Coaches
- Squad coach Vicki
- Supporting Coaches Jean, Louise and Emma
Squad representative
Jenny Goodman, your trial contact is the first point of contact for parents for any questions. She will give you any relevant information for the squad. Central emails also come from the main TeamUnify system about meets and any session changes.
We also have a closed Facebook page where we post any late notices such as pool cancellations so, please find us and ask to join.
Overview
The Development Squad is the first of our 'beginner squads' and serves as the normal club entry point for young swimmers transitioning from the NDSC or other teaching programs. Swimmers typically join this squad around the age of 8, although exceptions can be made for younger swimmers who demonstrate the required skills and ability to cope with training.
Entry Requirements
Entry into ‘’Development’’ is usually by means of a swimming assessment at Northcroft Pool on a pre-arranged Thursday Evening. Swimmers who have achieved Swim England Stage 8 would usually be accepted into the Club. ‘’Development’’ currently has three main sessions per week. ‘’Development’’ Squad may attend the Friday morning Northcroft session after consultation with the Squad Coach. Please refer to pool schedule for times.
Squad aims
The coaching emphasis is very much on acquiring the basic skills in the four strokes, namely butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and front crawl.
Progression
- Swimmers will be considered for progression to the Academy squad once they can perform the four strokes and associated starts and turns as specified by Swim England Technical Rules
- Consistent performance of technical aspects is not required at this stage, but knowledge and understanding of the requirements are expected before progression
Training attendance
The main training night is a Thursday night at Northcroft. It is suggested that ‘’Development’’ train for at least 2 sessions a week. Inability to attend due to other commitments will not prevent progression to the next squad but it should be understood that consistent attendance will lead to much faster improvement and progression.
Monthly timings take place on the first Thursday of each month, with the stroke rotating each month (freestyle/back/breast/fly). This enables both swimmers and coaches to track improvement and can give times they can use to enter competitions (where the competition conditions allow).
Competition attendance
‘’Development’’ Squad should be entering all internal galas.
Children in this squad may be called upon to swim in the Arena or Thames Valley leagues that the club enters.
There is a gala guide on the website which informs you about competing in open meets, leagues and progression from Counties to Regional to Nationals
Kit Required
