Newark SC – Squad Pathway (Parent Guide)

A simple overview of how our squads work, what they focus on, and where your swimmer might fit.

Overview

Newark Swimming Club has five junior squads plus an adult Masters squad, designed to support swimmers as they grow in confidence, fitness and skill. The pathway is:

  • Inclusive – suitable for all abilities.
  • Flexible – swimmers choose how many sessions they attend.
  • Supportive – no pressure to compete.
  • Progressive – each squad builds on the last.

Swimmers move between squads when they are ready, based on skills, effort, attendance and goals.

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Skills Squad
Approx. ages 7–11 • 1–3 sessions per week (age 7: 1 session)

Who it’s for

First step into club swimming after lessons. Focus on technique, confidence and basic race skills.

Main focus

  • All four strokes with good technique.
  • Streamlining, underwater work and push-offs.
  • Starts, turns and finishes.
  • 25m butterfly and 50m turns.
  • Introduction to the pace clock.

Typical competitions

  • Mini-Meets, Duel in the Pool.
  • September Sprints, Club Championships.
Development Squad
Approx. ages 9–13 • 1–4 sessions per week

Who it’s for

Swimmers building fitness and speed while keeping strong skills. Ideal for those starting to race more regularly.

Main focus

  • Legal 100m swims in Fly, Back and Breast.
  • Legal 200m IM and 200m freestyle under 3:00.
  • 8 × 100m freestyle off 2:00.
  • Relay takeovers and race skills.

Typical competitions

  • Mini-Meets, Duel in the Pool.
  • Stage Galas, Arena League.
  • Open meets and County qualification opportunities.
Fitness Squad
Approx. ages 12–19 • 1–2 sessions per week

Who it’s for

Swimmers who want to stay fit, support another sport, or keep swimming without a strong focus on competition.

Main focus

  • Maintaining technique from earlier squads.
  • Improving general fitness and speed.
  • Enjoyment and long-term activity in the water.

Competitions

  • Optional – Duel in the Pool, Club Champs, September Sprints.
Performance Squad
Approx. ages 12+ • Performance C/B/A structure

Who it’s for

Swimmers aiming for County, Regional or National level, who are committed to regular training and competition.

Main focus

  • Higher-level fitness and race preparation.
  • 15 × 100m freestyle off 1:30.
  • 8 × 100m IM off 2:00 with strong skills.
  • 400m kick under 8:00.

Typical competitions

  • Stage Galas, Arena League.
  • Open meets.
  • County and Regional Championships.
Masters Squad
Ages 18+ • Multiple weekly sessions

Who it’s for

Adult swimmers of all abilities — from former competitive swimmers and triathletes to those returning after time away or swimming for general fitness. Sessions are friendly, supportive and flexible.

Main focus

  • All four strokes with an emphasis on good technique
  • Improving efficiency and fitness
  • Flexible training around injuries or individual needs
  • Typical session volume: 2000–2500m
  • A balanced mix of lighter and harder sessions

Introduction to Masters Squad

A relaxed Wednesday evening group focusing on technique, starts, turns and confidence. Ideal for swimmers returning after a break or building skills before joining full Masters sessions.

Minimum ability

  • 200m continuous swim (any stroke)
  • 100m freestyle with side breathing
  • 50m of at least two other strokes

Typical competitions

  • No expectation to compete
  • Masters competitions in 5-year age bands
  • Relay opportunities
  • Club-targeted Masters meets
How Squad Moves Are Decided

Coaches look at the whole swimmer when considering a move between squads. This includes:

  • Technique across all four strokes, starts and turns.
  • Attendance and consistency at training.
  • Training and racing speed.
  • Effort, attitude and willingness to learn.
  • Age and maturity (both physical and mental).
  • Goals – whether swimming for fitness or aiming to progress competitively.
Questions about squads or where your swimmer fits? We’re always happy to talk through options and next steps.

Adam McIntyre – Head Coach Email: [email protected]