Squads

The club has 7 different squads working at different levels.

National Squad
Coach: Ben Higson

Criteria - Total commitment to required training sessions.
- Swimmers will normally be 13 and older and at a minimum
qualify for Scottish National Age groups.
- They will be selected by the head coach based on
attitude, discipline and potential.

Aims - National medallists and finalists.
- British National qualification.
- To develop the necessary skills to progress to senior level.
- To act in a mentorship role for younger swimmers in the squad.

Competitions - Scottish Nationals
- ASA Age/Youth Championships
- District Championships.
- High Standard Competitions.

Training Content - 12yrs (7 sessions)
- 13/14yrs (8 sessions)
- 15yrs (9 sessions)      
(13-17 hours per week)


Junior National Squad
Coach: Ben Higson

Criteria - Swimmers should have advanced technique and effective turns in all strokes.
- Swimmers will normally be between 12-14 years old.
- Swimmers will normally be of a minimum district standard.
- Swimmers must commit to all the required sessions

Aims - To enforce the skills required to progress to National squad
- Scottish National qualification.
- To educate swimmers on healthy eating, time management and competition protocols
- To build a strong base through correct land work procedures.

Competitions - Scottish Nationals
- District Championships
- High Standard Age group Competitions.

Training Content - 7 sessions 
(13hours per week)

Intermediate 1

Coach: Danielle Brayson, Ailsa Nelson

Criteria - Must competent in all four strokes.
- Swimmers must attend all required sessions unless advised by the coach.
- Swimmers will usually be between 10-13 years of age.
- Swimmers must have a minimum of four West District times.
- Attend competitions
- Understanding of basic hydration and nutritional needs

Aims - Build a base for effective land work through flexibility and core strength.
- Learn to training effectively ( warming up, swimming down)
- Qualify for Districts and Scottish Nationals.

Competitions - Swimmers will attend graded, local and development level competitions to gain experience and district
and high level age group competitions when the qualification standard has been met.

Training Content - 6 Sessions (11 hours per week all compulsory)
 

Intermediate 2

Coach: Danielle Brayson, Ailsa Nelson

Criteria - Swimmers will be competent in 3 strokes and have knowledge of all 4 strokes.
- Swimmers must attend a minim of 4 sessions and additional sessions at the coach’s discretion.
- Swimmers must show the potential to progress through the clubs squad structure.
- Swimmers will usually be aged between 9-12 years of age.
 
Aims - Advanced stroke technique in all four strokes.
- Qualify for West Districts in an event 200m or above
- Learning how to train effectively.
- Basic land training and flexibility routines.
- Effective starting, turning and finishing.
- Understanding of basic hydrations and nutritional needs.
- General mentorship and advice for competitions.
 
Competitions - At this stage swimmers will compete in local, graded, mini and development competitions to help
improve race skills and gain competition experience. 
 
Training Content - 4-6 Sessions per week (8 hours - 6 compulsory per week)
  

Junior Squad
 
Coach: Christine Proudfoot, Susan Malone
 
Criteria - Swimmers will have an understanding and knowledge of all 4 strokes.
  - Swimmers will usually be aged between 7-11 years of age.
 
Aims - Develop stroke technique in all four strokes.
  - Learning how to train effectively ( using a pace clock, lane discipline)
  - Introduction and development of starting, turning and finishing.
  - General mentorship and advice for competitions.
 
Competitions - This is the start of the competitive structure, where the children will learn the basics of becoming a
competitive swimmer. They will compete at mini competitions and development competitions.
 
Training Content - 2 sessions (2hours per week)
  - Swimmers maybe invited to attend a taster sessions with the intermediate 2 session at the coaches discretion. 
 

Transition Squad
 
Coach: Andy Pattie
 
Criteria - Swimmers must be able to train at a competent level (esp. F/C and B/K).
- Swimmers wishing to join / rejoin National Squad, Junior National Squad or Intermediate 1/2 must
achieve the criteria laid out for the other groups and show an 8 week commitment to training prior to being considered for a move.
- Swimmers must show a willingness to follow sessions planned and delivered by the coaches.
Any swimmer not using the time in this Squad for training purposes maybe be asked to leave the Squad.

Aims - To provide structured sessions to swimmers who are training for either fitness purposes or are trying
to regain fitness to move back into the competitive structure.

Competitions - Swimmers in the transition group are allowed to compete but it will be at the coach’s discretion.
No swimmers in the transition group will be pressured to attend competitions.
 
Training Content - 6 sessions (6hours per week) (attendance at swimmers discretion)
  

Masters Squad
 
Criteria - Swimmers must be a minimum of 18 years old.
  - Swimmers must show a willingness to follow sessions planned by coaches or sessions lead by senior
master’s swimmers. Any swimmer not wishing to use time in this Squad for training & fitness purposes
will be asked to leave the Squad.
 
Training Content -  5 sessions (5hours per week) (attendance at swimmers discretion)