Junior Squad

This is the first competitive squad in our club structure. Swimmers usually enter this squad having graduated from our Academy, but it could also be as a result of a direct move from another swim school, subject to a successful trial.

Like the Academy squad, swimmers in Junior Squad train 3 times a week but at a slightly greater intensity. 

Target swimmers:

Typically, swimmers will have gained at least stage 7 in swim lessons.

Squad Criteria:

Follow the links here:

Junior Squad Criteria

General Squad Criteria

Lead Coach: Chris Bromley

Training Sessions:

The focus of the training is to further skills development and to embed the basics. Training will take place in the school pool 3 times a week on Monday and Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. All sessions will be undertaken in accordance with Swim England’s strict Covid-19 guidelines. Our coaches are also fully qualified lifeguards. Each session will run for an hour.

Training Attendance:

It is expected that swimmers train at least two sessions a week. Inability to attend due to other commitments will not prevent progression to Development squad, but it should be understood that consistent attendance will lead to much faster improvement and progression.

Attendance at Competitions:

As the club's first competitive squad, this is where swimmers are introduced to galas (from aged 9 onwards). It can be daunting at first but this 'Basic Guide to Competition' should help you understand what's involved. Swimmers are expected to take part in internal club galas including time trials and club champs. Your coach will advise you on suitable open meets to enter, the main one being Newcastle's own annual open meet 'Yule in the Pool' which we run on the second Sunday of December. With most swimmers from Newcastle taking part, it is a really fun day with great team spirit and lots of support and encouragement from our older swimmers. Other fun competitions include the local leagues, such as Staffs League and Crusader League. If you are selected by your coach to take part, you will be joining swimmers from our other squads to create one big 'Castle team. These galas usually take place on a Saturday evening and last no more than 2 hours. They are arguably the most fun of all as they include both individual and relay events.

Register for a Trial:

The Club is offering a free no-obligation trial to anyone interested in joining the Junior squad. Trials will take place by arrangement. If you are interested in registering your child for a trial, please complete the Trial Registration Form. The trial is a chance to see if you might enjoy club swimming, as well as providing the coaches with a chance to check if you are at the appropriate level to join the squad. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Kit and Equipment Required:

Swimmers in Junior Squad are expected to have a pullbuoy and kickboard which must be brought to every training session. It's helpful to carry these in a mesh bag. Junior swimmers are not expected to buy a full club branded kit but you are expected to wear a club swim cap and club t-shirt when taking part in competitions. These can be bought from our online club shop, where you are welcome to purchase other kit if desired. The shop is open several times throughout the year and opening times will be notified by email and via our Facebook group.