To join this squad swimmers will have been referred by a school teacher, swimming teacher, swimming club coach or parent. Each swimmer wishing to attend Rising Stars Sessions is asked to contact Christine McCabe at the Swimming Development office on (01274) 438791. All new swimmers are given an initial assessment of being able to swim 25 metres in all the four competitive strokes in week one and pending successful completion, are then asked to complete a one month trial. 

The aim of Rising Stars sessions are to introduce the competitive elements of swimming to a swimmer who is at a grade 3 level of the Bradford Council Swimming Development Badge Scheme or Level 9 of the Amateur Swimming Associations National Teaching plan.

 The main themes of lessons are to improve the four competitive strokes through the use of basic progressive drills. This is combined with teaching competitive racing dives, the proper turns for each of the strokes and the correct individual medley turns. Swimmers in this group will also be given the opportunity to try all the new skills they have learnt in one of the Rising Stars Galas held throughout the year. This provides swimmers with the ideal opportunity to compete in their first competition. More details will be given by the group coach when applicable.

Once a swimmer has, or is nearing, the end of their “Learn to Swim” lessons, they are encouraged to also join a local swimming club. This is done to give Rising Stars swimmers the opportunity to go to an additional session during the week and to provide them with the chance to compete and gain additional experience at the novice level of competitive swimming. It is advisable to go to most suitable club for you, nearest to where you live. 

For training sessions each swimmer needs a water based juice, or sports drink of no less than 500 millilitres to drink during the session. Swimmers also need to bring a pair of goggles and wear a tight fitting Lycra training grade costume (not shorts). Other training equipment such as fins, etc. will be required after the swimmer has settled into the group.  

In the last swimming year, swimmers from Rising Stars have been promoted to the Winning Edge group, attaining county times to compete at the Yorkshire competitions. Many swimmers have also learnt the competitive elements required and competed in their first competitive galas. Swimmers have enjoyed themselves and made new friends in training sessions whilst learning new skills.

“Rising Stars - Where Olympic Dreams Begin”