Competitive Development Squad

The Competitive Development Squad is the first of three squads catered to age-group and youth swimming learning, development and performance – all of which are aimed to ensure that swimming technique is developed, improved and maintained to suit each swimmer’s goals, interest and needs.  

Swimmers in this squad will be improving stroke efficiency, learning and practising more complex race skills over longer distances during sessions. Swimmers in this squad are working towards confidence in all 50m events, as well as 100m events; this may be extended to certain 200m events upon coach-to-swimmer decision. 

The Competitive Development Squad is timetabled to swim 3 × 1hr sessions a week. Swimmers on first moving up to this squad are advised to perhaps only attend 2 sessions of their choice, but after a short transitional period and with the agreement of the coach, should make every effort to attend all 3 sessions.   

Our timetable allows for flexibility for swimmers and their families that have commitments outside of swimming as they can still attend a minimum of 2 sessions of their choice. Sessions are as follows: Monday’s and Friday’s at 19:30 at the Leisure Centre and Wednesdays at 7.30 at the Leisure Centre 

The Competitive Development Squad will be led either by a Level 1 or 2 coach, along with others assisting. Coaches will swap squads every now and again to share their individual knowledge with a variety of swimmers – it keeps things fresh for coaches and swimmers alike! 

In this squad, swimmers are expected to participate in a variety of competitions, such as Level 3 open meets, WSCA Development Meet, low-level external and internal galas, diddy and age-group leagues on trial and selection, and more. At this stage, swimmers should be choosing to race in a variety of events to gain experience and knowledge (not just their favourite strokes) to aid their overall improvement!