The aim of the Bronze Squad is to introduce young swimmers to competitive swimming whilst promoting good sportsmanship, encouraging competition, and developing stroke techniques and skills in a fun environment. It also includes an introduction to simple land conditioning. Progression from this squad will be to the Silver Squad. Each swimmer must commit to a minimum of 2 sessions per week. To take full advantage of the skills being taught, 3-4 sessions per week are encouraged.

The aim of the Silver Squad is to promote good sportsmanship, encourage competition, and develop stroke techniques and skills in a fun environment. Progression from this squad will be to the Gold Squad. Each swimmer must commit to 3 sessions a week. This commitment may be adapted to meet individual needs and development, at the coach’s discretion.

The aim of the Gold Squad is to educate swimmers about correct training pathways and develop drills, stroke techniques, starts, and turns. The training environment remains fun; however, the introduction of how to compete, win, and lose with respect for rules and officials is emphasised. Swimmers will aim to compete and achieve at a local and regional level. They may be introduced to additional land exercises to help strengthen and prevent injuries. Progression for ambitious, talented, and committed swimmers will be to the Performance or Competitive squads. Each swimmer in the Gold Squad must commit to 4 sessions a week. This commitment may be adapted to meet individual needs and development, at the coach’s discretion. We also offer Gold swimmers the opportunity to start early morning sessions before they move into the more demanding Performance Squad, which features multiple morning sessions.

The aim of the Performance Squad is to educate swimmers about correct training and competitive pathways, continuing to develop drills, stroke techniques, starts, and turns. The training environment now focuses on developing performance. Our Performance Squad has two sub-groups organised by age and ability, with one group having a younger average age. A greater emphasis is placed on competition, correct training, and discipline. Swimmers will aim to compete and achieve at local and regional levels while aspiring to compete in National Championships.

Swimmers will understand that their performance is directly related to their effort and commitment and will be expected to take responsibility for their own training. Each swimmer must commit to a minimum number of sessions dependent on their age: 9-10 (4 sessions), 11-12 (5 sessions), 13 & Over (6 sessions). There are up to 8 training sessions offered per week. Performance sessions are scheduled directly after school hours, allowing swimmers ample time to get home, study, and rest in the evenings.

The aim of the Competitive Squad is to introduce swimmers to advanced training techniques whilst maintaining stroke techniques and skills. Swimmers will aim to compete and achieve at Local, Regional, and National levels but do not require quite as high a commitment as the Performance squads. The minimum attendance is 4 sessions per week; however, swimmers are encouraged to attend 6 sessions per week if they can, taking school commitments into consideration. Swimmers will understand that their performance is directly related to their effort and commitment and will be expected to take responsibility for their own training. Swimmers who cannot commit to this level should move to the Club Training Squad (CTS), which is predominantly designed for fitness.

The Club Training Squad is for swimmers aged 12 or above who wish to train but cannot join higher squads due to commitment or ability/fitness levels. The emphasis is on ensuring each swimmer maintains correct technique in stroke, starts, and turns. There is a focus on swimming fitness, making it a challenging and fun environment. Very often, older swimmers who have reached the highest level in Improver levels will be invited to join this squad.