Coach:   Kim Longland

Swimmer/Coach ratio is 30:1

Squad Rep:  Sharon Juggins

A Squad are working towards achieving success at all levels of competitive swimming, particularly at Essex County, London District and National Championship Level.

TEMPORARY TRAINING SCHEDULE (1st June 2025 onwards)

A Squad Training Times
Monday	Abbs Cross School	5.30am to 7.30am
	Beacontree Leisure Centre	5.30pm to 7.30pm
Tuesday	Beacontree Leisure Centre	5.30am to 7.30am
Wednesday	Abbs Cross School	5.30am to 7.30am
	Abbs Cross School	6.30pm to 8.30pm
Thursday	No Training
Friday	Abbs Cross School	5.30pm to 7.30pm (Land Training 5.30-6.30)
Saturday	Saphire Ice & Leisure	6.30am to 8.30am
Sunday	Abbs Cross School	4.30pm to 6.30pm

All training times shown are start times. Squad swimmers are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to each session for mobility and stretching. Training times may be subject to alteration and notice will be given verbally and confirmed through the club’s website.

The head coach’s expectation is that swimmers are attending ALL sessions unless directed by the head coach not to do so

 

A Squad Objective

A Squad’s objective is to promote and encourage success at all levels of competitive swimming and to promote positive lifelong values, skills and qualities

A Squad Criteria

• National qualification at Age Group, Youth or Senior level
• a District Qualifying Time the previous season in an event greater than 50metres. Consideration will be given to a swimmer achieving 50 metres entry times at National Level.
• The head coach’s expectation is that swimmers are attending ALL sessions unless directed by the head coach not to do so
• Entry to A Squad is at the Head Coach’s discretion and is dependent upon space being available within the squad

* Although Swimmers are expected to attend ALL sessions, The rest day on Thu and the time off on Fri / Sat evenings will provide them with much needed rest, recovery and socialising time. The free evenings can also be used to catch up on homework or coursework.

Training

The main goals of the squad are to improve cardiovascular fitness, refine stroke skills and mental preparation and to address individual strengths and weaknesses.

The squad emphasises swimming speed endurance and concentrates on individual strengths in terms of stroke(s) and distance(s).

This squad is developing a more comprehensive land conditioning programme, which will be developed further this season..

Training attendance levels may change depending on the training cycle and the focus of the week, this will be advised by the head Coach. Other attendance levels must be worked out with the head Coach.

Remember long term athlete development is the key to success. Long term development is more important than short term competition results.

	Girls			Boys
	11 – 13 years	14 years+		12 – 14 years	15 years+
Number of Swim Sessions	7 – 9+	10	Number of Swim Sessions	7 – 9+	10
Duration of Sessions	1.5 – 2 hours	2 hours	Duration of Sessions	1.5 – 2 hours	2 hours
Land Training Sessions	2	3+	Land Training Sessions	2	3+