youth competition

   Squad Criteria 
Aged 12 and upwards
Must be competent in all 4 strokes
To compete at any Galas as selected by the Squad Coach and under guidance of the Head Coach
Club Galas must be supported
Additional squad selections to be at the discretion of the Squad and Head Coach.

Train effectively: -
Warm Up - Skill
Swim Down
Understand the pace, stroke count and stroke rate in relation to perceived effort in different training intensity
Lane Discipline
Have the ability to use pace clocks
Endurance 

   Aims
- To enforce the swimmers competition and training skills as part of their Long Term Athletic Development.
- Development of Individual Medley training
- High level starts, turns and finishes
- Where appropriate, obtain Yorkshire and North East Regional qualifying times
- Introduction to Land Training to relevant swimmers
- To provide nutritional information 
- Develop the skill base
- Encourage swimmers to achieve their full potential
- Where appropriate and under the selection of both the Squad and Head Coaches, provide an opportunity for bridging into a higher squad 

   Technique
Good technique is a prerequisite for success. Technique takes focus and concentration on the task. Having a sound foundation in technique allows the athlete to then increase training intensity and volume without skill levels breaking down.    

   Training Ethos
A swimmer’s ability to train well will have a direct impact as to whether they capitalise on key areas of progression. A swimmer’s ability to train will be evaluated on work ethic, concentration, skill acquisition, communication, and ability to train at a required pace or volume without breaking skill levels breaking down. At youth level swimmers need to have the right mental attitude and the will to want to train to improve. Sessions will be challenging but in order for performance to increase, these sessions must be met with the right mental attitude to gain the maximum benefit.   

   Racing Abilities
In any competitive sport the ability to race is extremely important; swimming is no different. As each swimmer goes through the programme, racing requirements will become more advanced from showing an enjoyment of racing to performing at National level.    

   Discipline
Every swimmer’s behaviour will be taken into consideration as part of the squad selection process.