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Swimming: ESB Octopus

The ESB Octopus is the swimming team of the four European Schools of Brussels (Uccle/Berkendael, Woluwé, Ixelles and Laeken). Established in 1984, it gives the students of the European schools in Brussels the opportunity to compete together, in both individual races and as a team.


With more than 60 swimmers of all ages, the ESB participates in the “European Forces Swimming League” (EFSL), together with teams spread over most of Western Europe at the NATO and American bases. Most meets are held in Benelux, but there are also travels organised: in February 2018, the ESB participated at the EFSL Championship at the Olympic Pool in London; in November 2018 the team competed in Rota (Spain) and Lakenheath (UK); and in 2019, there are meets foreseen in Lisbon and Berlin.

We believe that meeting with other international teams at a competition is an extremely valuable cultural and social exchange, consistent with the values that the European Schools promote. The ESB promotes fairplay, teamwork and healthy competition. The main objective of the team is to enjoy swimming and competitions, and to try to improve, always having fun independently of the results.

The ESB is open to all students from 5 to 19 years-old, without trials or selection tests. It is nevertheless recommended to have a certain technical level, i.e. to be able to swim at least 50 meters in two-three strokes in competition conditions. It is also recommended to train at least once per week to avoid disappointments at the meets.

The ESB is supported by volunteer parents. We always seek additional help in the running of the team and during the competitions.

Interested? Please send an e-mail for more information (and registration) at: team.esb.octopus@gmail.com