Our Squads: A Pathway for Every Swimmer

At Academy Swim Team, we offer a comprehensive squad structure designed to support every swimmer's journey. From the first fun galas to the national stage, our pathway provides the coaching and training environment to help every athlete achieve their goals.

Our squads are arranged in a progressive pathway, allowing swimmers to develop at their own pace in a supportive and challenging environment.

The Development Pathway

This is the core journey for our age-group swimmers as they develop their skills and competitive abilities.

Junior Squad

  • Focus: Building excellent technique across all four strokes in a fun, encouraging environment, preparing swimmers for their first taste of competition.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 2 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: Optional 30 minutes per week for swimmers aged 9+.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Swimmers begin to compete in team galas and local Level 4 & 3 meets.

Development 1 (Dev 1) Squad

  • Focus: Increasing training commitment and developing the skills and endurance required to compete at County level.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 4 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: 30 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Regularly competing at Level 3 meets with the goal of achieving County Qualifying Times.

Development 2 (Dev 2) Squad

  • Focus: Refining race skills and technique as swimmers begin to consistently achieve County qualifying times and prepare for a higher level of competition.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 5 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: 30 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Aiming to qualify for a range of events at the Somerset County Championships.

The Performance Pathway

For swimmers who have established themselves at County level and are committed to reaching the highest levels of the sport.

County Squad

  • Focus: For dedicated swimmers who are regularly qualifying for and competing at the Somerset County Championships, aiming for finals and medals.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 8 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: 45 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Somerset County Championships and aiming for Regional qualifying times.

Regional Squad

  • Focus: For highly committed athletes who are training towards and competing at the Swim England South West Regional Championships.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 10 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: 45 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: South West Regional Championships and aiming for National qualification.

Performance Squad

  • Focus: Our top squad for swimmers competing at the National Championships, or for highly dedicated senior County/Regional swimmers.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 11+ hours per week (may include networking with other clubs for additional hours).

  • 💪 Land Training: 45 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: English, Scottish, or Welsh National Championships.

Other Pathways

We believe in providing a place for everyone who loves swimming.

Fitness Squad

  • Focus: For swimmers who love the sport and want to maintain a high level of fitness without the pressure of a heavy competition schedule. A great pathway to stay in the sport!

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 3 hours per week.

  • 💪 Land Training: Optional 45 minutes per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Swimmers can still choose to enter meets and compete in team galas if they wish.

Masters Squad

  • Focus: For swimmers aged 18 and over. This squad caters for everyone, from casual fitness swimming to high-level Masters competition.

  • 🏊‍♀️ Pool Time: 2.5 hours per week.

  • 🏆 Competition Level: Encompasses everything from fitness swimming to competing at County, Regional, National, and even International Masters events.

How Swimmers Progress Through Our Squads

Squad placements are determined by the Head Coach to ensure each swimmer is in the best environment for their development. The Head Coach's decision is final.

When a swimmer is ready to move to a new squad, the coach will notify them during a session and provide a notification slip for their parent or guardian. This slip will detail the new training times and any changes in fees. We ask that the slip is signed and returned promptly so we can confirm the move and you can amend your standing order accordingly.