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 progress through the Competitive and Performance Pathways. Others choose the Club Pathway where fitness, continued skill development and enjoyment are the main priorities. Swimmers may also move across pathways 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 appropriate, swimmers may receive opportunities to train with another squad, attend additional sessions or experience the expectations of the next stage.
These opportunities allow coaches and swimmers to assess readiness gradually.
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 Progression Is Assessed
Squad progression is based on a combination of factors.
These may include:
-
technical development
-
training consistency
-
attendance
-
effort and attitude
-
coachability
-
independence
-
race performance where relevant
-
age and physical development
-
readiness for the demands of another squad
-
available space within the programme
Reaching a particular time or age does not automatically result in a squad move.
Equally, swimmers do not need to be complete in every area before being considered for a new opportunity. Coaches look at the whole swimmer and the environment most likely to support their continued development.
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:
-
the typical age range
-
weekly pool time
-
the squad standard
-
the existing target level
-
what swimmers should be working towards
-
the purpose of that stage of the pathway
-
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:
-
Foundation: Learn-to-Swim Bridge
-
Progression One 7+
-
Progression Two 10+
-
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:
-
build confidence within a coached squad
-
listen carefully and respond positively to feedback
-
try their best during every session
-
develop strong body position and movement control
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
-
become familiar with the routines of structured club swimming
Pathway focus:
-
build confidence
-
establish strong technical foundations
-
prepare swimmers for continued progression
-
introduce structured club training
-
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:
-
continue developing all four strokes
-
respond positively to technical feedback
-
improve body position, coordination and control
-
become increasingly independent during training
-
demonstrate positive behaviour and consistent effort
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
support swimmers entering club swimming at an early age
-
develop all four strokes
-
continue building technical skills
-
strengthen confidence within structured training
-
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:
-
continue developing all four strokes
-
respond positively to technical feedback
-
improve body position, coordination and control
-
adapt to the routines of structured club swimming
-
demonstrate positive behaviour and consistent effort
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
provide an appropriate entry point for older swimmers
-
develop all four strokes
-
continue building technical skills
-
establish structured training behaviours
-
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:
-
continue developing all four strokes
-
apply technical skills within simple racing activities
-
develop legal starts, turns and finishes
-
become more independent during training
-
respond positively to coaching and new challenges
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
continue developing all four strokes
-
introduce the application of skills through racing
-
provide experience at home Development Galas
-
build race confidence
-
prepare swimmers for the Development Pathway
Key Skills Developed Across the Skills Academy
-
body position, leg action, arm action, breathing and timing
-
streamlined push-offs and controlled underwater travel
-
the Bluefins Set, Drop, Lock, Push sequence
-
awareness of the pace clock and lane spacing
-
legal turns and introductions to competitive starts
-
sculling and progressive stroke drills
-
confidence within training and early racing environments
Club Pathway
Swimming for Fitness, Skills and Lifelong Enjoyment
The Club Pathway supports older swimmers who want to continue improving their swimming, maintain fitness and remain part of Bluefins without competition being the main focus.
Club Fitness provides fully coached sessions with continued technical development, fitness training and flexible attendance around school, examinations, work and other commitments.
Some swimmers progress into Club Fitness from Club Development or Age Group Competitive.
Competition remains available where appropriate, but it is not expected.
Club Fitness Squad
Age: 13–17
Pool Time: 2 sessions per week, flexible
Standard: Fitness, skills and enjoyment
Target Level: Lifelong swimming — for fitness, wellbeing, and enjoyment without competition pressure.
Swimmers should:
-
arrive ready to enjoy swimming and train with purpose
-
continue improving technique and fitness
-
develop greater independence within sessions
-
maintain a positive attitude towards staying active
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
support older swimmers who enjoy swimming without performance targets
-
provide continued technical development and fitness
-
make swimming sustainable alongside studies, work and other interests
-
encourage lifelong health and activity
-
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.
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 has a different emphasis while continuing to develop technical skills, confidence and experience within structured club swimming.
Competitive Development and Focused Development share the same strong emphasis on stroke development, Home Development Galas and the introduction of racing and competition skills. From the age of nine, Level 3 Open Meets may also be introduced where appropriate.
The distinction between the two environments reflects each swimmer’s age, experience, current technical foundations and rate of learning. Focused Development generally supports younger swimmers who may have greater experience for their age, stronger technical foundations or the ability to learn and apply new skills quickly. Competitive Development supports swimmers across a broader age range as they continue building the same core technical and competitive foundations.
As swimmers become older, some may move from Focused Development into Competitive Development while continuing at a similar stage of technical and competitive development.
Swimmers from either Focused Development or Competitive Development may move into County Development when coaches believe they are ready to benefit from a more performance-focused coaching environment. Swimmers develop at different rates, so this may happen at different ages.
Club Development provides a different emphasis for swimmers joining structured club swimming later, allowing them to build confidence, broaden their skills and discover the opportunities available within Bluefins.
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: 11–14
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:
-
enjoy their swimming and give their best effort
-
take part with a willingness to learn and improve
-
continue developing technique and swimming fitness
-
contribute positively to the squad environment
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
provide enjoyable sessions combining fitness and skill development
-
support swimmers continuing beyond swimming lessons
-
encourage swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle
-
build confidence and friendships
-
offer flexible attendance around other commitments
Competitive Development Squad
Age: 8–12
Pool Time: 3 sessions
Standard: Technical and Competitive Development
Target Level: Compete – Home & Away Meets
Swimmers should:
-
complete a basic land warm-up before each session
-
develop technical skills across all four strokes
-
apply skills through Home Development Galas
-
learn the routines, rules and skills associated with racing
-
gain experience across a range of strokes and events
-
experience Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine
-
build confidence and race understanding
-
show positive behaviour and respect towards others
Pathway focus:
-
continue developing strong technical foundations
-
introduce regular training and competition
-
apply skills through appropriate racing opportunities
-
develop experience across a range of strokes and events
-
support confidence, learning and enjoyment through competition
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:30
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:15
-
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: Compete – Home & Away Meets
Swimmers should:
-
complete a basic land warm-up before each session
-
develop technical skills across all four strokes
-
learn and apply new skills with growing consistency
-
apply skills through Home Development Galas
-
learn the routines, rules and skills associated with racing
-
experience Level 3 Open Meets from the age of nine
-
gain experience across a range of strokes and events
-
show positive behaviour and respect towards others
Pathway focus:
-
support younger swimmers with greater experience or stronger technical foundations for their age
-
develop technical skills across all four strokes
-
introduce racing and competition skills appropriately
-
develop experience across a range of strokes and events
-
support continued development within the most appropriate coaching environment
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:30
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:15
-
Freestyle swim: 8 × 100m on 1:55
Competitive Pathway
Balancing Competitive Swimming with Greater Flexibility and Increasing Independence
The Competitive Pathway supports swimmers who enjoy regular training and competition while balancing swimming with the wider commitments that become part of teenage life.
Swimmers continue refining technique, developing race skills and gaining experience through Open Meets and Club Championships without the increasing demands of the County or Performance Pathways.
The pathway provides a clear competitive environment with greater flexibility while keeping future movement towards County Development available where appropriate.
Age Group Competitive Squad
Age: 12–15
Pool Time: 3 sessions per week
Standard: Development of competitive skills
Target Level: Compete Occasionally – Home & Away Meets
Swimmers should:
-
complete a land warm-up before each session
-
continue refining technique while adapting to greater training demands
-
maintain a positive attitude and good training behaviours
-
continue racing all four strokes across a wider range of distances
-
balance competitive swimming with school and other commitments
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
maintain fitness and continue developing racing skills
-
support swimmers who have moved beyond Competitive Development
-
provide a competitive environment without the demands of the County Pathway
-
keep progression towards County Development available for later-developing swimmers
-
encourage sustained participation through the teenage years
Progression to County Development is not automatic. Coaches consider attendance, effort, coachability, technique, results, potential and readiness for the increased expectations of the squad.
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:20
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:10
-
Freestyle swim: 8 × 100m on 1:50
County Development Pathway
Preparing Swimmers for County-Level Competition
County Development represents an important step between introductory competitive swimming and the Performance Pathway.
Swimmers train more regularly, compete across a broader programme and begin taking greater responsibility for their preparation and development.
County Development Squad
Age: 9–14
Pool Time: 4 sessions, 13yrs+ 5 sessions per week
Standard: Development towards County standard
Target Level: County Champs Base QT – Compete Regularly – Home & Away Meets
Swimmers should:
-
complete a purposeful land warm-up before each session
-
refine technique while meeting greater training demands
-
attend training consistently
-
enter regular competitions across a range of strokes and distances
-
understand the County qualifying standards for their main and form strokes
-
respond positively to feedback and increasing responsibility
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
continue developing strong technical and training habits
-
build regular competition experience
-
work towards County Championship qualification
-
prepare swimmers for Age Group Performance where appropriate
-
encourage greater focus, independence and consistency
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:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 100m on 2:00
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 50m on 1:00
-
Freestyle swim, 10yrs and under: 12 × 100m on 1:50
-
Freestyle swim, 11–12yrs: 16 × 100m on 1:45
-
Freestyle swim, 13yrs and over: 20 × 100m on 1:40
Performance Pathway
Introducing the Habits and Expectations of Performance Swimming
The Performance Pathway supports swimmers who are ready for a more demanding and consistent approach to competitive swimming.
Through Age Group Performance and Youth Performance, swimmers continue refining their technique while developing the training habits, race skills and greater independence needed to compete successfully at County and Regional level.
Training volume and expectations increase progressively, but long-term technical development remains central. Swimmers learn to prepare more purposefully, manage greater training demands and take increasing responsibility for their progress.
The pathway provides the foundation for movement towards Regional Performance where the swimmer demonstrates the technical ability, competition standard, consistency and maturity required for the National Pathway.
Age Group Performance Squad
Age: 10–13
Pool Time: 5 sessions per week
Standard: County level+
Target Level: County Auto QTs & Regional Championships
Swimmers should:
-
commit fully to the agreed training programme
-
work towards consistent morning training attendance
-
engage with the squad competition calendar
-
perform consistently at a strong County standard
-
complete pre-pool preparation before training
-
set goals with their coach and train with purpose
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
establish positive performance training habits
-
develop technical consistency under greater training demands
-
build discipline, independence and race skills
-
work towards Regional qualification
-
prepare swimmers for Youth Performance
Swimmers below the guide age may be considered when they consistently demonstrate the technical development, performance level, coachability and maturity required for the squad.
Consistent attendance and engagement are expected. Progression to Youth Performance is not automatic and depends on the swimmer’s overall development and readiness.
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 150m on 3:00
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 75m on 1:30
-
Freestyle swim: 16 × 100m on 1:40
-
Individual medley swim: 6 × 200m on 3:30 or 3:45
Youth Performance Squad
Age: 13–16
Pool Time: 6 sessions per week
Standard: County level+
Target Level: County Auto QTs & Regional Championships
Swimmers should:
-
commit fully to the agreed training programme
-
work towards consistent morning training attendance
-
engage with the squad competition calendar
-
perform consistently at a strong County standard
-
demonstrate self-motivation and a strong work ethic
-
take increasing responsibility for preparation and recovery
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
strengthen performance training habits
-
build resilience and more advanced racing skills
-
develop greater ownership and independence
-
progress swimmers towards Regional Performance
-
support balanced development during the teenage years
Swimmers below the guide age may be considered when they consistently demonstrate the required technical development, performance level, coachability and maturity.
Consistent attendance and engagement are expected. Progression to Regional Performance is not automatic and depends on the swimmer’s overall development and readiness.
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 4 × 200m on 4:15
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:45
-
Freestyle swim: 20 × 100m on 1:35
-
Individual medley swim: 8 × 200m on 3:15 or 3:30
National Pathway
Supporting Swimmers Competing at Regional, Home Nation and British Level
The National Pathway supports swimmers who have developed the technical ability, performance standard, training habits and commitment required to compete consistently at the highest levels within the club.
Through Regional Performance and National Performance, swimmers build on the foundations established within the Performance Pathway, with greater emphasis on race preparation, athlete ownership, consistency and performing under demanding training and competition conditions.
Swimmers are expected to take substantial responsibility for their training, recovery, communication and competition preparation while continuing to refine technique and race execution.
The pathway supports progression from Regional competition towards Home Nation Championships, British Championships and the highest levels of age group swimming.
Regional Performance Squad
Age: 13–16
Pool Time: 7 sessions per week
Standard: Regional level+
Target Level: Regional & Home Nation Championships
Swimmers should:
-
fully commit to the agreed training programme
-
work towards consistent morning training attendance
-
engage fully with the competition calendar
-
perform consistently at Regional standard
-
take ownership of preparation, recovery and personal goals
-
maintain strong technical standards under demanding training conditions
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
reinforce high performance standards
-
develop race execution and competitive consistency
-
increase swimmer ownership and accountability
-
prepare swimmers for National Performance
-
support qualification for Home Nation competition
Regional Performance requires consistent attendance and engagement. Progression to National Performance is not automatic and depends on attendance, effort, coachability, technique, results, potential and readiness.
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 5 × 200m on 3:45
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:40
-
Freestyle swim: 24 × 100m on 1:30
-
Individual medley swim: 10 × 200m on 3:15 or 3:30
National Performance Squad
Age: 14+
Pool Time: 8 sessions per week
Standard: National level
Target Level: Home Nation & GB Championships
Swimmers should:
-
fully commit to the training programme
-
work towards consistent morning training attendance
-
engage fully with the competition calendar
-
perform consistently at National standard
-
treat swimming as their priority sport
-
take responsibility for training, preparation, recovery and communication
-
contribute positively to the standards of the squad
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
embed advanced performance habits and mindset
-
develop the skills required for National competition
-
prepare swimmers for Home Nation and British Championships
-
promote athlete ownership, consistency and accountability
-
provide the highest level of competitive swimming within Bluefins
National Performance is the highest stage of the Bluefins youth pathway. Swimmers must continue demonstrating the performance, commitment, attitude and behaviours required by the programme.
Example sets:
-
Freestyle kick: 6 × 200m on 3:30
-
Dolphin kick on back: 4 × 100m on 1:35
-
Freestyle swim: 24 × 100m on 1:25
-
Individual medley swim: 10 × 200m on 3:00 or 3:15
Junior Masters Pathway
Maintaining Competitive Swimming Alongside Other Commitments
Junior Masters provides a flexible environment for older teenagers who want to maintain their swimming, fitness and connection with competition without the full demands of the Performance Pathway.
Junior Masters Competitive
Age: 15–18
Pool Time: 3 sessions per week, flexible
Standard: Former Performance or competitive swimmers
Target Level: Maintain fitness and skills, with the option to compete occasionally while balancing other commitments.
Swimmers should:
-
maintain a positive attitude and consistent effort
-
take increasing ownership of their training
-
balance swimming with education, work and other commitments
-
continue training with purpose
-
race when circumstances allow
-
show respect to swimmers, coaches and other club members
Pathway focus:
-
provide a supportive transition from full Performance training
-
maintain fitness, technique and racing skills
-
support multi-sport athletes and swimmers with wider commitments
-
retain a connection with competition
-
prepare swimmers for Masters swimming from age 18
Additional training opportunities may be offered where swimmers consistently demonstrate the commitment, effort and behaviours required and where suitable space is available.
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, including three mornings and three evenings, flexible
Standard: A broad range from fitness swimming to National and international Masters competition
Target Level: Lifelong swimming — for health, fitness, and enjoyment at every age, with opportunities to race at County, Regional, National, and International Masters Championships.
Swimmers should:
-
train at an appropriate level within their lane
-
engage positively with session challenges
-
adapt sets where required while retaining the purpose of the session
-
continue refining existing skills and learning new ones
-
support a positive and inclusive training environment
-
consider appropriate Masters competition opportunities
Pathway focus:
-
welcome returning swimmers and those new to Masters
-
provide athlete-focused training at every age
-
develop fitness, technique and competitive performance
-
offer sessions ranging from aerobic development to threshold and race-specific training
-
grade lanes according to ability and training cycle
-
balance fitness, friendship and competition
-
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.
Disability & Inclusion
Sharks Squad
The Sharks Squad provides a welcoming and supportive environment for swimmers aged 8–18 years 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: Supported disability swimming programme
Target Level: Personal development, participation and competition where appropriate.
What swimmers are supported to develop:
-
confidence and comfort in the water
-
aquatic skills at a pace appropriate to their individual needs
-
greater independence where possible
-
communication and engagement within the session
-
enjoyment of swimming and aquatic activity
-
friendships and a sense of belonging
-
opportunities to take part in galas or events where appropriate
Pathway focus:
-
provide a safe and supportive disability swimming environment
-
help each swimmer develop according to their individual needs
-
build confidence, aquatic skills and independence
-
create opportunities for participation and achievement
-
support local competition and Special Olympics involvement where appropriate
-
host the annual Bluefins Schools Gala for local specialist schools
-
promote inclusion, friendships and long-term enjoyment of swimming
Water Polo
Teamwork, Skill and Competitive Aquatic Sport
Water Polo provides an exciting alternative aquatic pathway within Bluefins.
The programme develops swimming fitness alongside ball skills, tactical understanding, teamwork and decision-making.
Players progress through age-appropriate squads while learning the technical and tactical aspects of the sport within a supportive coaching environment.
Water Polo Academy
Age Range: 9–13yrs
Focused on: Introduction to Water Polo
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Foundation Water Polo skills
Target Level: Develop the skills and confidence to progress into Junior Water Polo.
Players should:
-
develop confidence handling the ball
-
improve aquatic movement and agility
-
learn the basic rules of the game
-
work positively within a team
-
enjoy learning a new aquatic sport
Pathway focus:
-
introduce Water Polo in a fun and supportive environment
-
build confidence with fundamental skills
-
prepare players for Junior Water Polo
Junior Water Polo
Age Range: 12–17yrs
Focused on: Technical and Tactical Development
Pool Time: Weekly coached sessions
Standard: Developing competitive Water Polo
Target Level: Progress towards Senior Water Polo and Regional opportunities where appropriate.
Players should:
-
continue developing technical skills
-
improve tactical awareness
-
develop game understanding
-
strengthen teamwork and communication
-
prepare for competitive matches
Pathway focus:
-
continue technical and tactical development
-
provide regular competitive opportunities
-
prepare players for Senior Water Polo
-
support progression into Regional and National talent programmes 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:
-
demonstrate strong technical skills
-
understand tactical play
-
contribute positively to the team environment
-
continue improving fitness and game performance
-
support younger players entering the pathway
Pathway focus:
-
provide competitive Water Polo opportunities
-
continue developing experienced players
-
support lifelong participation in aquatic sport
-
maintain links with Regional and National competition where appropriate
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.