SWIMTIME – the UK’s largest swimming lesson franchise business – has been appointed to provide swimming lessons for Sports Direct fitness clubs, including Sale

The contract will create new jobs for swimming teachers and more than 1000 children’s swimming lessons in the region, within the first year.

Chrissie Parris, Swimtime franchise owner, said: “There is a huge demand for swimming lessons in Sale, with long waiting lists for some to start lessons, so the availability of extra swimming sessions in the region will be welcome news for both children and grown-ups.

“Learning to swim is such an important life skill, so we’re keen to help bring affordable and accessible swimming lessons to all – and make them as fun and enjoyable as they can be.”

She continued: “We’re particularly looking forward to expanding our offering of adult swimming lessons, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.”

Mel Crossland, head of sales and marketing at Sports Direct, added: “Swimtime has a proven track record, and is a trusted brand with the highest standards of compliance and swimming lesson management, so we’re confident that they will deliver exceptional lessons to children and adults alike.

“The health and well-being of our members is of the utmost importance and as Swimtime is such an established brand – which already operates across the whole of the UK – we can be sure that they have the skills and infrastructure to provide an excellent service across all our existing and future centres.”

Following the successful launch of the sportswear giant’s budget gym chain in 2014, Swimtime will provide swimming lessons for Sport Direct’s fitness clubs starting this month.