One of the major aims of the Club is to try and improve the transition of young swimmers into the Competition Squad, and to try and build a squad that can compete in team galas. We are working within the constraints of pool size and access, but hope that the new structure will be clearer to follow and will allow swimmers to progress throughout all squads. ACADEMY SQUAD
Swimmers accepted to this squad will firstly need to come along to a trial/taster session run by the KGSC coaches. Sessions are focused on improving technique and building speed and stamina, but also include plenty of opportunity for fun There is the chance to compete in some fun Gala's and low level Meets to gain competition experience.
Age Range: Typically swimmers should be under the age of 11 when joining this squad, and the upper age is 12.
Progression: To the Talent Development Squad at the discretion or the Head Coach.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
This squad aims to transition swimmers from the Academy Squad to the Competition Squad. This is achieved by swimmers attending a mixture of Academy and Competition sessions so as to get a mixture of technique, fun and fitness required for the Competition Squad.
Training Schedule: Thursday 05:50 - 07:30 Saturday 10.15 - 12.15 Sunday 07.30 - 08.00 land training (poolside) Sunday 08:00 - 09:00
Progression: To the Competition Squad at the discretion or the Head Coach.
COMPETITION SQUAD
This is our squad of competitive swimmers and requires high levels of discipline and commitment. Training is focused on preparing swimmers for competition, in a fun but competitive environment Swimmers should try to attend all of the competitions in the gala calendar including Team Galas and Open Meets that are suited to their ability level and are expected to attend at least 70-80% of all sessions.
Training Schedule: Monday 05:50 - 07:30 Wednesday 05:50 - 07:30 Thursday 05:50 - 07:30 Sunday 06:50 - 08:00 Sunday 08:15 - 09:00 land training
Progression: To the Performance Squad at the discretion or the Head Coach.
PERFORMANCE SQUAD
This is our first Performance Squad and requires a high level of commitment. Training is focused on preparing swimmers for competition and particularly achieving County to Regional standard and above.
Training Schedule: Monday 05:50 - 07:30 Wednesday 05:50 - 07:30 Wednesday 20:00 - 21:00* Invite by Head Coach only Friday 05:50 - 07:30 Sunday 06:50 - 08:00 Sunday 08:15 - 09:00 land training Sunday 17:50 - 19:00
MASTERS SQUAD
We have a flourishing and friendly Masters squad which caters for Over 18's only. The focus of the Masters section is to develop stroke technique, fitness and skills with the aim of competing at some galas throughout the year. As such, Masters swimmers need to have experience of competitive swimming and good grasp of all four strokes.
We currently have two Squads:
Masters Competitive Squad members can train up to three times per week. They are not expected to regularly attend galas, but many enter the Masters Nationals and other smaller events.
Masters Performance This squad has an additional morning session alongside our performance squad, and is by invite only. Members of this squad are expected to train consistently, to enter the Masters Nationals and also represent the club in the Arena League, should they be selected.
Please note: Progression to any squad is at the invitation of KGSC lead coaches and only swimmers deemed to have sufficient levels of behaviour and commitment will be invited to progress. In addition whilst the schedule above runs through the year, the Sports Centre is not open on Bank Holidays and any other changes to the schedule e.g. Christmas training schedule and reduced August schedule will be notified where possible.