Academy Squad

The Academy Squad is our entry-level competitive squad and provides the foundation for all future club swimmers. It introduces the fundamentals of competitive swimming and prepares swimmers to progress into the clubs junior squads.

The aim of the Academy Squad is to develop disciplined, committed swimmers who are ready for competition and understand the importance of consistent training, teamwork and the right mindset for success.

Target Swimmers 
The maximum age for trialists is 10 years old, unless a swimmer has previous competitive swimming experience and demonstrates the ability to progress through the Academy quickly.

Squad Criteria:

Follow the links to:

Academy Squad Criteria

General Squad Criteria (applicable to all squads)

Lead Coach: Darren (Flash) Gordon

Training Sessions:

Training takes place in the school pool 3 times a week on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Our coaches are also fully qualified lifeguards. Each session will run for an hour and similar abilities will be grouped to provide a more tailored approach. 

Training attendance:

Swimmers are expected to attend all three training sessions each week to support their development and progression into the next squad. Consistent attendance, discipline, and focus on technique are key to becoming a stronger swimmer. In the Academy Squad, it's not about being the fastest - it's about developing the right mindset, skills and habits to be the best you can be.

Attendance at Competitions:

Academy Squad is the first competitive squad within the club. All swimmers are expected to take part in the clubs time trials and annual Club Championships each year. These events provide a safe, supportive enviroment open only to Newcastle swimmers and offer a great introduction to the competitive and social side of the sport. 

Once a swimmer turns 9 years old, they are expected to attend the squad-specified gala chosen by the club each year - an exciting milestone marking their first experience of a Level 3 open meet as part of the Academy Squad. 

Register for a Trial:

The Club is offering a free no-obligation trial to anyone interested in joining the Academy. Trials will take place by arrangement. If you are interested in registering your child for a trial, please complete the Trial Registration Form. The trial is a chance to see if you might enjoy club swimming, as well as providing the coaches with a chance to check if you are at the appropriate level to join the Academy. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Kit and Equipment Required:

Academy squad swimmers are expected to bring the correct kit to every training session, with all items clearly named. Required kit is:

- Goggles

- Swim Hat

- Water bottle

- Pull buoy 

- Kickboard

- Swim fins

- Mesh bag to keep everything together.

A limited amount of kit is provided during the trial period, but swimmers are expected to purchase their own equipment once they have joined the club. If you need advice on what to buy, or where to purchase kit, please speak to one of the Coaches - they'll be happy to help.