PTL Galas (The Provincial Towns League)

Leander ASC competes in the Provincial Towns League. This is a swimming competition between clubs affiliated to Swim Ulster. The PTL runs in a similar way to a football league.  Each gala is made up of both team and individual events. There are 48 races at each gala. Individual races are 50 metres, (100 metres for IM) and relay events are 25 metres.

Leander’s home galas will (as far as possible) be held in Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre. Start times etc will be announced via Team Unify. Team transport will be organised for away galas.

2023-2024 - Schedule to be confirmed

FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the PTL and attending galas.

What age do you have to be to swim in the PTL gala?
The PTL gala events are divided into 4 age groups. For this year, swimmers must be 9 years + to compete.

How do swimmers get selected for the team?
Coaches select the three fastest swimmers in each age group in each event. When the gala is in Belfast, it possible to invite more swimmers and swim them in the relays.

How do I know if my son/daughter is swimming in the gala?
We communicate about all our galas and club events using Team Unify

What is meant by “home” and “away”?
A home gala is when we are the hosts and organise the gala. The host team provides the supper after the gala.  All swimmers are asked to bring along either sandwiches (boys) or tray bakes/buns (girls). Please also bring plenty of fruit!

How do we get to an away gala?
The club provides a bus from Olympia and asks for a contribution of approximately £5 per person.  Some swimmers prefer to travel independently with their families.  Parents are encouraged to travel to away galas as we’re always in need of a helping hand. You can come on the bus too.

What do the swimmers need to bring?
Two towels, a t-shirt (preferably a Leander club shirt if you have one) and a club swimming cap. A pair of flip flops are also handy to have pool-side. 

What division is Leander in?
There are 4 divisions within the PTL league. Leander is currently in Division 2.

How do we move up into a higher division?
In order to move up to Division 1, Leander needs to be the top scoring team in their current division at the end of the season.

How does the scoring work?
For individual events the points are awarded as follows:
1^st place           7 points
2^nd place          5 points
3^rd place          4 points
4^th place          3 points

For relay events, the winning team is awarded 14 points and the 2^nd team is awarded 10 points. Teams need 2 swimmers for each individual events and 4 for each relay.

Who coordinates the galas?
Each club is responsible for providing timekeepers, finish judges, recorders etc.  It takes approximately 20 volunteers from the club to run a gala successfully so any help from parents, friends and relatives is always very welcome!

How do I volunteer to help?
Please contact coach, Kathryn Wylie if you’d like to help out. You don’t need any training or experience. One of the seasoned volunteers will show you how to use the stop watches, record times etc.