Squads
As a competitive club we design our training programmes to support swimmers’ progression from beginners to various levels of competition (county, regional and national). Our set up includes a number of different squads each supporting the different stages of progression.
Academy 1 (Stroke Development)
Group Focus: To develop ‘competitive swimming strokes' / develop an understanding of club swimming and discipline.
Progression: Swimmers move to Academy 2 once all outcomes in Academy 1 ‘Stroke' outcomes documented are completed satisfactorily.
Squad Fees - £36 per month
Training Times
- Tuesday: 17:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday: 17:00 – 18:00
Academy 2 (Skills Development)
Group Focus: Learn racing skills/turns/starts to go with competitive strokes developed in Academy 1. Further develop understanding of ‘club' swimming for movement into competitive squads. Start to compete in development and L3 competitions.
Progression: On completion of all outcomes on the Academy 2 skills outcomes document, all swimmers 11 years and under demonstrating County potential will move to Competitive Development with swimmers 12yrs + moving to Sprint Squad (S). There will also be scope for some late developers to move into Competitive Development.
Squad Fees - £37.50 per month
Training Times
- Tuesday: 17:00 – 18:30
- Wednesday: 18:00 – 19:30
Competitive Development
Who is eligible for the squad? Competitive Development is for athletes that have demonstrated the potential to qualify for county championships. Age range 9-12yrs. (age as of 31st December)
Group Focus: Continue to develop competitive swimming strokes. Hone racing skills/turns/starts.
Attendance and dedication levels: Athletes begin to demonstrate commitment to their training with good attendance expected. Athletes will be encouraged to compete regularly in competitions and there will be an option to start weekday morning training.
Training: The focus of this group will still very much be around competitive race skills with high technique content alongside moderate aerobic development. Speed development is also essential.
Progress: An athlete will be considered for movement into B Squad if, when turning 12yrs (AG) and demonstrating the potential to qualify for Counties and Regionals. Alternatively, swimmers may move into Sprint Squad to continue their swimming journey.
Squad Fees - £49.50 per month
Training Times
- Monday: 19:00 - 20:00
- Tuesday: 06:15 – 07:45
- Wednesday: 17:00 – 18:30
- Thursday: 18:15 – 19:45
- Saturday: 07:00 – 09:00
B Squad
Who is eligible for the squad? B Squad is for athletes that have qualified, or have demonstrated the potential to qualify for County or Regional championships and have demonstrated commitment to training. Age range 12yrs-14yrs. (age as of 31st December)
Attendance and dedication levels: All athletes on the programme should be fully focused on achieving high standards in the sport and as such must aim to have at least a 70% (12-14yrs) attendance record each month, and demonstrate excellent effort levels and progressive learning skills. If athletes are unable to maintain attendance levels (unless previously rubber stamped by their coach) they may be asked to move into Sprint Squad to better meet their preferred/available commitment levels.
Training: The focus will be around a 200m/400m IM training plan with equal emphasis on all 4 strokes and added focus on aerobic development. Athletes at this level will look to develop and hone advanced competitive swimming skills and techniques.
Progression: Athletes meeting the criteria and demonstrating continued progression and maintaining high levels of commitment will be considered for movement into A Squad at 14yrs (AG). There is also scope for 13yrs (AG) swimmers to move into A Squad if they have demonstrated early development both physically and technically.
Squad Fees - £56 per month
Training Times
- Monday: 19:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 06:15 – 07:45
- Wednesday: 19:00 – 21:00
- Thursday: 18:15 – 20:15
- Friday: 06:15 – 07:45
- Saturday: 07:00 – 09:00
Sprint Squads 1 and 2
Who is eligible for the squad? Sprint Squads are for athletes that wish to continue their competitive swimming journey with like-minded swimmers of a similar age. Age range 12-18yrs (age as of 31st December)
Attendance and dedication levels: There are two tiers within this squad. Athletes in Sprint Squad 2 should maintain good attendance levels, aiming to hit 3 of the 5 sessions available to them to achieve a competitive result. Sprint Squad 1 athletes have 3 sessions available to them. Sprint Squad has an emphasis on maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle and there is room in this squad for other interests/sports. Athletes should continue to progress their competitive skills. Athletes in Sprint Squad 2 should aim to have at least a 60% attendance record each month, and demonstrate excellent effort levels and progressive learning skills in order to maximise competitive performance.
Training: Training will focus on all 4 competitive strokes. There will be a high emphasis on skill and aerobic development aimed at complimenting a fit and healthy lifestyle. Training will also be geared towards sprint events (200m and below.)
Progression into B and A Squads: Athletes in Sprint Squads achieving or demonstrating the potential to achieve County qualifying times and/or wishing to meet the B Squad (13yrs and under) or A Squad (14yrs+) attendance criteria will be considered for movement into the respective squad.
Squad Fees - Sprint Squad 1 - £43.50 per month / Sprint Squad 2 - £48.50 per month
Training Times - Sprint Squad 1
- Tuesday: 17:00 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 17:00 – 19:00
- Thursday: 19:15 – 20:45
Training Times - Sprint Squad 2
- Monday: 20:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 17:00 - 18:30
- Wednesday: 17:00 – 19:00
- Thursday: 19:15 – 20:45
- Saturday: 07:00 - 09:00
A Squad
Who is eligible for the squad? A Squad is for athletes that wish to continue their competitive swimming at a high standard, achieving their potential, with like-minded swimmers of a similar age. Age range 14yrs+ (age as of 31st December)
Attendance and dedication levels: All athletes in the squad should maintain high attendance levels required to achieve competitive results. Athletes must aim to have at least a 70% attendance record each month, and demonstrate excellent effort levels and progressive learning skills. If athletes are unable to maintain attendance levels (unless previously rubber stamped by their coach) they may be asked to move into Sprint Squads. Morning training is very much advised as it is very difficult to reach potential without these sessions.
Training: Focus will be centred around a 400m IM training plan with some specialisation.
Squad Fees - £57.50 per month
Training Times
- Monday: 19:00 - 21:00
- Tuesday: 18:15 - 19:45
- Wednesday: 18:30 – 21:00
- Thursday: 18:00 – 20:30
- Friday: 18:15 - 19:45
- Saturday: 07:00 - 09:00
Masters
Group Focus: This group is for adults that wish to continue their competitive swimming or indeed just maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is also scope for Masters to train alongside the A Squad.
Fees - £35.50 per month
Training Times
- Monday: 20:00 - 21:00
- Wednesday: 19:30 – 21:00
- Thursday: 19:45 – 20:45
We recognise that swimmers who are at University will not be able to attend on a regular basis, therefore fees for these swimmers will be £20 per month. We also offer a sibling discount of £5 per sibling.
Last updated on 8th May 2023