Squads
We don’t count medals won. We count goals achieved.
Program overview
The Swim Academy Network provides all squad training for Western Melbourne Propulsion Swimming Club.
Program details
Regardless of whether you are a hoping to make an international team or junior swimmer joining a squad for the first time, the Swim Academy Network squad framework ensures each swimmer's potential is maximised in a positive and inclusive environment.
Our blueprint
Find out more about this program.
The Swim Academy Network Squad Framework explained:
High performance and recreational swimmer pathways
Although we are a performance based squad program, we also offer recreational swimmer pathways for those swimmers wanting to improve fitness and conditioning rather than compete.
Low coach to swimmer ratio
We pride ourselves on our low swimmer to coach ratio. We believe this has been one of the fundamental reasons why we have been able to continually achieve results comparable to larger squad programs.
Coach attendance at all targeted meets
We endeavour to have at least one coach at all targeted swim meets. The assigned coach will assist with warm-up, swim down and race review.
Training and competition camps opportunities
We believe swimming is a team sport and that training camps give swimmers the opportunity to not only develop as athletes but also bond as teammates.
Network of external support services
We are lucky enough to have a number of expert external supports to assist our squad program. This includes physios, strength and conditioning coaches and sport scientists.
Leadership pathways
We endeavour to develop our swimmers not just as athletes but as future leaders in the club and wider community. We are very proud of our former athletes who have gone on to become committee members, teachers, coaches and even Swimming Victoria Board members!
‘More than a swimmer’ approach taken to all members
All our coaches and teachers take the ‘more than a swimmer’ approach to all squad members. That means that our team is understands that there needs to be some flexibility in our program to meet the individual athlete’s mental, social and academic needs.
Program levels
Find out more about this program's levels.
Transition and Pathways Squad
An introductory squad where the emphasis is placed on reinforcing great technique whilst building speed, endurance and racing skills.
Types of competition that can be entered:
- Encouragement Meets, Club Championships, District Championships, Nipper Open water events, Metro West All Juniors.
After a year:
- Swimmers in the transition squad will be confident racing in any school or local competitions.
- Swimmers would be encouraged to compete (although not compulsory).
We will prepare these swimmers for:
- School competitions
Junior Development Squad
Our Junior Development squad is aimed at those swimmers who are interested in pursuing competitive swimming. In this squad a strong emphasis is maintained on developing efficient mechanics across all 4 strokes.
Types of competition that can be entered:
- Encouragement Meets, Club Championships, District Championships, Nipper Open water events, All Junior Championships, State Qualifying meets and State Championships.
After one year:
- Swimmers in the Junior Development would be targeting specific competitions.
- Swimmers will learn fundamental skills for training, recovery and racing as a competitive swimmer.
- Swimmer is confident in swimming a 200IM at a inter-club competition.
We will prepare these swimmers for:
- School competitions
- All Junior and Metro Championships
- District Championships
- State Championships (if eligible)
- Minimum number of sessions: 3
- Recommended number of sessions: 3 (11&U) 4 (12&O)
State Squad
Our state squad is for swimmers who have qualified for events at a Victorian State Championship event. This squad continues to place an emphasis on technical efficiency whilst introducing specific training principles to build aerobic capacity, speed. Swimmers will also begin to learn mental and emotional skills to balance training, recovery, and school.
Types of competition that can be entered:
- Club Championships, District Championships, Open water events, All Junior Championships, State Qualifying meets and State Championships
After two years:
- Swimmers understand what is required to swim at a national level.
- Swimmers will understand what is required to be a competitive swimmer.
- Swimmers are able and willing to swim a 400IM and 800m Freestyle.
We will prepare these swimmers for:
- School competitions
- All Junior and Metro Championships
- District Championships
- State Championships (if eligible)
- Minimum number of sessions: 5
- Recommended number of sessions: 6
Age National Squad
Our Age National Squad is for swimmers who have qualified for events at the Australian Age Championships (or within a second per 100m). In this squad swimmers will learn what it takes to become a High Performance athlete. Swimmers are expected to attend all sessions and improve flexibility and strength in their own time in addition to prescribed sessions.
Types of competition that can be entered:
- Club Championships, District Championships, Open water events, State Qualifying meets, State Championships and National Championships.
After two years:
- Swimmers understand what is required to swim at a national level.
- Swimmers are able and willing to swim any event assigned by a coach.
- Swimmers are striving to make a National final.
Target events:
- Australian Age Championships
- Victorian Championships
- Minimum number of sessions: 7
- Recommended number of sessions: 8
High Performance and Distance Squad
Our open national and distance squad is by selection only. In this squad swimmers are aiming to make selection on state and Australian teams. Swimmers in this squad are expected to use all the support services available to them. Swimmers understand that some sacrifices need to be made to swim at the highest level and are willing to do so. Swimmers in this squad are given individual training plans to meet the specific requirements of their goal meets and events.
Types of competition that can be entered:
- Club Championships, District Championships, Open water events, State Qualifying meets, State Championships and National Championships.
After two years:
- Swimmers are striving to make international teams.
- Swimmers are able and willing to swim any event assigned by a coach.
Target events:
- Australian Championships
- Australian Selection Trials
- Minimum number of sessions: 7 Recommended number of sessions: 8
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Seb's outstanding workrate provides a community atmosphere and exceptional standard of coaching for squad programs.
Complete our dedicated squad enquiry form
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