Squad structure
Below you will see a broad description of our squad structure, showing the approximate level the swimmers will be at for each level. Squad moves are based on continuous review and assessment by the coaching and teaching staff and will be based on the coach's discretion and squad criteria. The coaches will consider attendance, behaviour, work ethic, technical skill level, racing performances and future potential when assessing swimmers for possible moves between squads. Consideration will also be given to squad size and, therefore, whether places are available.
Where a place is not currently available in the next squad, swimmers will be moved at the earliest opportunity when a place does become available. A swimmer in this position will still continue to be developed, so this shouldn't be seen as an issue or hindrance to their continuing development.
To find out how your swimmer is getting on, please contact your squad coach or head coach for a convenient time to discuss this with them.
Movement dates will currently be considered during the Christmas and summer breaks each year. This does not preclude ad hoc movement between these dates if the circumstances of a particular swimmer warrant an in-term move.
JUNIOR SQUADS
Our Junior squads are the starting point of younger swimmers' pathway into competitive swimming. Generally speaking, entry into the club is from completion of Stage 7/8 of the Swim England Learn to Swim pathway. The swimmers will follow a pathway based on the Swim England outcomes of the Swim England Club Awards process as they progress from Junior Bronze through Junior Silver and Junior Gold.
SENIOR SQUADS
Once a swimmer has completed their pathway through the junior squads, they will be ready to take their first steps into the senior part of the club. The first stage of this is Summit Squad. Swimmers are prepared here for this first taste of more senior competition. From here, they will develop into Elite Squad for our very best swimmers. From Elite Squad, a swimmer may enter the National Pathway via Swim England.
The progression pathway can be seen below, and squad criteria can be found here.
At each stage of development and progression, the number of sessions, intensity and hours of training increase.
Click here for the training schedule, which involves pool time and strength & conditioning (land) training.
Masters train up to twice per week, and our Water Polo squad is available for those that want to play in "the world's toughest sport"!
