Winchester City Penguins Swimming Club has competitive swimming programme which aims to develop swimmers of all ages and abilities to reach their potential. Their programme caters for swimmers training for fitness through to high performance athletes.
The Performance programme is led by Head Performance Coach, Zoe Baker, with a dedicated and passionate team of qualified coaches.
Zoe leads the performance squads having joined from Bournemouth Collegiate School where she developed the highly successful performance programme over 8 years. As a swimmer, Zoe was a four-time record holder in the 50m Breaststroke. She was a Commonwealth and European Champion and held 12 British, 16 European and 4 Commonwealth records during her career with British and New Zealand swimming teams.
The development programme is led by Head Development Coach, Sarah Standen. These are the squads that sit outside the performance programme and either progress or prepare swimmers for performance swimming or help them develop their skills and fitness whilst maintaining a competitive interest.
Sarah is a vastly experienced Level 3 coach who has worked across lessons, development and performance swimming programmes, both in this country and overseas, including working with the Fijian national squad.
Senior Elite – Lead Coach Zoe
Squad Selection is based on:
1. The top 7-8 swimmers aged 16 and over
2. FINA points in Olympic and non-Olympic Events
3. Boys aged 17 and Older, girls aged 16 and Older based on top FINA points
4. Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 8 swim sessions per week and attend all Level 1 competitions set by the Head Performance Coach
Junior Elite – Lead Coach Zoe
Squad Selection is based on:
1. Top 4-5 swimmers aged 15 and under (male) and 14 and under (female)
2. FINA points in Olympic events only
3. Boys aged 16 and under and girls aged 15 and under based on top FINA points
4. Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 6 swim sessions per week and attend all level 1 competitions set by the Head Performance Coach
Performance – Lead Coach Zoe, Assist Oli
Squad Selection is based on:
1. South East Regional Qualifier 2019
2. FINA points for 2005 born swimmers and older (female = 545 or more, male = 505 or more) in Olympic and non-Olympic events
3. Have demonstrated the ability to train at the level of Senior Elite Squad
4. Commitment to racing all Level 1 competitions (as per the competition schedule)
5. Having demonstrated they are motivated to excel at a performance level
6. Swimmers are expected to attend 7 swim sessions per week (unless agreed with the Head Performance Coach)
Performance Development – Lead Oli
Squad Selection is based on:
1. Those who have achieved multiple county times across Olympic and non-Olympic events
2. Those that have achieved/close to SE Regional times
3. Race at Level 1 competitions regularly
4. Swimmers are expected to attend 6 swim sessions per week
Aspire – Lead Oli, Assist Henry
Squad Selection is based on:
1. Swimmers aged 13-17 at County level aiming for Regional qualification times
2. Racing regularly at L2/L3 meets and L1 meets where possible
3. Wanting to progress to Performance Development
4. Committed to attending a minimum of 5 sessions each week
Advance – Lead Sarah
Squad Selection is based on:
1. Swimmers aged 10-12 at County Level aiming for regional times
2. Racing regularly at L2/L3 meets
3. Wanting to progress to Aspire or Performance Development
4. Committed to attending a minimum of 5 sessions each week
Preparation – Lead Hannah
Squad Selection is based on:
1. Swimmers aged 9-12 aiming for County Qualifying times
2. Racing at Level 3 meets
3. Wanting to progress to Advance or Aspire
4. Committed to attending a minimum of 4 training sessions each week
Development – Lead Thelma
Squad selection is based on:
1. Swimmers aged 8-10 aiming for Swim England Speed Awards
2. Competing in GP series and Level 3 meets
3. Wanting to progress to Preparation
4. Committed to attend a minimum of 3 training sessions per week
Foundation – Lead Thelma
1. Swimmers aged 7-9
2. Competing in GP series and Level 3/Level 4 meets
3. Wanting to progress to Development
4. Committed to attend a minimum of 2 training sessions each week
A more detailed explanation of the entry criteria, training expectations and performance expectations for each squad is available to members on request.
