SQUADS

PYSC follows a structured squad system with regards to competitive swimming. Details of the squads and their entry requirements can be seen below.

PERFORMANCE SQUAD
The Performance Squad is split into three sections, each of which follows a slightly different training programme intensity and have different objectives.

Performance Squad 1
Participation in this squad is by invitation of the Head Coach only. Criteria for joining this squad involve a very high level of commitment to training and competition, performance at high level open meets and a positive mental attitude. This squad is open to those swimmers who have achieved, or have the potential to achieve, regional level qualification (at the discretion of the Head Coach); there are no restrictions on ages.

Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of five pool sessions and all land training sessions each week. They are also expected to closely follow the training programme, undertake all the testing required and compete in all Championships, targeted open meets, league galas and club galas, as directed by the Coach. Targeted open meets will be predominantly aimed at events held in 50m pools.

Swimmers must have a positive mental attitude towards their training and must be able to maintain sufficient training pace to complete the pool sessions. Punctuality is essential - all swimmers should be on poolside 15 minutes before pool session start times, changed and ready to undertake warm up/stretching exercises.

Performance Squads 2 and 3
Participation in these squads is by invitation of the Head Coach only. Criteria for joining these squads include commitment to training and competition, performance and a positive mental attitude. These squads are open to swimmers who have achieved, or have the potential to achieve, county level qualification (at the discretion of the Head Coach). Swimmers should be aged 11+ years but younger swimmers showing a high degree of development may also be invited to join these squads.

Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of four or five pool sessions a week (as agreed with the Head Coach) and all land training sessions. They are also expected to follow the training programme, undertake all the testing required and compete in all Championships, targeted open meets, league galas and club galas, as directed by the Coach.

Swimmers must have a positive mental attitude towards their training and must be able to maintain sufficient training pace to complete the pool sessions. Punctuality is essential - all swimmers should be on poolside 15 minutes before pool session start times, changed and ready to undertake warm up/stretching exercises.

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
The Development Squad is split into two sections, each of which follow a slightly different training programme intensity and have differing objectives. These will reflect the abilities of the individual swimmers within each squad. In general, swimmers enter Development Squad 2 from the Pre-Development Squad or from the Learn to Swim section with progression being based on commitment, ability to cope with training pace and attitude towards training and competition. Swimmers are expected to compete at County Championships, targeted open meets, league galas and club galas, as directed by the Coach.

Development Squad 1
Swimmers in Development Squad 1 should be at or approaching county qualifying level and normally be attending at least three pool sessions each week. The squad is open to swimmers aged 10+ years but younger swimmers showing a high degree of development may also be invited to join this squad.

Development Squad 2
Swimmers in Development Squad 2 should normally be attending at least two pool sessions each week. The squad is open to swimmers aged 9+ years but younger swimmers showing a high degree of development may also be invited to join this squad.

PRE-DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
This squad caters for those swimmers who are not yet ready to fully join the Development Squad, and runs as an extension of the Learn to Swim National Plan for Teaching Swimming Levels 8 to 10. This squad is open to swimmers aged 8/9 years. Swimmers are expected to compete in league galas and club galas, as directed by the Coach.

CLUB SQUAD
This squad caters for those swimmers who do not wish to train at a high level or who are unable to commit to regular training sessions. There are no age restrictions. Swimmers are expected to swim in league galas and club galas, as directed by the Coach.

SESSION TIMES
For full details on session times, please click here.

USEFUL INFORMATION
When training in a competitive squad, it is important that both you and your parent/guardian is well informed on all aspects of doping, medical and nutritional issues that can arise within swimming. Click on the links below to find out more about certain areas found within these categories.

Doping
 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited Substance List 2008
...more information on doping at UK Sport.

Medical
 Asthma and the Competitive Swimmer
Epilepsy
Head Lice
Preventing Illness
Skincare
Veruccas

Nutritional
 Eating Disorders in Sports
 Swimming and Diet