Squad Structure, Pathways & Progression
Helping Every Swimmer Find the Right Environment
Basingstoke Bluefins provides a complete swimming pathway from a child’s first experience of structured club swimming through to national performance and lifelong Masters participation.
Our squad structure is designed to support swimmers according to their age, technical development, commitment and personal goals.
This does not mean every swimmer follows the same route.
Some swimmers enjoy regular competition and develop through increasingly demanding coaching environments. Others continue swimming where fitness, skill development and enjoyment are the main priorities. Swimmers may also move across the structure as their interests, commitments or circumstances change.
Our aim is not simply to move swimmers upwards through a hierarchy. It is to place each swimmer in the environment where they have the strongest opportunity to develop, contribute and enjoy their swimming.
Dynamic Squad Movement
Swimmer development does not happen only at fixed points during the season.
Our coaching team observes swimmers throughout regular training and competition. When coaches believe a different coaching environment may better support a swimmer’s continued development, opportunities may be offered to experience another squad or attend additional sessions.
These opportunities allow coaches and swimmers to explore a different environment gradually. They do not automatically confirm a permanent squad move.
Movement may also take place across the structure rather than upwards. A swimmer’s most appropriate squad can change because of school commitments, examinations, injury, attendance, changing goals or a desire to reduce the emphasis on competition.
This flexibility allows the squad structure to support the swimmer rather than focusing only on their times.
How Placement and Movement Are Considered
Coaches consider the whole swimmer rather than relying on one time, result or age.
Their wider understanding includes the swimmer’s technical development, confidence, training habits, experience, independence, individual needs and the demands of each coaching environment.
Reaching a particular age or swimming time does not automatically result in a squad move. Equally, swimmers do not need to be complete in every area before being considered for a different opportunity.
Placement reflects the environment in which the coaching team believes each swimmer is most likely to benefit.
Our Approach to Long-Term Development
The Bluefins pathway reflects the principles of Swim England’s Optimal Athlete Development Framework.
Long-term progress depends on more than early race results. It includes technical ability, confidence, resilience, healthy habits, ownership, race skills and the gradual development of the swimmer as a person, athlete and performer.
Our structure therefore places strong technical foundations and age-appropriate development ahead of rushing swimmers towards higher training volumes or short-term results.
Developing Swimmers. Developing People.
Bluefins Squad Guide
Each squad description outlines:
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the typical age range
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the number of weekly sessions
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the primary coaching focus
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the skills and behaviours being developed
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the purpose of that coaching environment
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example training sets where relevant
Age ranges are guides rather than automatic entry or exit points. Final placement remains at the discretion of the coaching team.
Skills Academy Pathway
Where Swimming Lessons Become Structured Club Swimming
The Skills Academy provides the bridge between swimming lessons and coached club training.
Swimmers continue developing all four strokes while learning the technical skills, routines and behaviours needed to train confidently within a squad.
The pathway contains four stages:
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Foundation: Learn-to-Swim Bridge
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Progression One 7+
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Progression Two 10+
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Intermediate Development
Progression is based on age, technical development, confidence, listening skills and readiness for the expectations of the next group.
Foundation: Learn-to-Swim Bridge
Age Range: 7–9yrs
Focused on: Early Skills Development
Pool Time: 1 session per week
Standard: Building confidence and early club swimming skills
Target Level: Develop the full range of skills to prepare for the Competitive Pathway. For swimmers who are less competition-focused, we also offer a Fitness Pathway through our Club Squads.
Swimmers should:
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build confidence within a coached squad
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listen carefully and respond positively to feedback
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try their best during every session
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develop strong body position and movement control
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
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become familiar with the routines of structured club swimming
Pathway focus:
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build confidence
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establish strong technical foundations
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prepare swimmers for continued progression
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introduce structured club training
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develop enjoyment and positive learning behaviours
Progression One 7+
Age Range: 7–9yrs
Focused on: Skills Development
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week
Standard: Continued development of all four strokes
Target Level: Develop the full range of skills to prepare for the
Competitive Pathway. For swimmers who are less competition-focused, we also offer a Fitness Pathway through our Club Squads.
Swimmers should:
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continue developing all four strokes
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respond positively to technical feedback
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improve body position, coordination and control
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become increasingly independent during training
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demonstrate positive behaviour and consistent effort
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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support swimmers entering club swimming at an early age
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develop all four strokes
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continue building technical skills
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strengthen confidence within structured training
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prepare swimmers for the next stage of the pathway
Progression Two 10+
Age Range: 10–12yrs
Focused on: Skills Development
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week
Standard: Continued development of all four strokes
Target Level: Develop the full range of skills to prepare for the Competitive Pathway. For swimmers who are less competition-focused, we also offer a Fitness Pathway through our Club Squads.
Swimmers should:
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continue developing all four strokes
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respond positively to technical feedback
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improve body position, coordination and control
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adapt to the routines of structured club swimming
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demonstrate positive behaviour and consistent effort
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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provide an appropriate entry point for older swimmers
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develop all four strokes
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continue building technical skills
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establish structured training behaviours
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prepare swimmers for future progression
Intermediate Development
Age Range: 8–10yrs
Focused on: Skills Development & Early Racing
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week
Standard: Developing technical skills and early race experience
Target Level: Develop the full range of skills to prepare for the Competitive Pathway. For swimmers who are less competition-focused, we also offer a Fitness Pathway through our Club Squads.
Swimmers should:
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continue developing all four strokes
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apply technical skills within simple racing activities
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develop legal starts, turns and finishes
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become more independent during training
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respond positively to coaching and new challenges
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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continue developing all four strokes
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introduce the application of skills through racing
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provide experience at home Development Galas
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build race confidence
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prepare swimmers for the Development Pathway
Key Skills Developed Across the Skills Academy
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body position, leg action, arm action, breathing and timing
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streamlined push-offs and controlled underwater travel
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the Bluefins Set, Drop, Lock, Push sequence
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awareness of the pace clock and lane spacing
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legal turns and introductions to competitive starts
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sculling and progressive stroke drills
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confidence within training and early racing environments
Development Pathway
Technical and Competitive Development
As swimmers become more established within the club, they begin developing through coaching environments that reflect their age, current skills, confidence and experience.
Club Development, Competitive Development and Focused Development sit within the same wider Development Pathway. Each provides a distinct coaching environment while continuing to develop technical skills, confidence and experience within structured club swimming.
Club Development provides a broader, predominantly non-competitive route. Competitive Development and Focused Development share a stronger emphasis on racing and competition skills but support swimmers of different ages, levels of experience and current learning needs.
These environments do not form a simple ranking. Coaches recommend the one they believe will provide the most appropriate balance of teaching, training and challenge for each swimmer at that stage of their development.
Club Development Squad
Age: Typically 10–13
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week
Standard: Skills, Confidence & Enjoyment
Target Level: Continue developing all four strokes, build confidence and become established within structured club swimming.
Swimmers should:
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enjoy their swimming and give their best effort
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take part with a willingness to learn and improve
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continue developing skills across all four strokes
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build confidence within structured club training
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continue developing technique and swimming fitness
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become more familiar with squad routines and expectations
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develop greater independence
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contribute positively to the squad environment
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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support swimmers joining structured club swimming at a later age
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support swimmers who would benefit from continuing their development without competition becoming the main focus
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broaden swimming skills across all four strokes
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build fitness, confidence and independence
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provide a positive non-competitive route through the Development Pathway
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introduce selected home events or club competitions where appropriate
Competitive Development Squad
Age: 8–12
Pool Time: 3 sessions
Standard: Technical and Competitive Development
Target Level: Home Development Galas and Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine where appropriate
Swimmers should:
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complete a basic land warm-up before each session
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develop technical skills across all four strokes
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apply skills through Home Development Galas
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learn the routines, rules and skills associated with racing
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gain experience across a range of strokes and events
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experience Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine where appropriate
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build confidence and race understanding
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show positive behaviour and respect towards others
Pathway focus:
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continue developing strong technical foundations
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introduce regular training and competition
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apply skills through appropriate racing opportunities
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develop experience across a range of strokes and events
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support confidence, learning and enjoyment through competition
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:30
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:15
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Freestyle swim: 8 × 100m on 1:55
Focused Development Squad
Age Range: 8–10yrs
Pool Time: 3 sessions per week
Standard: Technical and Competitive Development
Target Level: Home Development Galas and Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine where appropriate
Swimmers should:
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complete a basic land warm-up before each session
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develop technical skills across all four strokes
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learn and apply new skills with growing consistency
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apply skills through Home Development Galas
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learn the routines, rules and skills associated with racing
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experience Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine where appropriate
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gain experience across a range of strokes and events
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show positive behaviour and respect towards others
Pathway focus:
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support younger swimmers with greater experience or stronger technical foundations for their age
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develop technical skills across all four strokes
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introduce racing and competition skills appropriately
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develop experience across a range of strokes and events
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support continued development within the most appropriate coaching environment
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:30
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:15
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Freestyle swim: 8 × 100m on 1:55
Competitive Pathway
Balancing Competitive Swimming with Wider Commitments
Many swimmers enjoy the challenge of competitive swimming while balancing it with the wider opportunities and commitments that naturally become part of teenage life.
Age Group Competitive provides a coaching environment where swimmers continue developing their technical skills, race understanding and competitive experience while enjoying Open Meets, Club Championships and regular club competition.
The programme recognises that competitive swimming can remain rewarding without the increasing demands of the performance coaching pathway. Swimmers continue working towards personal bests, contributing to team competitions and representing Bluefins while enjoying the sport alongside school, friends and other interests.
Age Group Competitive Squad
Age: 12–15
Pool Time: 3 sessions per week
Standard: Competitive Swimming
Target Level: Compete Occasionally – Home & Away Meets
Swimmers should:
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complete a land warm-up before each session
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continue refining technique within structured training
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maintain positive training behaviours
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continue racing all four strokes across a wider range of distances
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balance competitive swimming with school and other commitments
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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maintain fitness and continue developing racing skills
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provide regular structured training and appropriate competition
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support competitive swimming without the increasing demands of performance training
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encourage growing independence and responsibility
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encourage sustained participation through the teenage years
Age Group Competitive has its own clear purpose within the Bluefins structure. It is not simply a route towards County Development.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:20
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:10
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Freestyle swim: 8 × 100m on 1:50
Performance Pathway
Developing the Skills, Habits and Ownership Needed for Performance
For some swimmers, training and competition gradually become more purposeful. They begin demonstrating the skills, behaviours and consistency that suggest they may benefit from a performance coaching environment.
County Development, Age Group Performance, Youth Performance, Regional Performance and National Performance sit within the same wider Performance pathway.
Each coaching environment gradually increases expectations around technical consistency, preparation, training habits, independence, ownership and competitive performance.
Swimmers develop at different rates. Movement reflects the environment in which coaches believe each swimmer is ready to benefit rather than an automatic sequence based only on age or results.
Technical development remains central throughout. Increased training volume and competition expectations are introduced progressively alongside the behaviours and understanding needed to support long-term performance.
County Development Squad
Age: 9–15
Pool Time: 4 sessions per week
5 sessions per week from the year swimmers turn 13
Standard: Refining Skills & Developing Consistency
Target Level: Develop towards County Championship qualification
Swimmers should:
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complete a purposeful land warm-up before each session
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continue refining technique across all four strokes
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develop greater consistency within training
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enter appropriate competitions across a range of strokes and distances
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begin understanding County qualifying standards
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carry technical learning between sessions
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take increasing responsibility for preparation and training
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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refine technical skills
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develop greater consistency across regular training
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build preparation and accountability
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develop race experience across strokes and distances
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work towards a first County qualifying time
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introduce the habits and expectations of performance swimming
Places within County Development must support swimmers who are engaging with the purpose of the squad. Where attendance or commitment no longer matches the programme, another squad may provide a more appropriate environment.
Progression to the Performance Pathway is not automatic. Coaches consider attendance, effort, coachability, technique, results, potential and readiness for the next stage.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:10
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:05
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Freestyle swim: 12 × 100m on 1:45
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Freestyle swim: 13yrs and over: 20 × 100m on 1:40
Age Group Performance Squad
Age: 10–13
Pool Time: 5 sessions per week
Standard: Developing Performance Skills
Target Level: County Auto QTs & Regional Championships
Swimmers should:
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commit to the agreed training programme
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develop consistent attendance habits
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engage with the squad competition calendar
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perform consistently at a strong County standard
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complete pre-pool preparation before training
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set goals with their coach and train with purpose
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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establish positive performance training habits
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develop technical consistency under greater training demands
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build discipline, independence and race skills
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work towards Regional qualification
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develop the preparation and ownership appropriate to age-group performance swimming
Age ranges provide guidance rather than automatic entry points. Coaches consider the swimmer’s wider development and the environment in which they are most likely to benefit.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 200m on 4:30
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:50
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Freestyle swim: 16 × 100m on 1:40
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Individual medley swim: 8 × 200m on 3:30 or 3:45
Youth Performance Squad
Age: 13–16
Pool Time: 6 sessions per week
Standard: Sustained Performance Development
Target Level: County Auto QTs & Regional Championships
Swimmers should:
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commit fully to the agreed training programme
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develop consistent morning-training habits
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engage with the squad competition calendar
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perform consistently at a strong County standard
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demonstrate self-motivation and a strong work ethic
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take increasing responsibility for preparation and recovery
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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strengthen performance training habits
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build resilience and more advanced racing skills
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develop greater ownership and independence
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support sustained performance development
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support balanced development during the teenage years
Youth Performance supports swimmers through an important stage of physical, personal and competitive development. Some may continue into Regional Performance while others may later move into Junior Masters. Both outcomes reflect successful development.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 4 × 200m on 4:15
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:45
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Freestyle swim: 20 × 100m on 1:35
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Individual medley swim: 8 × 200m on 3:15 or 3:30
Regional Performance Squad
Age: 13+
Pool Time: 7 sessions per week
Standard: Refining Performance
Target Level: Regional & Home Nation Championships
Swimmers should:
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fully commit to the agreed training programme
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develop consistent morning-training attendance
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engage fully with the competition calendar
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perform consistently at Regional standard
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take ownership of preparation, recovery and personal goals
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maintain strong technical standards under demanding training conditions
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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reinforce high performance standards
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develop race execution and competitive consistency
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increase swimmer ownership and accountability
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refine the skills and habits needed for Regional and Home Nation competition
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support qualification for Home Nation competition
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Regional Performance requires increasing ownership, consistency and engagement. Placement reflects the swimmer’s overall development and readiness to benefit from the demands of the programme.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 5 × 200m on 3:45
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:40
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Freestyle swim: 24 × 100m on 1:30
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Individual medley swim: 10 × 200m on 3:15 or 3:30
National Performance Squad
Age: 15+
Pool Time: 8 sessions per week
Standard: Performance Excellence
Target Level: Home Nation and British Championships
Swimmers should:
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fully commit to the training programme
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develop consistent morning-training attendance
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engage fully with the competition calendar
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perform consistently at National standard
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treat swimming as their priority sport
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take responsibility for training, preparation, recovery and communication
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contribute positively to the standards of the squad
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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embed advanced performance habits and mindset
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develop the skills required for National competition
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prepare for Home Nation and British Championships
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promote athlete ownership, consistency and accountability
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provide the highest level of competitive swimming within Bluefins
National Performance provides the club’s most demanding youth coaching environment. Swimmers take substantial responsibility for their development while continuing to work closely with coaches around training, preparation, competition and recovery.
Example sets:
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Freestyle kick: 6 × 200m on 3:30
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Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:35
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Freestyle swim: 24 × 100m on 1:25
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Individual medley swim: 10 × 200m on 3:00 or 3:15
Swimming for Life
Swimming does not have to finish when childhood ends or competitive ambitions change.
For many people, swimming becomes a lifelong activity that continues to provide challenge, enjoyment, friendship and personal achievement. Bluefins provides coaching environments that allow swimmers to remain connected to the sport while reflecting different stages of life and personal goals.
Club Fitness Squad
Age: Typically 13–17
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week
Standard: Fitness, Skills and Enjoyment
Target Level: Lifelong swimming for fitness, wellbeing and enjoyment without competition pressure.
Swimmers should:
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arrive ready to enjoy swimming and train with purpose
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continue improving technique and fitness
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develop greater independence within sessions
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maintain a positive attitude towards staying active
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show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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support older swimmers who enjoy swimming without performance targets
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provide continued technical development and fitness
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make swimming sustainable alongside studies, work and other interests
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encourage lifelong health and activity
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maintain friendship and connection through the club
Competition may be available to Club swimmers who wish to experience it, but it is not an expectation of the pathway.
Junior Masters
Ownership and Competitive Swimming
Junior Masters provides a coaching environment for older teenagers who want to continue training and competing while balancing swimming with education, work, driving, friendships and increasing independence.
Junior Masters Competitive
Age: 15–18
Pool Time: 4 sessions per week
Standard: Ownership & Competitive Swimming
Target Level: Continue developing fitness, technical skills and competitive involvement while balancing wider commitments
Swimmers should:
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maintain a positive attitude and consistent effort
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take increasing ownership of their training
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balance swimming with education, work and other commitments
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continue training with purpose
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compete where appropriate
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show respect towards swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
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provide structured training for older teenage swimmers
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maintain fitness, technique and racing skills
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support swimmers balancing wider commitments
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encourage greater ownership and independence
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retain a positive connection with training and competition
Masters Pathway
Lifelong Swimming at Every Level
Masters swimming provides flexible, athlete-focused training for adults of varied ages, backgrounds and competitive experience.
Some swimmers train primarily for health and fitness. Others compete at County, Regional, National or international level.
Masters Squad
Age: 18+
Pool Time: Up to 6 sessions per week
Standard: Lifelong Swimming & Continued Development
Target Level: Lifelong swimming for health, fitness and enjoyment with opportunities to compete at County, Regional, National and international Masters Championships
Swimmers should:
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train at an appropriate level within their lane
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engage positively with session challenges
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adapt sets where required while retaining the purpose of the session
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continue refining existing skills and learning new ones
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support a positive and inclusive training environment
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consider appropriate Masters competition opportunities
Pathway focus:
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welcome returning swimmers and those new to Masters
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provide athlete-focused training at every age
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develop fitness, technique and competitive performance
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offer sessions ranging from aerobic development to threshold and race-specific training
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grade lanes according to ability and training cycle
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balance fitness, friendship and competition
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provide flexibility around work, family and wider commitments
Other Bluefins Aquatic Pathways
Opportunities Beyond the Main Swimming Pathway
Bluefins offers more than competitive swimming.
Alongside our swimming pathways, we provide opportunities for swimmers and players to develop confidence, skills and enjoyment through our Disability & Inclusion and Water Polo programmes.
These pathways reflect our commitment to making aquatic sport accessible to as many people as possible, recognising that every individual has different interests, abilities and ambitions.
Each programme has its own coaching team, progression opportunities and community while remaining an important part of the wider Bluefins family.
Adult Development
Developing Skills and Confidence in Adult Swimming
Adult Development provides structured technical coaching for adults who want to improve their swimming skills, confidence and understanding.
The programme supports adults returning to swimming, preparing for triathlon or open-water swimming or seeking more detailed stroke-development opportunities. Existing Masters swimmers may also use the programme to develop specific technical skills.
Coaching is delivered through the TRI-Masters squad, often using short coaching blocks in very small groups. Sessions are tailored to each swimmer’s experience, confidence and personal goals.
Swimmers may also join a selected Masters session to practise their developing skills within a regular squad environment. A phased approach is used, often beginning with the warm-up before gradually introducing more of the main set as confidence, skills and fitness improve.
For some swimmers, Adult Development becomes a route into Masters. For others, achieving a personal swimming goal is success in itself.
Age: 18+
Pool Time: On demand
Standard: Building Swimming Skills
Target Level: Improve technique, confidence and efficiency for personal swimming goals, triathlon, open water or Masters training
Pathway focus:
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provide small-group technical coaching
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support adults returning to swimming
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develop confidence and swimming efficiency
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support preparation for triathlon and open-water events
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provide a phased route into selected Masters training where appropriate
Additional Aquatic
Pathways
Opportunities Across Aquatic Sport
Bluefins provides opportunities beyond the main swimming pathways.
Members can develop confidence, skills and enjoyment through Water Polo, Open Water and Disability & Inclusion.
Each programme has its own purpose while remaining part of the wider Bluefins community.
Water Polo
Teamwork, Skill and Competitive Aquatic Sport
Water Polo provides a distinctive aquatic opportunity within Bluefins.
The programme develops swimming fitness alongside ball skills, tactical understanding, teamwork and decision-making.
Water Polo Academy, Juniors and Seniors provide coaching environments suited to different ages and levels of experience. Players may enter at different stages rather than following one automatic progression route.
Academy and Junior players are encouraged to continue developing their swimming alongside Water Polo where appropriate because strong swimming skills underpin movement, control and confidence within the game.
Water Polo Academy
Age Range: 8+yrs
Focused on: Early Skills Development
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Foundation Water Polo skills
Target Level: Develop confidence, movement, ball skills and an understanding of the game.
Players should:
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develop confidence handling the ball
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improve aquatic movement and agility
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learn the basic rules of the game
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work positively within a team
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enjoy learning a new aquatic sport
Pathway focus:
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introduce Water Polo in a fun and supportive environment
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build confidence with fundamental skills
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build the foundations needed for continued involvement in Water Polo
Junior Water Polo
Age Range: 12+yrs
Focused on: Skills & Game Development
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Developing competitive Water Polo
Target Level: Develop competitive experience and wider technical and tactical understanding.
Players should:
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continue developing technical skills
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improve tactical awareness
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develop game understanding
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strengthen teamwork and communication
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prepare for competitive matches
Pathway focus:
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continue technical and tactical development
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provide regular competitive opportunities
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support continued development within Junior Water Polo and wider competition
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support Regional and National talent opportunities where appropriate
Senior Water Polo
Age Range: 16yrs+
Focused on: Competitive Water Polo
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Senior competitive Water Polo
Target Level: Lifelong participation and competitive Water Polo.
Players should:
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demonstrate strong technical skills
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understand tactical play
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contribute positively to the team environment
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continue improving fitness and game performance
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support younger players entering the pathway
Pathway focus:
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provide competitive Water Polo opportunities
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continue developing experienced players
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support lifelong participation in aquatic sport
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maintain links with Regional and National competition where appropriate
Open Water Swimming
Swimming does not have to stay within the pool.
As swimmers become older, many enjoy broadening their swimming experience through open water. Lakes, reservoirs and sea swims provide new challenges while continuing to develop confidence, endurance and swimming skills within a different environment.
Bluefins encourages swimmers to explore open water where it reflects their interests and goals. Whether preparing for a first open-water swim, building confidence outside the pool or trying something new, swimmers can experience another side of the sport.
Open Water opportunities may appeal to swimmers from Club Fitness, Junior Masters, Age Group Competitive, Performance and Masters coaching environments.
Disability & Inclusion
Sharks Squad
The Sharks Squad provides a welcoming and supportive environment for swimmers with disabilities and additional needs.
Sessions are led by experienced teachers and supported by dedicated helpers, allowing swimmers to develop confidence, water skills and independence at a pace appropriate to their individual needs.
The emphasis is on enjoyment, achievement and participation while creating opportunities for every swimmer to experience the benefits of being part of a club.
Age Range: 8–18yrs
Focused on: Confidence, Skills and Inclusion
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Inclusive Swimming Development
Target Level: Personal development, participation and competition where appropriate
What swimmers are supported to develop:
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confidence and comfort in the water
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aquatic skills at a pace appropriate to their individual needs
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greater independence where possible
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communication and engagement within the session
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enjoyment of swimming and aquatic activity
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friendships and a sense of belonging
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opportunities to take part in galas or events where appropriate
Pathway focus:
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provide a safe and supportive disability swimming environment
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help each swimmer develop according to their individual needs
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build confidence, aquatic skills and independence
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create opportunities for participation and achievement
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support local competition and Special Olympics involvement where appropriate
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support mainstream integration where appropriate
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support Para-swimming development where appropriate
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promote inclusion, friendships and long-term enjoyment of swimming
Finding the Right Pathway
Every swimmer and player begins their journey from a different starting point.
Some progress through the Skills Academy before following the Development, Competitive, County, Performance and National Pathways.
Others continue swimming through Club Fitness, enjoying coached swimming for fitness, wellbeing and lifelong participation.
Some return to the pool later in life through Junior Masters or Masters swimming. Others discover a passion for Water Polo or thrive within the Sharks programme.
There is no single definition of success at Bluefins.
Our coaching team works with every swimmer, player and family to recommend the pathway that best supports their current stage of development, personal goals and enjoyment of aquatic sport.
As those goals change, the most appropriate pathway may also change.
Our aim is always the same: to help every member find the environment where they can continue developing, contributing and enjoying their time as part of Bluefins.
Developing Swimmers.
Developing People.