AQUASPRINT LEAGUE

Aquasprint galas are perfect for younger swimmers (ages 8-12), offering many their first taste of competitive swimming. These enjoyable events feature 25-metre races and typically last around 90 minutes, with sandwiches provided afterwards by the host team.

2024 was our sixth successful year competing in the Aquasprint League. We competed in Division 3 and finished 3rd in the 'A' Final. Congratulations to all swimmers and a big thank you to the coaches and parents who help run these galas.

Preparation for the Aquasprint season starts in September, coordinated by Claire Savage. Our galas will be confirmed in due course. Time Trials run on Sunday 24th November and Sunday 15th December at Grove, 9:15am.

The Events

Individual events include 25m races for all strokes, boys and girls, plus two relay events (4x25m medley and freestyle) for each age group. Swimmers are organised into year groups: Group A (2015), Group B (2014), Group C (2013) & Group D (2012).

Coaches

Barbara Simpson and Thomas McIvor run the Aquasprint training sessions.

Training Sessions

Sessions run Mondays at Lisnasharragh (6-7pm), Tuesdays at Olympia (6-8pm), Fridays at Templemore Baths (6:30-8pm) and Sundays at Grove (9:15-11:15am).

Swimmers need short training fins, pull buoy, and alignment board. Weekday sessions focus on sprint drills and relay practice. Sunday sessions emphasise diving, technique, and race starts.

Team Selection

Regular time trials run at Grove on Sunday mornings - any swimmer can try out. Parents receive time sheets after trials. Team selection is based on training performance and trial results.

Selected swimmers receive invitations via Team Unify. Please respond promptly! If you miss two invitations without responding, your swimmer won't be selected for the next gala.

Gala Day Essentials

Aquasprint T-shirts are provided at the first gala. Swimmers must also wear club swimming caps plus goggles, water bottle, and flip-flops.

For home galas: bring sandwiches (boys) and tray bakes/buns/fruit (girls). For away galas: £5 per swimmer for the bus from Olympia.

Parent Volunteers

Galas require parent volunteers! Away galas need one timekeeper per lane, two finish judges, one stroke judge, and one recorder. Home galas also need refreshment organisers. We ask each parent to volunteer for two of the six galas.

Team Captains

Captains are chosen from Group D swimmers (2012 births) - one boy and one girl who demonstrate strong swimming, good attendance, and positive leadership for younger swimmers.