Breakdown of Club Squads

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT - BRONZE GROUP

Based at Gorbals, Scotstoun, Springburn and Tollcross.

This group forms the basis of the Junior Development programme for young swimmers who show promise in stroke technique. Emphasis is placed primarily on the development of stroke technique, starts and turns while building basic swimming endurance.

Swimmers in this group will experience the fun of competition in the internal 'Club' monthly time-trials, the Clyde Coast Mini League and Graded Swim Meets.

The Bronze Group offers three sessions per week - swimmers are encouraged to attend all sessions. Participation in other sporting activities is encouraged.

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT - SILVER GROUP

Based at Gorbals, Scotstoun (West), and Tollcross (East).

This group forms the second stage of the coaching programme for swimmers. Once again, emphasis is placed primarily on stroke technique development while new training aims are introduced - the development of basic swimming endurance and basic swimming speed.

An introduction to dryland training begins at this level, eg, the importance of stretching and the use of bodyweight exercises to develop strength and improve co-ordination. Goal setting will also be introduced. Swimmers will be prepared to compete in the Clyde Coast Mini League and Graded Meets, in addition to the West District Age Group Competitions subject to achieving the qualifying standards.

Four sessions per week are offered - swimmers are encouraged to attend all sessions.

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT - GOLD GROUP

Based at Drumchapel (West), and Tollcross (East).

This group, the third stage of the coaching programme, continues to develop stroke technique for swimmers. There is an increased amount of swimming endurance designed to enable each swimmer to gain experience of all swimming events.

Swimmers will be prepared to compete at selected Open Age Group Meets, West Districts and to achieve SASA National Age Group qualifying standards.

Five sessions per week of 1½ hours duration are offered. Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged with a minimum of four sessions per week necessary to show any substantial improvement in swimming ability.

SENIOR GROUP

Based at Scotstoun (West) and Tollcross (East).

his group will consist of talented individuals having the dedication and desire to train and compete at West District and SASA National Championships and Age Group Competitions.

The group will utilise all the training methods of the National Group and will provide for the
“late developer” and university student seeking improved performance and swimmers who do not want to commit to the minimum hours required to stay in National Development, National Age Group and National Squads but want to continue training and representing the club on a lesser level.

COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE GROUPS:

NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Based at Scotstoun (West) and Tollcross (East).

This group aims to provide a progressive coaching and training programme. It should be seen as preparation of the swimmer for senior swimming. Swimmers will be expected to compete in all strokes, distances and individual medley events. This is where BREAK POINT VOLUME is introduced to the swimmers. BREAK POINT VOLUME is the encouragement of swimmers to average 48 weeks per year of training and completing an average of between 44,000 and 52,000 metres per week.

The competitive aims within National Development Group are to compete at SASA and ASA National Age Group Competitions. Eight sessions per week are offered of between 1½ - 2 hours duration. The introduction of long course training is a vital part of this squad’s preparation for the future. As all major meets are long course it is very important that the a.m. sessions are attended. When you progress to the next squad you will be expected to attend these a.m. sessions. The minimum attendance to hold a position in this squad is 12 hours per week.

NATIONAL AGE GROUP

On promotion to this group, the swimmers will already be showing a high level of commitment. It will consist of talented and motivated individuals having the dedication and desire to train and compete at the highest level. Group members are expected to make a total commitment to the achievement of high performance. All swimmers in this programme should be committed to BREAK POINT VOLUME.

The programme stresses swimming speed endurance, concentrates on the individual strengths in terms of stroke(s) and distance(s), provides a comprehensive preparation for training and competition at the highest level. The group will consist of swimmers preparing for competition at ASA and SASA National Age Group Competitions, SASA and English National Championships and International level. The minimum attendance to hold a position in this squad is 14 hours per week.

NATIONAL GROUP

A group consisting of talented and motivated swimmers, who through competition and training achievement show the desire, dedication and discipline necessary to compete at the highest international performance level. The highest level of focus is expected - group members are expected to make a total commitment towards the achievement of excellence.

All movements from one group to another are based on the overall capabilities of the swimmer. The performance of the swimmer, his or her ability to train, attendance, attitude and technique are also very important in their progression. His or her age has no bearing on the decision at all. Promotions will be co-ordinated between the swimmer, parents and coaching staff at a time most beneficial to the individual.