Virginia Wins CSL Match While Nottingham Restarts Free Swimming

Virginia won the fourth 2026 College Swimming League match on October 9 in Knoxville, Tennessee, while Nottingham City Council announced the return of free swimming sessions for under-16s during the October half-term holiday across six leisure centres.

According to virginiasports.com, the Cavaliers combined men’s and women’s teams scored 567 points to finish first, ahead of Tennessee with 535, Louisville with 315.5 and Michigan with 302.5, earning Virginia a championship match berth.

Virginia won 13 individual races, one relay, one Skins competition and one Super Skins event, according to the university’s report. The College Swimming League championship match is scheduled for November 6 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Maximus Williamson was named the meet’s Male MVP after winning the 100 Free in 41.41 and the 200 IM, while Claire Curzan won the Skins title for the second time this season, according to virginiasports.com.

Williamson and Curzan’s performances helped Virginia secure the match victory despite a late challenge after the women’s A relay received a yellow card and was disqualified in the second heat of the Super Skins Medley Relay.

Virginia entered the match as the CSL leader after taking the Match 2 win with 666 points, according to theACC.com. The conference report also listed Virginia among the nation’s leading programs in multiple swimming events.

The College Swimming League preview from swimswam.com said Match 4 featured Virginia, Louisville, Tennessee and Michigan competing for standings positions and championship qualification. The league uses combined men’s and women’s scoring for each institution.

Nottingham City Council’s free swimming program will run from October 18 to November 1, 2026, with sessions available at Clifton, Djanogly, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Ken Martin, Southglade and Victoria Leisure Centre, according to mynottinghamnews.co.uk.

"The free-swimming programme was a real success over the summer, giving children and young people across Nottingham the opportunity to enjoy the water, stay active and build their confidence." said Cllr David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism.

The Nottingham program is supported by £197,000 of investment and is available to school-age children under 16 who live in Nottingham city. Children under eight must be accompanied by a responsible adult or someone aged 16 or over.

"I am delighted that it is returning for October half term, with free sessions available across our six Active Nottingham leisure centres. I would encourage Nottingham City families to book a session and get involved." said Cllr David Mellen, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism.

Active Nottingham leisure centres will provide structured public swimming sessions, with support available for children who are non-swimmers or lack confidence in the water, according to Nottingham City Council.