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 to Level 3 Auckland region

Sessions: 4 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 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 Phoenix Aquatics and start competing at Auckland Level 3 competitions.

Sessions: Tuesday 4:00-5:00 pm; Wednesday 4:00-5:00 pm; Thursday 5:00-6:00 pm; Sunday 9:00-10:00 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

Ages: 9-12*

Level: Level 3 Auckland region

Sessions: 4 available: - minimum attendance 3/week

Standards: Our “Training to Train” level for swimmers competing at Level 3 competitions or similar. Swimmers are taught more technical aspects of strokes, starts and turns and will begin to develop their endurance capacity and develop their understanding of training practices.

Swimmers at this level and above are required to be members of Phoenix Aquatics and 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.

Sessions: Monday 5:30-6:45 pm; Wednesday 5:50-6:45 pm: Friday 5:30-6:45 pm; Sunday 9:00-10:30 am

* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads

Equipment Requirements: Mesh bag containing:Kick board; Pull Bouy; Snorkel; Fins

Aqua Stars

Ages: 10-13*

Level: Level 2 Auckland region/Auckland Junior Championships

Sessions: 4 available**: minimum attendance 3/week

Standards: “Training to Compete”; The focus is on more advanced stroke techniques and starting to develop various energy systems. There is a small increase in training load as swimmers begin to train for longer distances races, as well as beginning to understand race strategies.

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.

Sessions: Monday 5:15-6:45 pm; Wednesday 6:00-7:30 am; Friday 5:30-7:00 pm; Sunday 9:00-10:30 am

* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads
** swimmers working towards joining a higher squad may be invited to attend additional sessions where appropriate.

Equipment Requirements: Mesh bag containing:Kick board; Pull Bouy; Snorkel; Fins

Regional Squad

Ages: 12-16*

Level: L1 Auckland region/SNZ Junior Festival – National AG Championships

Sessions: up to 6 available** (additional pool and dryland may be available)

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

Sessions: Mon/Fri 6:00-7:30 am; Tue/Thu 5:15-6:45 pm; Wed 5:00-6:45 pm

* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads

** swimmers achieving or close to achieving National qualifying standards may be invited to attend additional sessions with the National squad where appropriate

Equipment Requirements: Mesh bag containing: Kick board; Pull Bouy; Paddles; ankle band; Snorkel; Fins

National Squad

Ages: <17*

Level: 13/under L1 Auckland region/Top 8 ASA Jnr Festival or ASA AG Champs

14+ National Age Group qualifier

Sessions: 6+** pool sessions available + a comprehensive dry land programme

Standards: “Training to Win”: Swimmers should have high levels of skill & technique across all strokes, starts and turns. They will learn about goal setting, race strategies and pacing as well as how to manage their training and homework. A complimentary dryland programme will be an integral part of their physical well-being and development.

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.

Sessions: Mon/Wed 5:00-6:45 pm; Fri 5:30-7:15 pm; Tue/Thu 6:00-7:30 am; Sat 7:00-9:00 am

* All ages stated are approximate and a guideline only. Coaches and parents will consider physical & mental development when allocating swimmers to squads
** swimmers achieving success at NAG level may be invited to attend additional workouts with the Senior squad where appropriate

Equipment Requirements: Mesh bag containing: Kick board; Pull Bouy; Paddles; ankle band; Snorkel; Fins

Senior Squad

Ages: Open

Level: National finalist through to National team representative

Sessions: As required& agreed by coach/athlete to include pool and gym-based workouts

Standards: Swimmers in this squad are expected to pursue a high-level performance strategy geared to success at National and International level. Standards will be measured against world level swimming and the programme will aim – where possible – to provide relevant international experience on an individual basis.

Sessions: Mon-Fri 6:00-7:45 am; Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 3:30-5:30 pm/ Sat 7:00-9:00 am

Equipment Requirements: Mesh bag containing: Kick board; Pull Bouy; Paddles; ankle band; Snorkel; Fins

Fitness Squad

Ages: 12+

Level: Club competitions, fitness, aquatic sports training

Sessions: 2 x afternoon & 3 x morning sessions are available: no minimum requirement

Standards: Swimmers will continue to develop their techniques across all strokes as well as mastering turns and starting skills. Workouts will be centered around fitness in a positive and challenging environment and will aim to cater for those swimmers who take part in other water-based sports. Swimmers are encouraged to stay active and swim for fun, fitness and to maintain friendships.

Sessions: Tuesday/Thursday 5:30-6:45 pm; Mon, Wed, Fri 6:00-7:30 am*

*morning fitness sessions are subject to ability and will incur an additional cost

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

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