Development Squads

Academy Development

Academy Development is a squad for swimmers aged between 10-12 years old who still need to work on the basics of stroke technique whilst building stamina and speed. Sessions run weekly and are for 1 hour per week in the evening. Swimmers joining this squad may want to either compete at levels under County Level, or just swim for Fitness. There is no commitment criteria and swimmers can attend as frequently or infrequently as they like. However, if swimmers want to improve in their skills and fitness then regular attendance is recommended.

Junior Development

Junior Development is a squad for swimmers who want to either compete at levels under County Level, or swim for just Fitness. Swimmers progress from Academy Development into this group and with 2 sessions per week this increase in training allows them to focus on building stamina and strength over longer distances as well as cementing good technique. There is no commitment criteria and swimmers can attend as frequently or infrequently as they like. However, if swimmers want to improve in their skills and fitness then regular attendance is recommended.

Intermediate Development

Intermediate Development is a squad for swimmers aged 12-14 years approximately who want to either compete at levels under County Level, or swim for just Fitness. Swimmers progress from Junior Development Squad into this group when the coaches deem that they are ready. Training sessions run 3 times per week with the option to play Water Polo and build on the social aspect of the sport. There is no commitment criteria and swimmers can attend as frequently or infrequently as they like. However, if swimmers want to improve in their skills and fitness then regular attendance is recommended. 

Age Group Development 

Age Group Development is a new squad that will be in place from September 2025. It is a squad for swimmers that are taking a bit longer to progress to the stage needed for a move into their next squad, but who demonstrate potential for being a good competitive swimmer in the future. We want to continue to support these swimmers, whilst ensuring that they are in a squad that is suitable to their current training performance. Age Group Development will sit between the Development and Competitive Pathway with progressional routes into Age Group 2, Age Group 1 and Senior Competitive. If Age Group Development is not an appropriate training environment for a swimmer, the exit route will be into Senior Development.

Senior Development

Senior Development is a squad for older swimmers aged 14-15 years and over who want to either compete at levels under County Level, or swim for just Fitness and Fun. Swimmers progress from Intermediate Development Squad into this group when the coaches deem that they are ready and they outgrow the younger groups. Training sessions run 3-4 times per week with the option to play Water Polo. There is no commitment criteria and swimmers can attend at frequently or infrequently as they like. However, if swimmers want to improve in their skills and fitness and become more competitive in the sport, then regular attendance is recommended. Water Polo is also offered to this squad every Friday evening should they wish to participate instead of swim