Phoenix Aquatics Squad System
The Phoenix Aquatics programme is divided into a series of squads based on ability, performance level and commitment as follows
Minnows
Ages: 7-11*
Level: Pre-competition up to Level 3 Auckland region
Sessions: 3 available - minimum attendance 2/week
Standards: The “Learning to Train” stage of swimmer development. Swimmers build on the basic skills across all four strokes as well as developing starts and turns abilities in a challenging and positive environment. They will learn lane discipline, how to use a pace clock and establish ground rules of swim training. Swimmers in Minnows are developing from their learn to swim foundation and are expected to commit to a year-round termly training programme, with the option of additional school holiday programme sessions.
Competitions will be offered at club Race Days and parents will be advised when their child is ready to join the Junior Phoenix squad and start competing at Auckland Level 3 competitions.
Sessions: Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm; Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm; Sunday 10:30- 11.30 am
* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads
Junior Phoenix
Ages: 7-11*
Level: Ready to enter Auckland Level 3 competitions & a Junior member of Phoenix Aquatics
Sessions: 5 available - minimum attendance 3/week
Standards: Swimmers have joined the club & are starting to compete in local level 3 swim meets.
This is the “Learning to Train” stage of swimmer development where youngsters build on their basic skills across all four strokes as well as developing starts & turns abilities in a challenging and positive environment. They will learn lane discipline, how to use a pace clock and establish good ground rules of swim training.
Junior Phoenix swimmers should commit to a year-round termly training programme and are strongly recommended to attend additional school holiday sessions.
Swimmers compete at level 3 and are looking to develop racing skills and qualify for level 2 competitions.
Sessions: Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm; Wednesday 4:00-5:00pm; Thursday 4:00-5:00 pm; Friday 4:00- 5:00pm; Sunday 9:00- 10:15 am
* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads
Rising Stars
Swimmers at this level and above are expected to compete at Club Race Days as well as Level 3 competitions. The aim of the squad is to give its members the all-round skills and abilities to progress to Level 2 competitions and Auckland Age Group/Junior Championship level.
Aqua Stars
Swimmers will compete at Club Race Days & Level 2 competitions as well as Auckland Age Group/ Junior Championship level meets. At the same time, they should be working towards achieving a high degree of skill development and the capability to achieve Level 1 Qualifying standards.
** swimmers working towards joining a higher squad may be invited to attend additional sessions where appropriate.
Regional Squad
Standards: “Training to Win”: Swimmers should have high levels of skill & technique across all strokes, starts & turns. They will learn about goal setting, race strategies/pacing as well as managing training & homework. A comprehensive conditioning programme will be an integral part of their physical well-being and development.Competition should be Level 1 / ASA Championship level aiming to achieve National AG qualifying times. Swimmers will be expected to support club Race Days either through participation or administration duties.
National Squad
Up until 13 years old, the competition focus should be on Level 1 / ASA Junior Festival success with a view to achieving National AG qualifying times by age 14. Swimmers should then focus on success at National AG level (Top 8) and competing strongly at both domestic and overseas competitions. Squad members will also be expected to support club Race Days either through participation or administration duties depending on their age.
** swimmers achieving success at NAG level may be invited to attend additional workouts with the Senior squad where appropriate
Senior Squad
Fitness Squad
Please note that for all competitive squads, these criteria are minimum requirements and do not guarantee automatic selection. All selections will be at the discretion of the Director of Coaching and the squad coaches concerned.
Swimmers will be selected according to a range of factors including performance in training and competition, attendance and attitude.
Session days/times listed above may change so please check with your squad coach or contact Bridget on: phoenixmanager@nzlswim.com