COUNTY AGE SQUAD

County Age Squad Overview

The County Age Squad is designed for swimmers who are focused on achieving county-level qualifying times and advancing to regional competitions. The squad emphasizes the development of stroke technique, race skills, and overall swimming fitness. Swimmers in this squad are expected to show commitment to their training routine, compete regularly, and work towards achieving key qualifying times.

Monthly Fee: £61.00 (paid via Direct Debit)

County Age Squad Criteria

• Minimum Attendance:
  Swimmers must attend a minimum of 5 pool sessions per week, with at least one session being a weekday morning.
  • Progression to Regional Age Group Squad: Swimmers aiming for the Regional Age Group Squad must demonstrate the ability to attend at least 5 sessions per week, with at least one of these being a weekday morning session. Consistent attendance is critical for progression.
• Minimum Qualification:
  Swimmers must achieve at least one County Qualifying Time (QT), either automatic or consideration, within their age group. Swimmers will have until the Borough of Harrow End of Season Meet in July to meet this standard.
• Required Equipment:
  • Kickboard, Pull Buoy, Fins, Snorkel, and Hand Paddles are essential for all training sessions to support stroke technique improvement and strength building.
  • Swimmers must also bring two 500ml water bottles or one 1L bottle to each session to ensure adequate hydration.

County Age Squad Aims

The County Age Squad focuses on preparing swimmers for success in both county and regional competitions. The specific aims of the squad include:

• Achieving Middlesex County Qualification Standards:
  The training program is designed to help swimmers meet the Middlesex County Qualification Times and continue progressing in their competitive swimming journey.
• Progressing Towards London Regional Qualification Standards:
  The squad focuses on improving the swimmers’ performance to work towards achieving London Regional Qualification Times as they advance in the sport.
• IM-Focused Training Program:
  The training plan emphasizes Individual Medley (IM) development, ensuring swimmers are proficient in all four strokes and capable of performing well in IM races.
• Improving Starts, Turns, and Underwater Phases:
  Swimmers will continue to refine their starts, turns, and the underwater phase of each stroke, which are critical elements in racing situations.
• Developing Stroke Technique Through Drill Progression:
  A structured drill progression is used to refine technique across all four strokes—Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly—ensuring swimmers improve their efficiency and speed in the water.
• Competitions (Minimum Requirement):
  Swimmers must compete in at least 5 competitions per season, including the Borough of Harrow Club Championships and the Middlesex County Championships. Regular competition participation is essential for tracking progress and gaining race experience.

Progression Path

Swimmers who meet the attendance, performance, and competition requirements will be eligible to progress to the Regional Age Group Squad.

• Progression to Regional Age Group Squad: Swimmers will progress once they demonstrate the required performance levels and are deemed close to achieving London Regional Qualifying Times. These swimmers must also meet the squad’s attendance and competition expectations.
• Reassignment Based on Attendance and Performance:
  • Swimmers who do not meet the minimum attendance or competition participation requirements will be moved to the Youth Squad or Youth Development Squad, depending on their age and training performance standards.
  • Swimmers who do not achieve the minimum qualifying standard by July will be reassigned to the Youth Squad or Youth Development Squad, depending on their age and overall performance.

Why Join the County Age Squad?

The County Age Squad is ideal for swimmers who are serious about competing at the county and regional levels. With a structured training program that focuses on stroke technique, racing skills, and fitness development, this squad offers swimmers the opportunity to improve and prepare for higher-level competitions. The squad provides a supportive yet challenging environment, pushing swimmers to reach their full potential and achieve their competitive goals.

Training Schedule

For detailed training times and sessions, please refer to the Squad Timetable available on the club’s website: Squad Timetable.

What to Bring to Each Session

Swimmers are expected to bring the following equipment to every training session:

• Kickboard
• Pull Buoy
• Fins
• Snorkel
• Hand Paddles
• Two 500ml water bottles or one 1L water bottle
• Club kit for poolside (including a club swim hat and t-shirt)

Swimmers should be prepared for a mix of technical drills, endurance training, and high-intensity race preparation.

Commitment and Accountability

Swimmers in the County Age Squad are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to both training and competition. Regular attendance and participation in competitions are essential for swimmers aiming to progress to higher levels of the sport. Those who meet the squad’s standards will be well-prepared to advance in their swimming careers and achieve success at county and regional levels.