Training Squads

Calne Alpha training squads cover a range of swimming abilities offering a structured progression. All of our swim training sessions are run under the supervision of fully qualified teachers or coaches.

Academy

Our Academy section offers one to two hours of swim training per week. To join Academy, swimmers will need to have completed NPTS level 7 or be assessed by one of our teachers as being at that level.

Our Academy section aims to improve the swimmer’s skills, technique and stamina and ease their transition from ‘Learn to Swim’ lessons to coached sessions within a competitive club environment. Academy will begin to introduce swimmers to competitive swimming through participation in league galas, swimming as a team against other local clubs, as well as our own Club Championships.

Many of our swimmers thoroughly enjoy taking part in these events, which help build the team Calne Alpha camaraderie. Participation in these events is entirely the swimmer’s choice, and there is no obligation for them to do so. 

The Academy training sessions are planned and led by one of our level 2 coaches, supported by fully qualified level 1 teachers and coaches. In addition, a number of our more experienced swimmers from the Senior Squad volunteer to assist the delivery of the training sessions. This allows a higher coach to swimmer ratio, allowing more focus and individualised feedback to be given to each swimmer.

Junior Squad

Our Junior squad is for swimmers who can commit to 2 to 6 hours swim training per week. To join our Junior squad, swimmers will need to have completed all stages of NPTS or assessed by one of our teachers as being at that level.

This section will continue to build the swimmer’s skills, technique and stamina whilst placing more emphasis on competitive skills including racing starts, racing turns and maximising stroke efficiency.

In addition to participating in league galas and our Club Championships, our Junior squad members are encouraged to partake in Open Meet competitions hosted by our club or at other local clubs, with the opportunity to qualify for the annual County Championships.

Senior Squad

Our Senior squad is for swimmers who can commit to 6 hours of swim training per week. To join our Senior squad, swimmers will need to have completed all stages of NPTS or be assessed by one of our teachers as being at that level.

The aims of the Senior squad are similar to the Junior squad, but with more emphasis on developing swimmers’ competitive performance. The Senior squad is aimed at those swimmers who regularly compete or aspire to compete at regional level and beyond.

By invitation only, some members of our Senior squad are able to train once per week at Bath University in a Long Course (50m) pool.

Masters

We also offer two sessions per week for Master Swimmers (over 18 years old) for members who who wish to continue training for fitness following a structured training plan. For further information please use the 'Contact Us' option.