Coach – Karen Cook
These squads prepare swimmers to enter our Club’s competitive pathway. Our Sharks and Dolphins squads are all about fun, learning, and teamwork! The emphasis is on progression, participation, and fostering a love for swimming. Theses squads are perfect for developing skills, building confidence, and making new friends in a positive and supportive environment. Progression from this level is based on consistent attendance, skill development, and readiness to take on greater training loads. Swimmers will normally be aged between 6 -12 years of age.
Squad Expectations:
- Demonstrates commitment to training by attending regularly.
- Will be on time for all sessions.
- Will communicate with their squad coach via Spond at least 30 minutes prior to a session if unable to attend.
- Will work towards improving proficiency in stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and finishes.
- Will compete in galas upon reaching a competitive age.
- All Billingham ASC home galas are mandatory.
- Will be a great team-mate. Committed to fostering a culture of encouragement, they will remain positive and engaged while understanding the greater value of succeeding together. They must be prepared to support others in their journeys and contribute to a positive team dynamic.
- Must be coachable—open to feedback and eager to explore new ideas in the pursuit of reaching their highest potential.
Squad Objectives:
- To develop consistent streamline, underwater work, and breathing techniques.
- To enhance coordination and body awareness in water.
- To understand and follow training sets, intervals, and rest periods.
- To increase aerobic endurance, flexibility, and strength.
- To set personal goals and focus on personal bests rather than just placements.
Competitions:
- Home Club and Open Meets
Below are the required training times for this squad and will be by invitation of the Head Coach only.
| Tuesday | Billingham Forum | 5.00 pm – 6.00 pm / 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Saturday | Billingham Forum | 8.00 am – 9.00 am |
If necessary, a review process will take place at 3, 6 and 12 months. Reviews will take place with the coach, swimmer and parent/guardian. Membership to this squad is dependent on compliance to the respective criteria sheet. If all criteria are not met or it is deemed that the required effort is not evident, then the swimmer will be asked to forfeit their place in the squad.