey now includes volunteering, qualifications and teaching. For others, like Taylor, it is about progressing through the programme and competing at the highest level for their age group.
With access to high-quality facilities and a supportive environment, they have developed not only as swimmers, but as role models.
“It’s one of the best facilities in Scotland...we’ve got access to everything…the gym…50m pool”
”Everyone at ASV is really accommodating. It feels very team orientated.”
As the next generation of swimmers take their first steps in the pool, they are being supported by a programme that develops confidence, ability and a lifelong connection to the sport.
Whether you are just starting out, returning to the water, or looking to build skills and confidence, our aquatics team is here to help you take the next step in our outstanding facilities. Start or continue your Learn to Swim journey with ASV today.
Our 2026/2027 programme is now live for:
- Adult and child Learn to Swim
- Wee swimmers Learn to Swim
- Juniors Learn to Swim
