Competitive Squads

Squads is a comprehensive squad training program that prepares swimmers for competition at all levels or for those just wanting to maintain fitness.

The squad levels focus on maintaining advanced technique, whilst giving swimmers the opportunity to develop their own competition skills.

Training timetables

The SOPAC Swim Team's mission is to promote swimming as a sport by actively encouraging the pursuit of competitive success and excellence.

More informaiton

If interested, complete a New squad swimmer form to express your interest and a trial session will be arranged with the most suitable group.

Trial sessions: $4.50 per session/person (parent and swimmer require to pay on entry)

Enrolment is via monthly direct debit, complete Direct Debit Agreement Form and submit to the Swim School office at [email protected]

Once enrolment has been confirmed swimmers and parents will be issued with an entry card. This card enables access to the Aquatic Centre on your designated training day and times.

Entry cards need to be presented at the Service Desk to gain entry for your squad session. Your entry cards cannot be used for access to the Centre outside the training times. Lost or stolen cards are the responsibility of the cardholder and a $5 fee will be charged for a replacement card.

Coach: Matthew Brown

This squad is for athletes who have achieved National Open qualification or are a senior National Age qualifier. Swimmers will be accepted into this squad via consultation with the Head Coach. This is a performance squad for athletes that devote their full focus to swimming. Athletes will be reviewed annually or when the circumstances warrant a review.

Training requirements

• Each athlete is expected to maintain a full training load (8-9 sessions per week & gym)
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

Kit bag: kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy, paddles, band (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $200 per month

Coach: Adam Kable

The High Performance program that operates out of the SOPAC pool is the pinnacle of the program. Entry to this squad is via approval from Adam Kable and the NSW Technical Director Ron McKeon.

Training requirements as per direction of High Performance team and Coach. It is expected that members of the NSW Hub program treat the membership like a full-time job, with part-time university study or part-time work worked around training.

Coach: Ryan Frost

Due to the performance nature of this squad, there is a performance-based criteria assigned. Swimmers in this squad will have achieved multiple National Age qualifying times or are at a training level that is consistent with the attainment of a National Age qualifying time in the near future.

In addition, swimmers must meet attendance and trainability requirements. Selection into this squad will be in consultation with the Head Coach and National Age Performance Coach. Athletes will be reviewed annually or when the circumstances warrant a review.

Training requirements

• Each athlete is expected to maintain a full training load (6-7 sessions per week & gym)
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

Kit bag: kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy, paddles, band (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $200 per month

Coach: Daniel Benvenuti

Athletes in this squad will be training at a consistent level. Swimmers will have attained state qualifying times. This is a medley-based squad in which swimmers will focus on all strokes.

Training requirements

• Each athlete is expected to maintain a full training load (4-6 sessions per week)
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

As a rough guide, swimmers should train half of their age plus or minus a session. For example, a 10-year-old should train 5 sessions, plus or minus 1 session.

Kit bag: kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy, paddles, band (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $190 per month

Coach: Pancha Thambo

Swimmers in this squad will continue to develop their competition race skills. They will continue to refine their starts, turns and underwater skills. At this level swimmers will achieve a greater aerobic capacity, leading to greater volume in training sessions. Swimmers will also undertake dry land activities in the 30 minutes prior to training in the afternoon (4:30 pm – 5 pm).

Training requirements

• Minimum of 4 sessions per week
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

Kit bag: kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $185 per month

Coach: William Choi

This squad is the entry level to the competitive pathway program. Swimmers will be required to join the SOPAC Swimming Club. Swimmers will work at developing all strokes, developing starts and underwater skills and learning how to compete in individual medley races. Swimmers will start to develop their aerobic system. Swimmers will be introduced to competitive swimming at club and area meets.

Training requirements

• Minimum of 3 sessions per week
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

Kit bag: kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $180 per month

Coach: Daniel Benvenuti

This squad level is for swimmers that have previously swum at the state age championships or above levels and want to continue their swimming without having to meet the attendance requirements of other squads.

Training requirements:

• Previously qualified for State
• Membership to SOPAC Swim Team

Kit bag: Kickboard, snorkel, fins, pull-buoy (All with name clearly marked)

Cost: $145 per month

• New Squad Swimmer enquiry form
• Competitive Squads enrolment form
• Direct Debit agreement form
• Direct Debit cancellation form
• DIrect Debit suspension form