Leamington Spa Amateur Swimming Club is one of the Midlands' most successful competitive swimming clubs, with swimmers regularly representing the club at league, county, regional and national level. Competitive squad swimming is designed for swimmers who are passionate about improving their performance, enjoy working towards goals and are prepared to commit to regular training and competition.

Unlike learn-to-swim lessons or recreational swimming, our squad programme is a structured competitive pathway. Swimmers train multiple times each week under qualified coaches, develop advanced technical skills, improve fitness and race regularly throughout the season. Squad swimming requires commitment from both swimmers and parents, but rewards that commitment with rapid development, lifelong friendships, resilience, confidence and the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the sport.

Competition Commitment

Competition is a fundamental part of being a squad swimmer at LSASC. Training and racing work together, allowing swimmers to measure progress, gain experience and contribute to club teams. All squad swimmers are expected to enter club development galas and actively participate in the competitions appropriate for their squad.

Swimmers may be selected to represent the club in league competitions, team galas and relay events. Selection is based on performance, attendance, commitment and coach assessment. Regular competition is also an important factor in squad progression.

Parents should be aware that competitive swimming involves a significant commitment of both time and effort. Weekend competitions, early morning sessions and travel to events become increasingly common as swimmers progress through the squad structure.

Our Competitive Pathway

The LSASC squad structure provides a clear progression route from the first competitive experiences through to high-performance training. As swimmers progress, both training volume and expectations increase.

Achievers Squads

The Achievers programme aims to develop race skills, learn training discipline and begin their competitive journey in a supportive environment.

• Achievers 3 – Introduction to competitive squad swimming with approximately 3 hours of training per week.
• Achievers 2 – Increased focus on technique, skills and racing experience with approximately 3 hours of training per week.
• Achievers 1 – Preparation for progression into Development Squads with approximately 4.5 hours of training per week.

Expected commitment: Attend all scheduled training sessions wherever possible and compete in club development galas and appropriate competitions including team galas for ages 9+.

Development Squads

Development squads focus on building strong technical foundations, improving race performances and increasing training capacity. Swimmers begin to take a more serious approach to training and competition.

• Development 3 – Approximately 6 hours of pool training per week.
• Development 2 – Approximately 7 hours of pool training per week.
• Development 1 – Approximately 8 hours of pool training per week.

Expected commitment: High attendance at training, participation in all club galas, team galas and regular entry into open meets appropriate to the swimmer's level.

Junior Performance Squad

Junior Performance is for swimmers demonstrating strong commitment, competitive ambition and the ability to cope with increased training demands. Sessions include advanced technical development, race preparation and athletic development.

Swimmers typically complete around 10 hours of weekly training, including pool sessions and land training.

Expected commitment: Excellent attendance, regular open meet participation, team gala representation and a strong commitment to long-term development.

Senior Performance Squad

Senior Performance is the club's highest training squad. It is aimed at swimmers competing at county, regional and national levels who are committed to maximising their performance potential.

Training includes approximately 13 hours per week, incorporating pool training, strength and conditioning, land training and performance-focused preparation.

Expected commitment: Near-full attendance, extensive competition schedule, representation in major team competitions and a highly professional approach to training and racing.

Is Competitive Swimming Right For You?

Competitive swimming is ideal for swimmers who:

• Love being in the water and want to improve continuously.
• Enjoy setting goals and challenging themselves.
• Are willing to train consistently throughout the year.
• Want to compete and represent their club.
• Can commit to the attendance expectations of their squad.

If your child enjoys swimming and is ready to take the next step into a structured competitive environment, LSASC provides a proven pathway from first races through to county, regional and national competition.

For more information about assessments, squad availability and joining the club, please contact us.