From 22nd September 2009

The squad is for swimmers aged 8-12 for both males and females. The aims and objectives of the squad are on fundamentals, enjoyment, technique and skill. At this age swimmers will be encouraged to compete (mainly B grade meets will targeted) but Rising Stars meets will be available for squad members up to the age of 11. Squad members will be encouraged to compete in the Rising Stars meet. Again a wide range of stroke drills will be used and a firm focus will be placed streamlining, underwater fly kick and turn techniques.

Swimmers in Winning Edge will be encouraged to join one of the local clubs. This is to enable them to experience Airedale & Wharfdale and Bradford & District competitions and to gain other valuable training experience. 

The Maximum number of swimmers in the squad will be 36. (This number will be reviewed annually).

For water based sessions you will need the following equipment:

• 2 x goggles (1 as spare)
• pull buoy
• Kick board
• Short Fins (“Zoomer” type)
• drinks bottle (minimum of 2 litres)
• training hat (optional)

SQUAD CRITERIA-

ENTRY-

1. Swimmers must be of the age as stated in the squad description.

2. It is desirable that swimmers will have achieved level 11 if they attended the learn to swim programme.

3. Swimmers must be competent in swimming 3 different strokes and be able to swim a distance of 400 metres.

WHILST IN WINNING EDGE-

1. It is desirable that swimmers enter the Rising Stars competitions.

2. Will arrive on time for the commencement of each session.

3. Will demonstrate a positive attitude towards training, to coaches and their peers.

4. Will arrive at training sessions with the correct and appropriate kit. (See description on National Potential page).

EXIT-

1. Swimmers will be reviewed to join Junior Development Squad at the 3 review points on an annual basis. (September, Christmas and Easter).

2. Swimmers will only be eligible to join Junior Development from the age of 9 upwards for males and females.

3. Swimmers must show a good standard of aerobic stamina to be considered for Junior Development squad.

4. Swimmers will only be considered to move to junior Development if they can perform the following on a constant ongoing basis-

a) Streamline to high standard on push offs on the front & back.

b) Perform fly kick underwater to a good standard on the front & back.

c) Show effective stroke drills on 3 different strokes.

d) Perform turns to a satisfactory standard on 3 different strokes and the 3 im turns.

e) Show a basic understanding of reading a pace clock.

5. If swimmers do not achieve this standard by the age of 13 for males and females they will exit Winning Edge Squad and be recommended to join one of the local clubs in the Bradford area.