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Squad Structure

Novice Squad

The Novice Squad is our entry level squad. Swimmers who have completed a Learn to Swim program enter the Squad Program in this group. The Novice Squad focuses on teaching and developing correct technique in all 4 strokes.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Recommended Attendance: 2-3 Sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Extension & Refinement of Movement (Non-Elite F2)
Competition Focus: Club Races - Having fun and learning to participate without anxiety or distraction.

Junior Squad

The Junior Squad continues to focus on technique while introducing basic racing skills. Swimmers learn to use the pace clock and learn to maintain technique on short sprints and longer swims. Swimmers in this squad may transition straight into the Teen Squad based on their age, ability and commitment.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Recommended Attendance: 2-4 Sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Extension & Refinement of Movement (Non-Elite F2)
Competition Focus: Club Races, Development Meets, Speedo Sprint Series, Merrylands SwimFest - Having fun with a focus on personal performance and skill improvement.

Development Squad

The Development Squad continues to focus on technique while introducing advanced racing skills. Swimmers improve the conditioning components of endurance and speed while maintaining stroke technique. Swimmers also learn to develop simple race strategies and tactics. Swimmers in this squad will transition into either the Teen Squad or the Age Squad based on their ability and commitment.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Required Attendance: 3-4 Sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Commitment to Sport and/or Active Lifestyle (Non-Elite F3)
Requirements: Swimmers in the Development Squad are required to swim at the Metro South West Area Championships.
Competition Focus: Club Races, Inter-Club Meets, Speedo Sprint Series, Merrylands SwimFest, Metro South West Championships - Skill development and improvement.

Age Squad

The Age Squad works on improving both steady pace and sprint performance using ideal stroke technique in all strokes. Racing skills are further developed, including more detailed race strategies.
Selection into this squad is at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
To be considered for selection, swimmers must have demonstrated future potential by qualifying for Metropolitan or State Championships, and shown commitment and dedication to their swimming. Swimmers must maintain their performance to remain in this squad. Swimmers must be a First Claim member of Merrylands A.S.C. to join this squad.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Required Attendance: 4-6 sessions per week
Land Training: 1 session per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Demonstration of Potential (Pre-Elite T1)
Requirements: Swimmers in the Age Squad are required to swim at the Metro South West Area Championships and the NSW Metropolitan and/or NSW State Age Championships.
Competition Focus: Metro South West Championships, Metropolitan and State Age Championships are the main focus for the Age Squad.
Members of this squad are also expected to compete at Club Races, Inter-Club Meets, Speedo Sprint Series and the Merrylands SwimFest.

Senior Squad

The Senior Squad refine stroke technique during all speeds & intensity of swimming, specialising in strokes and distances. Racing skills continue to be refined.
Selection into this squad is at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
To be considered for selection, swimmers must have confirmed their potential through their performances at Metropolitan or State Championships, and shown commitment and dedication to their swimming through their self-motivation. Swimmers will have achieved a National Age qualifying time, or are training at a level that will enable a time to be achieved in the future. Swimmers must maintain their performance to remain in this squad. Swimmers must be a First Claim member of Merrylands A.S.C. to join this squad.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Required Attendance: 4-7 sessions per week
Land Training: 1-2 sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Talent Verification (Pre-Elite T2)
Requirements: Swimmers in the Senior Squad are required to swim at the Metro South West Area Championships and the NSW Metropolitan and/or NSW State Age Championships.
Competition Focus: Metro South West Championships, Metropolitan and State Championships are the main focus for the Senior Squad.
Members of this squad are also expected to compete at Club Races and the Merrylands SwimFest.

Masters Squad

The Masters Squad works on improving both steady pace and sprint performance using ideal stroke technique in all strokes. Racing skills are developed, including race strategies.
More experienced swimmers refine stroke technique during all speeds & intensity of swimming, specialising in strokes and distances as their racing skills continue to be refined.
Swimmers in this squad may be able to participate in sessions for the Age or Senior Squad at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Recommended Attendance: 3+ Sessions per week
Land Training: 1-2 Sessions per week
Requirements: Swimmers in the Masters Squad are required to swim at the State Masters Championships.
Competition Focus: State and National Masters Championships are the main focus for the Masters Squad.
Members of this squad are also expected to compete at Club Races and Masters Inter-Club Meets.

Teen Fitness Squad

The Teen Squad is a non-competitive squad. Swimmers focus on technique with basic racing skills to improve or maintain fitness. Swimmers learn to use the pace clock and learn to maintain technique on short sprints and longer swims.
Swimmers in this squad may be able to participate in sessions for other squads at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
Swimmers may join this squad from the Junior, Development or Age squads at the discretion of the Coaching Staff. Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Recommended Attendance: 2+ Sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Commitment to Sport and/or Active Lifestyle (Non-Elite F3)
Competition Focus: Club Races, Inter-Club Cup, Merrylands SwimFest or School Swimming Carnivals

Adult Fitness Squad

The Adult Squad is a non-competitive squad. Swimmers focus on technique with basic racing skills to improve or maintain fitness. Swimmers learn to use the pace clock and learn to maintain technique on short sprints and longer swims.
Swimmers in this squad may be able to participate in sessions for other squads at the discretion of the Coaching Staff.
Swimmers may join this squad from the Teen, Age, Senior or Masters squads at the discretion of the Coaching Staff. Session Times: See the Training Schedule for details.
Recommended Attendance: 2+ Sessions per week
Australian Swimming Framework Level: Commitment to Sport and/or Active Lifestyle (Non-Elite F3)
Competition Focus: Club Races, Inter-Club Cup or Merrylands SwimFest