The History of our club

 Footscray Swimming Club was formed in 1909, initially training and racing in the Saltwater River (now Maribyrnong River) near Hopetoun Bridge.

Many prominent Footscray businessmen, doctors and solicitors were involved in the organisation of the club. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Footscray, together with 13 local gentlemen, were the founding patrons of the club. The first President was Cr W H Fielding. The Secretary was Mr W Fawcett and the Treasurer, Mr A Pascarl. They were supported by 9 Committee men and 16 Vice Presidents. The first swimming carnival the club conducted was on March 12, 1910 in the Saltwater River.

The program consisted of handicap, team and novelty races, and sixteen clubs including Footscray competed. The main event was the President’s handicap (for Footscray members only) over 100 yards for which the President donated a silver cup valued at 4 pounds. Admission was 6 pence for ladies and 1 shilling for gentlemen. Programmes were 3 pence each.

The club found its first permanent home at the Footscray Pool in Buckley Street in 1929. With the closure of that pool in 2005, we moved to our current home at Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre.

• Swimming club activities, successes

• Formation of water polo club and merge

• Recent activities and successes