Join the Squad program
Our Squad program is designed for swimmers who want to compete or simply improve their fitness and skills in the water. It’s suitable for those aiming for local through to national competitions, as well as strong swimmers looking to stay active and keep progressing.
A team of trained and dedicated coaches facilitate the program and assist swimmers and support their development along the way.
To join squad, swimmers need to complete a short assessment.
Timetables
Squad assessments
Assessments are by appointment on Saturday mornings.
Athletes must be capable of:
- 200m continuous freestyle with good technique and without signs of fatigue
- 100m backstroke with good technique
- Knowledge of freestyle and backstroke turns
- Use of fly/dolphin kick
- Propulsive breaststroke kick and pull
- Clean racing dive.
To make a booking, or for any questions, please email aquatics@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Fees
Payment for Squad is by weekly direct debit.
Squad categories
Development Program
A step up from Learn to Swim, helping swimmers get ready for Bronze Squad.
Schedule
Sessions are one (1) hour in duration and in groups of approximately eight (8) athletes directed by a single coach. Typically athletes complete 1500m in a session.
Session Times:
- Monday to Saturday
Morning session: 7am - 8am - Monday and Tuesday
Evening session: 6pm - 7pm - Thursday
Evening session: 5.15pm - 6.15pm
Ability Level
It is expected that athletes attend three (3) sessions per week. Ideal ages would be 6-8, but no age restriction exists.
Competitions
Swimmers are encouraged to join a club and may start competing at a regional level.
Fitness Program
For more experienced swimmers working towards personal goals and improving overall performance.
Schedule
Sessions are one (1) hour in duration and in groups of approximately 10 athletes directed by a single coach. Typically athletes complete 2000 - 3000m in a session.
Session Times:
- Monday to Friday
Morning session: 5am - 6am
Ability Level
Athletes can attend all sessions each week. Ideal ages are 13 and over.
Competitions
Competitions are optional, however club membership is required if competing.
Bronze Program
For swimmers ready to build strong technique across all strokes.
Schedule
Sessions are one (1) to one (1) hour and 15 minutes in duration. Typically athletes complete 2500m in a session.
Session Times:
- Monday to Saturday
Morning session: 5am - 6.15am - Monday to Friday
Morning Session: 6.45am - 8am (Wednesday includes combined dryland activities) - Monday to Thursday
Evening session: 4pm - 5.15pm - Wednesday
Evening session: 5.45pm - 7pm
Ability Level
It is expected that athletes attend four (4) sessions per week. Ideal ages would be 8-11, but progression is dependent on skill. It is not uncommon for teens to participate and be challenged.
Athletes will develop all strokes and skills, without preference for one or another to become well-rounded with skills for future development.
Competitions
Athletes in this group are encouraged to join a swimming club and compete. Squad coaches can support athletes by linking them to higher levels of competition.
Silver Program
A more demanding squad focused on refining technique and improving performance.
Schedule
Sessions are one (1) hour and 45 minutes in duration.
Session Times:
- Monday to Friday
Morning session: 5am - 6.45am - Saturday
Morning session: 6am - 7.45am - Monday to Thursday
Afternoon session: 5pm - 6.45pm - Friday
Afternoon session: 4pm - 5.45pm
Ability Level
It is expected that swimmers attend four (4) sessions per week (5 by coach approval). Ideal ages would be from 10-15 but progression is dependent on skill.
Athletes will learn the importance of physiological conditioning to meet the demands of improvement and begin to discuss goal setting to guide development.
Competitions
Athletes in this group will be capable of swimming multiple events at representative level, including some Regional and State competitions.
Gold Program
Our highest-level squad for dedicated swimmers aiming to compete at a high level.
Schedule
The training sessions are two (2) hours in duration. Session volumes will range widely depending on stage of season, preparation and specific event focus.
Session Times:
- Monday to Friday
Morning session: 5am - 7am - Saturday
Morning session: 6am - 8am - Tuesday to Thursday
Afternoon session: 5pm - 7pm
Ability Level
It is expected athletes attend eight (8) sessions per week. Ideal ages would be from 14-20 but progression is dependent on skill.
Competitions
Athletes in this group are capable of competing at a state, national or even international level competitions.