Nike does it for club

3:07pm Tuesday 31st January 2006

It has often been said you can judge a club by their sponsor.

If it is a big name, then you know the club are making a mark in the sport.

Well, you cannot get much bigger than the new sponsor of Barnet Copthall Swimming Club Nike.

Chief coach Rhys Gormley said: "Nike are looking to get into the swim market, particularly in Europe, and wanted a high-profile club in Britain to wear their kit. We were there at the right time."

It means the club's top 30 or so swimmers now have plush new tracksuits, T-shirts, hats and other swimming accessories.

And they are pleased to show off the name of their new sponsor. "Nike is a street-cred brand, so they're happy to wear the kit," said Gormley.

The two-year sponsorship deal, with an option to extend, could lead to even bigger things.

The coach added: "We have been looking to get into sponsorship. This is only a kit deal, but it may lead to more in the future."

He hopes that one day individual swimmers could be sponsored and helped with the many expenses they have to endure, particularly travel and hotel costs. Swim meets could also be sponsored.

Barnet Copthall is the leading swimming club in the capital and the deal with Nike is further evidence of the progress they have made over the years. Gormley said: "Very few clubs have got proper sponsors. They have minor sponsors, but not many have got a lucrative sponsorship such as this."

He is hoping about 75 per cent of his top swimmers will compete at the National Championships later this year, but added that the club was not just about achieving success on the big stage.

The club, based at the pool in Mill Hill, are always on the lookout for new members. There are groups catering for all standards of swimmers. Anyone wishing to take up the sport can phone 020 8457 9900 for more details.

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