Chester-Le-Street Swimming Club is a competitive club and the programmes have been designed in order that swimmers will progress to the highest level possible. Our aim is to prepare swimmers for progression through the club, from absolute beginners up to the highest standard. Movement through the various development groups and competitive training squads has been established to improve each individual swimmers development.

It is appreciated that swimming is a very committed and dedicated sport. Coaches, swimmers and parents have to make huge sacrifices in order to achieve success. Swimmers are expected to attend all sessions indicated, although some allowances have been made for younger swimmers for morning training sessions.
It is worth noting that there is no age limit set against any of the squads. Any movement of swimmers will be done so in accordance with certain criteria but exceptions may occur from time to time. Any movement of swimmers between squads will be authorised by the relevant coaches and the head coach where neccessary.

Please notify your coach if you are going to be absent for any length of time. This is especially important in competitive squads.

A Squad
Criteria - ‘TRAINING to COMPETE’: National or NER times and 2 N&D times one of which must be a 200m,400m or 800m.
A: Minimum sessions 7/9

B1 Squad
Criteria : Training to TRAIN and TRAINING to COMPETE: National, NER and N&D standard.
B1: Minimum sessions 6/8

B2 Squad
Criteria: Training to TRAIN and TRAINING to COMPETE: NER and N&D standard.
B2: Minimum sessions 6/8

B3 Squad
Criteria: Training to TRAIN and TRAINING to COMPETE. Swimmers aiming to achieve recognised qualifying times.
B3: Minimum sessions 5/8

Stroke Development (SD1/SD2/SD3/SD4) Squads
Learning the skills necessary to be in a position to move into the B squads. Subject to the necessary criteria.

Dolphins,Tadpoles 1 & 2
Learn to Swim Learning the FUNdamentals necessary to start you on your swimming journey.

Frogs 1 & 2
Learn to Swim Learning the FUNdamentals necessary to start you on your swimming journey.


Competition Procedures
All swimmers are encouraged to set themselves clear goals. Don't be afraid to aim HIGH! You must have goals, if you don't you will never fulfil your potential.

All swimmers will be encouraged where possible to achieve an IM qualifying time, it's the benchmark event. so try to make this one of your goals.

On the notice board and website you will see most of the necessary qualifying times for galas. There is also a competition calender on the website  >> calendar.