You might not expect to find an active scuba diving community in the middle of Staffordshire. However, a local club is helping people take their first breath underwater and giving experienced divers new opportunities to continue exploring.
Staffordshire Divers is a community-focused, non-profit diving club based in Stafford. Founded in 2024, it welcomes complete beginners as well as qualified divers who trained through organisations such as BSAC, PADI and SDI. Alongside recognised diving courses, the club organises training sessions, trips and social activities. Members also meet in Stafford every week to discuss future dives, share their experiences and welcome anyone interested in finding out more.
Meet the chair
Staffordshire Divers is chaired by experienced diver Nina Glazzard, who helps lead the club and support its growing community. Her aim is to create an inclusive environment where people can learn at their own pace, develop their skills and enjoy diving with others. Marine conservation and responsible diving are also important parts of the club’s approach.
Although Staffordshire Divers is relatively new, the people behind it bring years of diving experience. This allows new members to join an established support network while becoming part of a club that is still developing its own identity.
The story behind Staffordshire Divers
The club began in 2024 with a small group of divers who wanted to build a welcoming local community around their shared interest.
Rather than limiting membership to people trained by one particular organisation, Staffordshire Divers opened its doors to divers from different agencies and backgrounds. As a result, qualified divers can continue developing their skills without having to start their training again.
The club is affiliated with the British Sub-Aqua Club, commonly known as BSAC. However, it also supports training through other recognised diving organisations.
Its focus is not only on qualifications. Staffordshire Divers aims to give members somewhere to make friends, plan trips and remain active within the sport.
What the club offers
For many people, the first step into scuba diving is a Try Dive experience.
These sessions are designed for complete beginners and give people the chance to experience breathing underwater in a calm, controlled pool environment. Participants are supervised by qualified instructors, making it a safe and supported introduction before deciding whether to continue with a full course.
Try Dives are available for adults and young people, with Staffordshire Divers stating that the minimum age is 10. Anyone under 18 must have the required disclosure signed by a parent or guardian.
For those who want to continue, the club offers recognised training through BSAC, PADI and SDI. This means people can choose a route that suits their goals, whether they want to dive as a hobby, build confidence in the water or work towards more advanced qualifications.
Beginner courses can help new divers gain their first qualification, while more experienced divers can continue developing through further training. Courses listed by Staffordshire Divers include options such as BSAC Ocean Diver, BSAC Sports Diver, BSAC Dive Leader, PADI Open Water Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Rescue Diver, PADI Divemaster and specialist training such as nitrox, navigation, buoyancy and wreck diving.
Junior options are also available, including introductory experiences and junior diver courses for younger people who want to begin learning in a supervised environment.
Away from formal training, the club organises UK and overseas dive trips, workshops, equipment hire and social activities. These give members the chance to keep learning, stay active and enjoy diving as part of a local community.
A club away from the water
The social side of Staffordshire Divers is an important part of the club. Members meet every Wednesday at 8pm at The Ship Aground on Foregate Street in Stafford. These informal club nights give people an opportunity to discuss upcoming trips, exchange advice and get to know other divers.
Newcomers can also attend a Wednesday meeting before joining. This means they can ask questions and learn more about the club without having to book a course first.
The weekly meetings help create a community that continues beyond training sessions and dive trips. They also give members a regular place to share stories from previous dives and begin planning their next underwater adventure.
What makes Staffordshire Divers different?
One of the club’s main strengths is its open approach.
Staffordshire Divers supports complete beginners, experienced divers and people returning to the sport after time away. It also welcomes qualifications from different diving agencies rather than focusing on a single route into the sport.
Its location is another important factor. Although Stafford is some distance from the coast, members can begin their training locally before joining organised trips elsewhere.
The club also places importance on safe diving and respect for the marine environment.
Members are encouraged to develop their knowledge as well as their practical skills, helping them become more confident and responsible divers.
Looking ahead
Staffordshire Divers plans to continue growing its membership while offering more training, trips and opportunities for people to experience scuba diving. As the club develops, its aim remains the same: to create a friendly local community where people can learn, explore and share their interest in the underwater world.
Anyone curious about scuba diving can attend one of the club’s Wednesday meetings or begin with a supervised Try Dive experience in Stafford.
How to get in touch
Anyone interested in joining Staffordshire Divers, booking a Try Dive or finding out more about the club’s courses can visit the official Staffordshire Divers website. Newcomers are also welcome to attend the club’s weekly Wednesday meeting at The Ship Aground in Stafford, where they can meet members, ask questions and learn more before getting started. You can also find Staffordshire Divers on Facebook.
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