About The Competitive Programme
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON OUR COMPETITIVE PROGRAMME PLEASE CLICK HERE: HWI Swim Team Website;
ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE HWI COMPETITIVE PROGRAMME; please email bev.wright@harrywright.com.hk with details of your child’s name, DOB, past and present experience of competitive swimming, and preferred venue for training. We will answer your email within 24 hours and can set up a trial session for you, after consultation with the coach.
Please note that the swim team is charged a fixed monthly and enrolment is on a year round basis. (not by term).
After completing the Learn to Swim programme, for those who wish to compete, and show a commitment to further training, children are introduced to our Competitive programme. Please see further details below on the HWI LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) plan. All swimmers are strongly encouraged to register with the Hong Kong China Swimming Association and be available for selection to HKGSA competitions (except for Club training squad)
Annual Training Plan
An extensive training plan has been developed and is constantly revised by our Head coach Michael Fasching. The training plan is developed over the year around the major competitions in Hong Kong and adapted for long course and short course phases. All squad coaches meet regularly to discuss aspects of squad training and keep training sessions in line with the goals and mission of the Harry Wright International swim team.
Bronze Squad (BS)
The aim of the Bronze Squad is to introduce young swimmers to competitive swimming whilst promoting good sportsmanship, encouraging competition and developing stroke technique and skills in a fun environment. Progression from Bronze squad will be to Silver Squad. Each swimmer must commit to a minimum number of 2 sessions per week. To take full advantage of the skills being taught, attendance to 3 sessions a week is encouraged.
Silver Squad (SS)
The aim of the Silver Squad is to promote good sportsmanship, encourage competition and develop stroke technique and skills in a fun environment. Progression from this squad will be to Gold Squad. Each swimmer must commit to 3 sessions a week, and encouraged to attend consistently. This commitment may be adapted for the individuals’ needs and development, at the coach’s discretion.
Gold Squad (GS)
The aim of the Gold Squad is to educate swimmers about the correct training pathways and develop drills, stoke technique, starts and turns. The training environment remains fun, however the introduction of how to compete, win and lose with respect for rules and officials is emphasized with swimmers aiming to compete and achieve at a local and regional level. Swimmers will be introduced to additional land work exercise to help strengthen and prevent injuries. Progression for ambitious, talented and committed swimmers will be the Performance Squad, or Competitive Squad. Each swimmer must commit to 4 sessions a week. This commitment may be adapted for the individuals needs and development, at the coach’s discretion.
Performance (12/under)
The aim of the Performance Squad is to educate swimmers about the correct training and competitive pathways, continue to develop drills, stroke technique, starts and turns. The training environment is now focused on developing performance. A greater emphasis is placed on competition, training correctly and discipline. Swimmers will be aiming to compete and achieve at local, regional level whilst aspiring to compete in their Home National Age Group Championships. For those swimmers who excel in this squad the next step is the Performance Squad 13/ov, depending on competition performance and training commitment. Swimmers will understand that their performance will be directly related to the effort and commitment and will be expected to take responsibility for their own training. Each swimmer must commit to a minimum number of sessions dependent on their age; 10-11 Years (5), 12-13 Years (6). This commitment may be adapted for the individual needs and development, at the coach’s direction.
Competitive Squad
The aim of Competitive Squad is to introduce swimmers to more advanced training techniques whilst maintain stroke technique and skills. Swimmers will be aiming to compete and achieve at a Local, Regional and Home National Level. The minimum attendance is 5 sessions per week, however swimmers are encouraged to attend 6 sessions per week, taking into consideration school commitments. Swimmers will understand that their performance is directly related to effort and commitment and will be expected to take responsibility for their own training. Swimmers who cannot commit to this level should move to the Club Training Squad.
Performance Squad (13 &over)
The aim of the top Performance Squad is to create an elite training environment to enable the swimmer to have the best possible chance of furthering their career into Youth & Senior Swimming. The program will follow the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model ensuring maximum performance to an Age Group National level, and possible Junior or Senior International team selection. This will be supported by services such as Land training, Nutritional Advice and Sports Science. This squad is for swimmers with no other commitments or distractions other than School. If swimmers cannot commit to the training they will be moved to the Competitive Squad. Each swimmer must commit to a minimum number of sessions; 6 or more, and on one weekday, either Wednesday or Friday, should attend in the early morning and afternoon of the same day. 16 years and older swimmers are encouraged to attend all 8 training sessions offered. This commitment may be adapted for the individuals’ needs and development, at the coaches’ discretion.
Club Training Squad (CTS) for swimmers 12 yrs or over.
The Club Training Squad aims to enhance the basic training skills learnt in previous squads and to ensure that each swimmer learns correct technique on stroke, starts and turns. A big focus is on maintaining swimming fitness, and creating a challenging, fun environment for the teenage swimmer. There is no minimum training requirement in this squad, and no pressure to enter divisional (HKGSA) competitions.
