| Competitive Development - Training Squad Entry and Target Criteria We have four competitive training squads which cater for a varied ability from early competitive to Club, County, Region, National and International levels. The training programme for each of the squads is based on age, maturation, training ability and potential. Each squad has a minimum amount of weekly sessions to attend in order for improvements to be made or maintained and a criteria which involves dedication and commitment. The development squads are progressive and are designed to optimise potential if the commitment is made from the swimmer and parent. All the swimmers will work their way through the system and their training times and competition performance will be monitored and recorded. Not all swimmers will progress to the top of the ladder, every swimmer's potential is different, the rate of physical development, natural talent and interpretation of skill is very much an individual process. Some swimmers develop their talents early, some are naturally talented and can be spotted straight away, a lot develop much later. All need the commitment, dedication and desire to achieve. The competitive training squads take all these factors into account both on a group and individual basis. The tendency from many parents is to compare - their children with other swimmers of similar age and for both parties to want it all NOW. That kind of attitude can be very detrimental in the development of the swimmer, particularly psychologically. It can be almost a case of performing to order and then never quite achieving what is expected, because the result is never good enough ! The trick is to be patient, its a long term strategy which will pay dividends if nurtured correctly. All achievements should be recognised and congratulated and for those few who have that extra talent and continue to progress to the top should never be criticized by those who don't make it. The Coaching staff here recognise all these attributes and will treat each individual on their own merits. We all have a vast amount of experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to achieve good results. We expect people to work with us in a positive way - this is why our club is so successful. It’s about teamwork, you show us the effort and commitment and we will do the same. Competitive Training Squads Entry Criteria |
