Development Pathway
Whether you are new to competitive swimming or have previous experience, the Development Pathway Squads provide a progressive training programme with the opportunity for swimmers to enter competitions and progress into the Performance Pathway Squads. There are three squads in the Development Pathway offering training for swimmers aged 7 through to 17 years.
All swimmers will need to become members of the Harrogate District Swimming Club (HDSC), which covers membership of Swim England and allows swimmers to enter competitions and take part in club social and educational events. Swimmers aged 11 and over will be asked to attend a trial to ensure they have a suitable level of skill and physical conditioning before being offered a place in the relevant squad.
To be successful at trial, a swimmer should have completed a minimum of Stage 9 on the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Learn to Swim Stages 8-10 | Swim England Learn to Swim Programme (swimming.org) Swimmers aged 10 and under will first do a trial with our Link Squad.
Link Squad is a joint initiative between HDSC and North Yorkshire Active, supported by Swim England, to help young swimmers transition from lessons to squad training. Successful applicants will attend a one-hour training session run by an experienced coach, as well as continuing with their normal swimming lessons. The programme runs for a 12-week cycle, aiming to build up the swimmer’s stamina and introduce training drills aimed towards competitive swimming. At the end of the 12 weeks, if the swimmer is ready, there may be an opportunity to move into HDSC junior development squad. To be successful at trial for Link Squad, a swimmer should have completed a minimum of Stage 7 on the Swim England Learn to Swim Framework. Learn to Swim Stage 1-7 Awards | Swim England Learn to Swim (swimming.org)
Junior Development
This is the first squad within the club’s pathway. Swimmers in this squad will have progressed from link squad, or if deemed at the right level, been selected through a trial process.
This squad focuses on skill development and increasing endurance and being introduced to competitive swimming.
Age Group Development
Swimmers progressing from ‘Junior Development’ will join this squad. In this squad, swimmers are training with sessions focusing on developing skills and endurance to help progress their competitive performance.
Understanding that swimmers develop at different times, a flexible approach is provided to allow progression throughout a season.
Youth Development
Swimmers in this squad are aged 13 – 18 and will have joined from any of the club’s squads in accordance with age, observed increase in ability or not meeting the performance criteria.
This squad focuses on developing skills and endurance to help swimmers progress.
Training Timetable: HDSC Full Timetable All Pools June 26
Performance Pathway
The Performance Pathway Squads are for identified, talented swimmers to have the opportunity to achieve the very highest levels nationally and internationally.
Swimmers will train in accordance with Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) guidelines and follow the British Swimming competition pathway.
This route is extremely demanding and requires very high levels of commitment by both the swimmer and their family.
Performance CORE values:
Commitment
Ownership
Responsibility
Excellence
Junior Performance Age 9+
This squad is the usually the first step into the performance pathway.
Age Group Performance Age 11+
The main focus of this squad is to progress swimmers up the Swim England Development Pathway towards Regional (North East).
Youth Performance Age 13+
The main focus of this squad is to progress swimmers up the Swim England Development Pathway towards National & Regional times.
To remain in a performance squad swimmers must consistently demonstrate:
- Outstanding attitude and behaviour in training, S&C sessions and competitions
- Maintain 80% attendance including pre-pool 15 minutes before training starts at swimmer’s responsibility
Compete in accordance with coach’s guidance
Masters
The Masters Squad offers coached group sessions for adults. Sessions are suitable for competitive Master’s swimmers, triathletes and other competent swimmers wishing to maintain fitness.
Training focuses on the development of aerobic capacity and basic speed along with the refinement of skills. To join the squad, swimmers should have above average ability on all four strokes, be familiar with lane swimming and capable of achieving at least 2000m per hour.
Athletes joining the Masters must be aged over 18 years and over.
Attendance at sessions is flexible to suit the individual and there are options to pay monthly or by purchasing a ten session card.
Training Timetable: HDSC Full Timetable All Pools June 26
Para Squad
The Para Squad provides a structured training programme for children and young adults with either physical or learning impairments. Our aim is to provide the opportunity for these swimmers to take part in competitions and where possible progress into the Talent and Performance pathways.
Since the Para Squad was formed in 2009, many swimmers have reached national level, with four progressing to international level.
To join the Para Squad, swimmers must be unable to fulfil the criteria for mainstream competitive swimming, through either physical or mental impairment that are beyond their control. Swimmers should be considered to be potentially classifiable for D.S.E. Events (Disability Sport England). On occasion some swimmers may be assessed as disabled but not fall under the criteria for classification. In this case on going swimming within the squad would be at the discretion of the coach and head coach and must prove to be both beneficial for the swimmer and not detrimental to group.
Training Timetable: HDSC Full Timetable All Pools June 26
