Squad Structure Overview
Pre-Squad
- Transition Path: Upon completing Pre-squad, swimmers can transition to the Foundation Squad if they show readiness for more structured training or into Non-Competitive Squads if they wish to swim recreationally.
Foundation Squad
- Focus: Develops foundational stroke mechanics, water confidence, and prepares swimmers for structured training.
- Transition Path: Swimmers demonstrating consistency, improved technique, and readiness can move to the Stroke Development Squad for advanced technique work. Alternatively, they may enter Non-Competitive Squads for fitness-focused training.
Stroke Development Squad
- Focus: Further refinement of all strokes, introduction to starts and turns, and structured training.
- Transition Path: Swimmers showing skill proficiency and interest in competition can progress to County Development Squad in the competitive pathway. Alternatively, those more interested in fitness can join Club Squad.
County Development Squad
- Focus: Advanced technical training to prepare for county-level meets.
- Transition Path: Swimmers meeting county competition standards may progress to County Age Squad for focused competition training.
County Age Squad:
Focus: Prepares for consistent county-level competition with structured and intensive training.
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- Transition Path: Swimmers can advance to the Regional Squad if they achieve qualifying times and demonstrate competitive readiness.
Regional Squad
- Focus: Trains swimmers for regional competitions with intense preparation and focus on advanced race skills.
- Transition Path: Swimmers qualifying for national competitions may progress to the National Squad for further specialized training.
Performance Squad
- The top squad for swimmers targeting Regional and National competitions.
- Transition Path: While this is the final stage, swimmers may continue with specialised training for high-level competition or transition to Youth Squads if they age out of youth competitions.
Non-Competitive Pathway with Transition Options
Offers recreational, fitness-focused training with options to enter competitive squads if interest and readiness develop.
- Non-Competitive Squads: Regular sessions for fitness, technique, and social swimming.
- Transition Path: Swimmers demonstrating improvement, commitment, and interest in competitive swimming may be assessed to transition to the competitive pathway.
Club Squad
- Focus: Provides a flexible training structure for fitness and skill maintenance.
- Transition Path: Swimmers showing interest and meeting the skill level required for competition may be assessed for a move to County Development or Age Squads
Youth Development Squad
- Overview: For older swimmers who enjoy structured training without a high commitment to competition.
- Transition Path: Swimmers demonstrating potential and interest in competitive meets may move to the County Age Squad or Regional Age Squad, depending on their skill and readiness level.
Youth Squad
- Overview: A balance of fitness and skill maintenance for advanced swimmers not pursuing high-intensity competition.
- Transition Path: Swimmers with an interest in competition and meeting skill requirements can transition to the Regional Squad or Performance Squad after an assessment.
This structure ensures that every squad has a clear transition path, offering flexibility for swimmers to explore competitive training if they show the required skills and interest. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!
Progression Through Squads
Swimmers will move through the club structure as they develop their technique, speed, and overall performance. Movement between squads is determined by their coach and based on:
- Attendance
- Technical Progress
- Physical and Mental Development
- Commitment and Maturity
Progress is continuous, and swimmers may be moved between squads at any time, depending on their readiness for the next level.
Our Approach to Training
Harrow Swimming Club prides itself on nurturing each swimmer’s personal strengths while challenging them to improve. Our coaches structure the squads so that swimmers train with peers of similar ability, age, pace, and attainment levels. This allows swimmers to push each other while also receiving focused coaching tailored to their development stage.
Coaching and Feedback
Lead coaches are continually assessing each swimmer’s progress, commitment, and development. Swimmers and parents can discuss personal progress at any time:
- Swimmers: You can talk to your lead coach at the end of your training session to receive feedback and learn more about your progress.
- Parents: To discuss your child’s development, you can schedule an appointment with your child’s coach using the following link:
Schedule an Appointment
Squad Movements and Decisions
When places become available in higher-level squads, coaches make recommendations for swimmers to move up, ensuring they are placed in an environment that will challenge them and bring out their best performance.
Please note:
- All decisions regarding movement between squads are at the discretion of the Head Coach.
- The Head Coach’s decision is final when it comes to squad movements.
At Harrow Swimming Club, we aim to strike the perfect balance between making training fun while also challenging swimmers to stretch their limits and reach new heights in their swimming journey.
