Development Squad

Development Squad is the first stage in Eastbourne Swimming Club’s competitive pathway, designed for swimmers progressing from our Improvers groups. Entry into this squad requires swimmers to hold Swim England Stage 8 and successfully complete a skills assessment conducted by the club’s coaching team.

Squad Aims
The primary aim of the Development Squad is to transition swimmers from a teaching environment into a coached, competitive training structure. Swimmers in this squad will be introduced to the fundamentals of competitive swimming, including race preparation and squad-based training routines.

Development Squad swimmers are eligible to:

• Enter and compete in Eastbourne Swimming Club Championships
• Be selected to represent the club at Open Meets and team competitions

Training & Competition Expectations

• Swimmers are expected to attend 2 to 3 training sessions per week, as scheduled by the club.
• Participation in the following is required to maintain a place in the squad:
  • Club Championships (mandatory)
  • Open Meets (as directed by coaches)
  • Team galas (when selected to represent the club)

Progression Criteria

The goal for swimmers in Development Squad is to:

• Compete at Club Championships
• Gain experience at Open Meets
• Be selected for club team competitions
• Achieve official swim times recorded on Swim England Rankings

Once these objectives are met, the coaching team will assess each swimmer’s readiness for progression to the Junior Squad, the next step in the club’s competitive development pathway.

Timetable