We are so happy to have you here!
Welcome to the Academy Swim Team family. Let's get you set up and ready for the water!
Before your trial, you successfully completed your medical and membership forms, so there is no need to repeat them.
Below is a quick guide to help you through the next steps as a new member.
1 Set up GoCardless Payments
You should have been given your squad placement and the associated costs. If you need a reminder, you can check the costs on our Joining & Fees page.
The next step is to set up a GoCardless account. Using Direct Debit via GoCardless is highly beneficial as it helps reduce administrative time for our volunteers and ensures payments are processed smoothly and securely on the 1st of every month.
Set up your GoCardless AccountOnce set up, we will handle the rest! If you need to discuss your initial payments, please email Gary at [email protected]—he’ll be more than happy to help.
2 Set up your AST Member Portal
Once your GoCardless Direct Debit is set up, Lewis will create your account on our own AST membership system and send your invite to the email address you provided on your membership form.
This is the same website you are on now, so everything is in one place. You can log in from the "Member Login" button at the top right of the site, then view your swimmer's dashboard, training sessions, competition entries, personal bests, invoices, and key member details.
Because it is built for AST, it is much easier for us to keep your information accurate, link billing and meet entries together, and give families a clearer view of what is coming up.
3 Join Spond (Club Communication)
Spond is our club communication app. We use this for all non-urgent communications. It’s an incredibly useful tool—once you're in, you will be able to see upcoming events, sign up for events you’re interested in, communicate with other members, and much more.
Club Code: HFEWR
Join using our Invitation LinkDownload the Spond App:
You are ready to go! 🎉
Once all that has been done, you're officially set up. Feel free to refer back to this page if you have any questions along the way, or email us directly for any queries.
New Member Essentials: Your Cheat Sheet
Training Sessions
Your coach will confirm which squad you are joining (e.g. Junior, Dev 1). Please attend sessions for that squad only.
- Pool: Arrive 15 mins early to be poolside on time.
- Equipment: Goggles & water bottle. (Hat optional — you get a free one when joining!)
Land Training
Vital for building core strength. Included in your fees.
- Who: All squads (Age 9+ for Juniors).
- When: Usually Fridays or Saturdays — check the schedule.
- Wear: Gym kit and trainers.
Joining Competitions
- Invites: Sent via Email and the Spond App.
- Entering: You must enter via the AST member portal on the club website.
- First Steps: Download Spond & set up your website account.
📧 Key Contacts
We are all volunteers here to help!