Group Descriptions - Competitive

Dev A (12 & Under)

Development A is our introductory competitive group and the first step into the Pickering Swim Club competitive pathway. Swimmers focus on building fundamental skills, stroke technique, drills, fitness, and race skills in a fun and supportive learning environment. Swimmers are introduced to competitive swimming through skill development, teamwork, and participation in swim meets.

Training: 2 days per week
Competition: Approximately 5–8 meets per season

Dev B (12 & Under)

Development B is our introductory competitive group in the Pickering Swim Club competitive pathway and the next step up from Dev A. Swimmers focus on building fundamental skills, stroke technique, drills, fitness, and race skills in a fun and supportive learning environment. Swimmers are introduced to competitive swimming through skill development, teamwork, and participation in swim meets.

Training: 3 days per week
Competition: Approximately 5–8 meets per season

White (13 - 18 years old)

White Group is designed for swimmers transitioning from Development Groups or joining the competitive program for the first time. Swimmers develop fundamental skills, stroke technique, drills, and overall fitness while learning the skills and habits needed for competitive swimming. The group provides a supportive introduction to training and competition.

Training: 3 sessions/week | 7 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 5–8 meets per season

Blue (13 - 18 years old)

Blue Group refines stroke technique, efficiency, aerobic fitness, and race skills while continuing to build competitive experience. The program supports swimmers who are balancing swimming with other sports and activities while developing the skills and training habits needed for future progression within the competitive pathway. Advancement is based on meeting group move criteria.

Training: 5 sessions/week | 10 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 8–10 meets per season

Red (12 & Under)

Red Group builds on competitive foundations by developing stroke technique, efficiency, endurance, and race skills. Swimmers continue to refine their abilities while increasing training capacity and preparing for higher levels of competition. The group focuses on achieving personal goals and qualifying for regional and provincial competitions.

Training: 5 sessions/week | 9–10 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 8–10 meets per season

Bronze (13 - 18 years old)

Bronze Group develops speed, stroke technique, race skills, and fitness through increased training volume and focused skill development. Swimmers continue building competitive experience while preparing for regional-level competition and future training goals. Placement in Bronze Group is based on meeting qualifying regional standards and group move criteria.

Training: 6 sessions/week | 10–11 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 8–10 meets per season

Silver (13 & Under)

Silver Group is designed for younger advanced swimmers developing the skills, fitness, and training habits needed for higher levels of competition. Swimmers focus on advanced technique, race skills, aerobic development, and strength training while working toward regional, provincial, and national qualifying standards. Silver swimmers may train alongside Gold Group swimmers as part of their continued progression.

Training: 6-7 sessions/week | 11–12 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 8–12 meets per season

Gold (13 - 18 years old)

Gold Group is a high-performance training group focused on advanced technique, race skills, endurance, speed, and strength development. Swimmers participate in a demanding program that combines in-pool training with dryland and strength work. Swimmers are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment while pursuing provincial, national, and international qualifying standards.

Training: 8 sessions/week | 15–16 hours/week
Competition: Approximately 8–12 meets per season