BLAENAFON Barracudas swimming club start the season with their first home gala since their local pool was closed five years ago, with teams competing for the Heritage Cafe Challenge Shield.

Cwmbran Otters, Llanelli and Tredegar Torpedoes will be looking to put down an early marker at the event, being held at the Pontypool Active Living Centre on September 15.

The Barracudas are benefiting from the ‘legacy’ of the Olympics and Paralympics and have had new swimmers joining as a result.

The club is now almost full and looking for more pooltime to satisfy demand and expand the programme.

Head coach Kevin Rogers said: “Since the pool was closed the club has continued to evolve and increase our programme. We are grateful for the support of Torfaen Borough Council who have provided the club with pooltime after we became homeless.”

Anyone interested in getting involved, either as a swimmer, volunteer or sponsor, contact the club through the website: www.blaenafonbarracudas.org.uk