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

Ages: 9-11*
Level: Level 3-Level 2 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 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.
Sessions: Monday 5:30-6:45 pm; Wednesday 6:00-7:30 am: 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
To take advantage of the special discounts offered by our sponsor, Teamline, click on this link:-

Aqua Stars

Ages: 10-13*
Level: Level 2-Level 1 Auckland region/Auckland Junior Championships
Sessions: 4 available**: minimum attendance 4/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 5:30-7:00 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
To take advantage of the special discounts offered by our sponsor, Teamline, click on this link:-

Regional Squad

Ages: 12-17*
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
To take advantage of the special discounts offered by our sponsor, Teamline, click on this link:-

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
To take advantage of the special discounts offered by our sponsor, Teamline, click on this link:-

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
To take advantage of the special discounts offered by our sponsor, Teamline, click on this link:-

Fitness Squad

Ages: 12+
Level: Club competitions, fitness, aquatic sports training
Sessions: 2 x afternoon & 2 x morning sessions are available: Minimum attendance 2/week
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/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

Get your Swimming Gear from our partner – Teamline