Harrow Swimming

Squads and Progression Pathway

Squads & Progression Pathway

Aligned with Swim England’s Athlete Development Support Pathway (ADSP)

The Borough of Harrow Swimming Club follows a structured and progressive squad system, aligned with Swim England’s ADSP to ensure appropriate physical, technical, tactical, and psychological development at each stage.

The progression pathway focuses on long-term development—not just early success—preparing swimmers for potential County, Regional, and National-level swimming.

This progression structure is designed to offer a clear pathway for all swimmers—whether they aspire to compete at national level or prefer to maintain swimming alongside other commitments. Each squad aligns with specific development stages in Swim England’s ADSP, ensuring technical, physical, and psychological readiness at each step.

Squad placement is based on the discretion of the Coaching Team, led by the Squad’s Lead Coach and the Head Coach.

General Expectations:

Probationary Period (Applicable to All Squads): Minimum 3 months. Swimmers are assessed on:
- Attendance
- Attitude
- Aptitude
- Effort
- Progress
Minimum Attendance Guideline (Applicable to Performance Pathway Squads)
- Safe: 75% and above
- At Risk: 50% – 74%
- Move: Below 50%
Swimmers are expected to aim for 100% attendance whenever possible.

If a swimmer’s attendance drops below 75% at any point during the season, their family will be asked to meet with the Coach. At this meeting, the swimmer’s commitment will be reviewed and squad placement may be reconsidered if attendance does not meet expectations.

Swimmers whose attendance falls below 50% are considered not meeting the minimum standards for the squad. In such cases, a move to a less demanding squad will be actioned without further warning, unless exceptional circumstances have been communicated and agreed in advance.

Training Standards (Applicable to All Squads):
- Full punctuality and preparedness
- Proper kit and attitude
- Focus and effort in all sessions
- Respect towards coaches and teammates
Competition Participation (Applicable to Performance Pathway Squads) :
- Full participation in the club’s calendar unless excused
- Meet targets and enter required competitions based on squad level.

Performance Pathway

🔹 Development Squad

Age Range: 8–11 years
Training: 4 sessions/week (60–90 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 75% monthly

Total Training Hours: 4.5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £50.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £2.77

Lead Coach: Jalall Hessari

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Friday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	12.00pm-1.30pm

Overview

This is the first step into competitive squad training. Swimmers develop the basics of training discipline and competitive swimming skills in a structured and supportive environment.

Goals

Build water confidence and motor coordination
Master basic stroke technique in all four strokes
Introduce lane etiquette, pace clock usage, and swimming sets

Focus Areas

Streamlining, body position, and rhythm
Legal stroke technique over short distances
Start, turn, and finish fundamentals

Progression Criteria

Legal strokes in all four strokes (as per Swim England Laws)
Participation in club meets or local Level 3/4 competitions
Proficiency in diving, turns, and push-offs
Demonstrated maturity and listening skills
75%+ attendance and good training behaviour
Ability to complete full sessions without distraction

Progression To: Competitive Squad or sideways to Academy Squad

🔹 Competitive Squad

Age Range: 10–12 years
Training: 5 sessions/week (60–90 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Minimum75% monthly

Total Training Hours: 6 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £60.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £2.50

Lead Coach: Jalall Hessari

COMPETITIVE SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Friday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	8.00pm-9.00pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	9.00am-10.00am
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	1.30pm-3.00pm

Overview

A key squad for establishing efficient, legal technique over increasing distances. Competition begins to play a bigger role, and swimmers start to identify preferred events.

Goals

Build aerobic base and develop training discipline
Apply technique under fatigue
Introduce competitive race strategy concepts

Focus Areas

Progressive drills and stroke development
Turns, underwater phases, streamlines
Controlled breathing patterns and intro to pace work

Progression Criteria

Participation in club and external meets 4/5 competitions
Legal and consistent technique over 100m in all strokes
Regular 75%+ attendance and high coachability
County Consideration Times in one or more events preferred

Progression To: County Squad or sideways to Junior Squad

🔹 County Squad

Age Range: 11–13 years
Training: 7 sessions/week (60–120 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 75% monthly)

Total Training Hours: 10.5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £70.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £1.67

Lead Coach: Callum Hill

COUNTY SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Monday (Land Training)	St. Margarets Sports Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Monday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-9.00pm
Tuesday	St. Helens School	8.00pm-9.30pm
Friday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	9.00am-10.00am
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	1.00pm-30.00pm

Overview

This squad targets swimmers aiming for County-level success and preparing to transition to Regional-level performance through increased volume, structure, and commitment.

Goals

Build competitive stamina and stroke consistency
Master individual medley and distance options
Refine underwater skills and starts

Focus Areas

Tactical race planning
Specific event preparation sets
Streamline progression, breakout timing, and stroke transitions

Progression Criteria

Achieved or near County Qualifying Times in multiple events
Participation in club and external meets 5/6 competitions
Demonstrated emotional maturity and training responsibility
Improved aerobic capacity and consistency in target race sets
Coach endorsement and commitment to moving up

Progression To: Regional Squad or sideways to Youth Squad

🔹 Regional Squad

Age Range: 13–15 years
Training: 9 sessions/week (60–120 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 75% monthly

Total Training Hours: 13.5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £80.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £1.48

Lead Coach: Daniel Andrawos

REGIONAL SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Monday (Land Training)	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Monday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-9.00pm
Tuesday	St. Helens School	8.00pm-9.30pm
Friday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Friday (Land Training)	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Friday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-9.00pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am
Sunday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am

Overview

Regional Squad prepares swimmers for Regional (Level 1/2) performance, focusing on advanced technical refinement, training resilience, and competitive mental preparation.

Goals

Achieve Regional qualification and multi-event capability
Introduce test sets, performance tracking, and taper strategies
Support swimmers through early adolescence transitions

Focus Areas

Event-specific energy system training
Development of strong underwater phases and skills under fatigue
Performance journaling, self-reflection, and ownership of routines

Progression Criteria

Regional Qualifying Times in one or more events
Participation in club and external meets 6/8 competitions
Strong attendance, nutritional awareness, and recovery habits
Coach feedback showing competitive maturity
Evidence of self-driven improvement and accountability

Progression To: Performance Squad or sideways to Youth or Youth Advanced Squad

🔹 Performance Squad

Age Range: 13–17 years
Training: 11 sessions/week (60–120 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Minimum 75% monthly

Total Training Hours: 16.5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £90.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £1.36

Lead Coach: Daniel Andrawos

PERFORMANCE SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Monday (Land Training)	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Monday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-9.00pm
Tuesday	St. Helens School	8.00pm-9.30pm
Wednesday (Land Training)	Harrow Leisure Centre	6.15pm-7.15pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30pm-9.30pm
Friday	Harrow Leisure Centre	5.30am-7.00am
Friday (Land Training)	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	6.00pm-7.00pm
Friday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	7.00pm-9.00pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am
Sunday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am

Overview

This is the highest-level squad, where swimmers aim for peak performance at Regional, National, and even international level. Training is athlete-centred, performance-driven, and holistic.

Goals

Peak for key meets (Regionals/Nationals)
Execute advanced taper and race strategies
Balance training, school, and recovery for long-term progression

Focus Areas

Periodised macrocycles with race-season targeting
Technical fine-tuning, race analysis, and psychological prep
Strength & conditioning integration and performance nutrition

Progression Criteria

Active Regional or National-level swimmer
Participation in club and external meets 6/8 competitions
Maturity in self-management, including warm-ups, stretching, and rest
Data-driven improvements tracked over a season
Coach and Head Coach approval

Progression:

Continued development within squad
Transition to senior performance pathway or external high-performance centres
Lateral move to Youth Advanced Squad for reduced commitment

Flexible Participation Pathway

🔹 Academy Squad

Age Range: 9–11 years
Training: 3 sessions/week (60 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Flexible

Total Training Hours: 3.5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £45.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £3.21

Lead Coach: Mahi

ACADEMY SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	6.00pm-7.30pm
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	12.00pm-1.00pm

Overview

The Academy Squad is designed for swimmers who enjoy training and racing but cannot commit to the full competitive pathway. It supports stroke development, fitness, and club involvement in a flexible environment.

Goals

Maintain legal strokes across all four strokes
Encourage participation in club and local galas
Offer development for possible reintegration into the main pathway

Focus Areas

Stroke refinement and skill retention
General aerobic fitness
Fun, motivation, and long-term engagement with swimming

Progression Criteria

Improved attendance and training engagement
Coach recommendation
Demonstrated readiness to increase training load

Progression To: Competitive or Junior Squad (based on age and commitment)

🔹 Junior Squad

Age Range: 11–14 years
Training: 4 sessions/week (60–90 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Flexible

Total Training Hours: 5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £45.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £2.25

Lead Coach: Jade and Kayla Ladha

JUNIOR SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	9.00am-10.00am
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	12.00pm-1.30pm

Overview

Junior Squad is for swimmers aged 11+ who wish to continue swimming seriously but may not yet meet the intensity of competitive squads. It also serves as a bridge for later developers or returners.

Goals

Sustain technical proficiency and training structure
Compete at club and external meets
Offer a route back into higher-level training if readiness is shown

Focus Areas

Maintaining strong aerobic conditioning
Refining event-specific techniques
Building consistency and self-awareness in training

Progression Criteria

Consistent 75%+ attendance
Demonstrated motivation and focus in training
County or Regional level racing commitment
Coach recommendation and squad suitability assessment

Progression To: County Squad (if criteria met)
Alternative Path: Transition to Youth Squad.

🔹 Youth Squad

Age Range: 13–15 years
Training: 4 sessions/week (60–90 minutes each)
Minimum Attendance: Flexible

Total Training Hours: 5 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £45.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £2.25

Lead Coach: Jade and Kayla Ladha

YOUTH SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.00pm-8.00pm
Friday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.00pm
Sunday	St. Margaret’s Sports Centre	1.30pm-3.00pm

Overview

The Youth Development Squad supports swimmers aged 13–15 who want to maintain strong technical ability and fitness, with continued exposure to racing and structured training. It provides an ideal bridge between Junior and Youth Squads, especially for swimmers still deciding their long-term commitment to the sport.

Goals

Maintain progression and performance habits post-Junior Squad
Offer structured development without full County-level intensity
Enable participation in club and regional competitions

Focus Areas

Stroke efficiency and aerobic conditioning
Racing confidence and goal setting
Individual ownership of training habits and discipline

Progression Criteria

Demonstrated progression and focus in training
Increased training attendance and racing experience
Coach recommendation

Progression To:

Youth Advanced Squad (for those continuing for fitness and recreational racing)
County Squad (for swimmers showing competitive potential and commitment)

🔹 Youth Advanced Squad

Age Range: 15–18 years
Training: 4 sessions/week (60–90 mins)
Attendance Requirement: Flexible

Total Training Hours: 6 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £45.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £1.88

Lead Coach: Callum Hill

YOUTH ADVANCED SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am
Sunday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am

Overview

Youth Squad supports swimmers who want to remain active in the sport, maintain technique and fitness, and participate in occasional competitions—without the pressure of a performance track.

Goals

Keep swimmers engaged in a positive, healthy environment
Support technique and fitness alongside academic or other commitments
Offer optional competition opportunities and social integration

Focus Areas

Fitness and technique maintenance
Flexibility in training goals
Enjoyment and retention in the sport

Progression Criteria

This is often a final training squad—progression is typically horizontal:
- Remain active as senior swimmers or transition into coaching or officiating

Progression:

Continued recreational participation
Leadership roles within the club
Optional return to competitive pathway with coach approval

🔹 Masters Squad

Age Range: 19+ years
Training: 4 sessions/week (90 minutes each)
Attendance Requirement: Flexible

Total Training Hours: 6 hours/week
Monthly Squad Fee: £40.00
Approximate Cost per Training Hour: £1.67

Lead Coach: Callum Hill

MASTERS SQUAD TIMETABLE

DAY	VENUE	TIME
Monday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Wednesday	Harrow Leisure Centre	8.00pm-9.30pm
Saturday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am
Sunday	Harrow Leisure Centre	7.30am-9.00am

Overview

The Masters Squad is for adult swimmers (19+) who wish to continue structured training for fitness, competition, or social engagement. It welcomes former competitive swimmers, triathletes, and anyone looking to maintain their swimming in a friendly, supportive environment.

Goals