Head Coach – Guy Fawkes
Swimmers will be training full time with Head Coach.
Criteria:
- Squad members demonstrate a strong commitment to hard work, striving to reach their full potential and perform at the highest level of competition. They will be selected by the Head Coach based on attitude, discipline, long term potential and gala performance. Swimmers will normally be 14 years and older and be a minimum of National Championship standard.
Squad Expectations:
- Will have total commitment to training.
- Will have all required kit and training aids.
- Will be on time for all sessions – Be ready on poolside, with all equipment, 15 minutes before the start of session for dynamic warm up exercises.
- Will communicate with their squad coach via Spond at least 30 minutes prior to a session if unable to attend.
- Will be required to do all four strokes in competition.
- Must demonstrate advanced technical fluency in stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and finishes.
- Will compete in a minimum of 8 swimming competitions per annum, including National, Regional and County competitions and willing, when invited, to participate in team events. All Billingham ASC home galas plus the end of season away gala are mandatory.
- Must be able to adapt and thrive in a senior swimming environment and be willing to invest in a high level of personal ambition.
- Will be independent with a strong understanding of self and the sport.
- Will take ownership and responsibility of their journey.
- Will be able to distinguish short- and long-term gain; will not chase instant gratification at the risk of compromising long term development and success.
- 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 create a positive team dynamic.
- Must be coachable—open to feedback and eager to explore new ideas in the pursuit of excellence. They should demonstrate a growth mindset, embrace continuous improvement and actively seek opportunities to learn and develop.
- Should actively take on a mentorship role with younger swimmers in the club—providing guidance, encouragement, and serving as a positive role model both in and out of the pool.
Squad Objectives:
- International and top level domestic success.
- To master the disciplined technical and psychological skills necessary to train and perform at the highest level.
Competitions:
- British Championships
- National Championships
- Regional Championships
- County and District Championships
- High Standard Open Meets
Below are the required training times for this squad and will be by invitation of the Head Coach only.
| Monday | Billingham Forum | 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm |
| Tuesday | Billingham Forum | 6.30 am – 7.30 am / 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Wednesday | Billingham Forum | 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Thursday | Billingham Forum | 6.30 am – 7.30 am / 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Friday | Billingham Forum | 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Saturday | Billingham Forum | 6.30 am – 9.00 am / 9.00 am – 10.00 am (Land) |
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.