St Fiacc’s Swimming Club has 5 squads as follows:
- A and Development A squad
- B squad
- C squad
- D squad
- Masters
All swimmers in squads A to D are registered as competitive swimmers with Swim Ireland while our Masters swimmers choose to register as Competitive or Non-Competitive members.
A and Development A squad
As the most competitive squad in the club, the emphasis moves from stroke development to competitive performance with a significant increase in intensity and volume. Swimmers in this squad are expected to have a very high attendance at training, A squad train 10 pool hours per week in both Carlow and Athy, Development A squad train 8 pool hours per week with an additional Strength & Conditioning session. Swimmers are also expected to travel to Dublin for Long Course training organised by the club once or twice per month and an annual training camp in preparation for summer national competitions. Swimmers are expected to attend all meets decided by their coach at regional and national levels.
Development A squad swimmers are afforded the opportunity to transition from B squad before increasing their training load with 5 sessions per week.
B Squad
B squad is an Intermediate squad where swimmers focus on their technique, increased training load and race preparation in anticipation of a move to A squad. Swimmers train 5 hours per week in both Carlow and Athy. Swimmers who wish to progress must demonstrate very high attendance.
C Squad
C squad is a Development squad where swimmers develop their technique across all 4 strokes and learn the basics of competition rules. There are 2 X 2 hour sessions per week in both Carlow and Athy. Swimmers compete in Level 1 meets and Round Robins.
D Squad
D squad is a Skills squad where swimmers work on basic stroke techniques, dives, tumble turns and begin competing in Round Robin galas. Training takes place twice a week in Carlow.
Training Times
A Squad
- Mon, Wed, Fri: 5:00 – 6:55 a.m. – Carlow
- Fri 6 – 8 p.m. – Athy
- Sat 8-10 a.m. – Athy
- Strength & Conditioning 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Athy
Development A Squad
- Mon, Wed, Fri 5:00 – 6:55 a.m. – Carlow
- Fri 6-8 p.m. – Athy
B Squad
- Tues, Thurs: 5:30 – 6:55 a.m. – Carlow
- Sat 8-10 a.m. – Athy
C Squad
- Tues 6-8 p.m. – Athy
- Sat 6:45 – 8:45 a.m. – Carlow
D Squad
- Thurs 5:45 – 6:50 p.m. – Carlow
- Sat 6 – 7:30 p.m. – Carlow
Parent on Duty Rota
Squad Standards
Squad Progression
Promotion through the squads is based on reaching the squad standards which can be found here (Insert link) and on the recommendation of the relevant squad coach with regard to attendance at sessions and galas, technique level and perceived readiness for increased training load and intensity. Coaches generally make their recommendations to the Committee for approval in June for September and December for January depending on squad numbers and availability of places. All info can be found in the Squad Handbook (Insert link).
Term Fees
The swim season runs from September to the end of June and payment is divided into 3 terms. The fees per term are as follows and can be paid in instalments online.
| Squad | Cost per term |
|---|---|
| A Squad | €420 |
| Development A Squad | €336 |
| B Squad | €252 |
| C Squad | €180 |
| D Squad | €133 |
*Swimmers must additionally pay Swim Ireland and Club Membership annually.
Trials for new members
Trials for new members take place in September/October and January depending on the availability of places in the squads. Details are posted on both the website and our Facebook page in order to register in advance.
Registered Swim Ireland members seeking a transfer should contact the club secretary to make their enquiry.
St. Fiacc's Swimming Club 