How it all Began

In 1976, the small village clubs of the Doncaster Metropolitan Amateur Swimming Association (DMASA) were finding things difficult competing against Yorkshire's big city clubs. Their solution was to band together so that all of Doncater's swimmers could compete as one -- DARTES is the result.

The Early Years

Up until the mid 1980s, most training was still undertaken by the local clubs with relatively little water time available to the training scheme. Even so, with coaches of the calibre of Bill Mosey and Hans Hindle, the club became a dominant force at Yorkshire & NEC Championships and Open Meets across the North East. Not to mention being regularly represented at Nationals.

The Golden Period

To date, the club's most successful years span the late 1980s and 1990s. Mick Nicholson's tenure as head coach saw our arrival at Hall Cross School's pool as well as our first National Champion in Pam Trickett.

In 1987 (with financial aid from Doncaster council) Paul Bright was appointed as full time head coach. Under his guidance the club soared to new heights (5 individual national champions in 1992 and again in 1995, along with 30/19 individual NEC gold medals in those same years).

The Present Day

Mick Gartside has lead the club through its most challenging period. Guiding our swimmers to Nationals and picking up medals at Yorkshires and North Easterns along the way.

The future is ours for the making ...