Frequently Asked Questions

TSCUK is a national Masters swimming club (ages 18+) licensed with Swim England. We welcome anyone with a connection to organ donation. You do not need to have had a transplant yourself.

Our members include:

• Transplant recipients

• Living organ donors

• Family members of donors or recipients

• Supporters and friends of the transplant community

• Masters swimmers with personal or family connections to donation and transplantation

Everyone is welcome.

No. We are an inclusive club. Membership is open to anyone with a connection to organ donation or transplantation, including supporters and families. You do not need to be a transplant recipient.

No. Transplant Swimming UK (TSCUK) is a national Swim England-affiliated Masters swimming club, so you do not need to live in a specific area to become a member.

Swimmers living in England can join TSCUK and be registered with Swim England in the appropriate membership category. Swimmers living in Scotland or Wales are also welcome to join. Although Scottish Swimming and Swim Wales are the national governing bodies in their respective nations, swimmers who are members of an English club can still be registered through that club with Swim England where appropriate, enabling them to participate in TSCUK activities and Swim England licensed competitions. Any additional requirements of their home nation governing body should be met where applicable.

International swimmers living outside the UK are also welcome to join TSCUK. Overseas members may be eligible for registration with Swim England through the club for competition purposes, subject to the rules in force at the time. International swimmers should contact the club before joining so that we can advise on the most appropriate registration route and any additional requirements.

As a national Masters swimming club, TSCUK members can be based anywhere in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland or overseas and still take part in club activities, training programmes, events and competitions.

Yes. You can be a dual member, holding membership at:

• Your local club (for regular training and coaching)

• TSCUK (for national connection and Masters competition opportunities)

This allows you to continue training with your usual coach while also competing and connecting with other transplant swimmers across the UK under TSCUK.

Yes. This is the purpose of dual membership. You can enter events under either club. 

Swim England membership fees are annual registration fees that:

• Register you as a competitive swimmer in England

• Provide insurance cover for training and competition

• Allow you to compete in licensed events, including Masters competitions

These are separate from TSCUK club fees and are set by Swim England each year. 

Yes. TSUK has an annual club membership fee which helps cover:

• Club administration and affiliation costs

• Team events and meet organisation

• Communication and coordination across the UK

• Supporting club development and activities

Details of current fees are provided upon joining or upon enquiry.

Yes, but we recommend finding a local Masters club if possible for regular training.

If you’re looking for guidance:

• The Masters section of Swim England’s website is a great place to start: Swim England

• Members of TSCUK can also help guide you and share advice based on their own clubs and training setups

• Many swimmers are happy to share recommendations for clubs near you

We encourage members to:

• Join a local Masters squad where possible

• Follow structured Masters programmes

• Use Swim England’s Masters resources: Swim England

• Connect with TSCUK members for shared training tips, motivation, and support

• National community of transplant-connected swimmers

• Opportunity to compete together at Masters events

• Team spirit and support across the UK

• Inclusion in relay teams and club representation

• Social connection with others who share similar lived experiences

As a TSUK member, you can:

• Compete in Masters events for your local club

• Represent TSUK at selected national or regional Masters competitions

• Take part in relays and team events under TSUK

No. We welcome swimmers of all abilities, from experienced competitors to those returning to swimming after time away, to those just starting out. 

Masters swimming is about participation, fitness, and community as much as competition.

TSUK itself is a national club, so most swimmers train locally, but we may organise occasional meet-ups or training sessions.

Some members take part in open water events, but this depends on local opportunities and personal interest.

You can join by:

• Contacting the club directly

• Providing your Swim England membership details - if you are already a Swim England member.

• Confirming your connection to organ donation/transplantation

We’ll guide you through registration and help you get set up.

You can reach out to the club secretary. TSCUK members are also a friendly and supportive community. We have a club Whatsapp group to keep everyone connected and help organise meeting up at events to compete together.