The Essential Guide to Faversham Swimming Club

Welcome to Faversham Swimming Club

Please make sure you arrive in time for your lessons/session and listen to your teacher/coach at all times. Please wear appropriate swim wear that is functional and not just a fashion item. Long hair must be tied back and ideally put in a swim hat.

Everyone who helps at the Faversham Swimming Club is a volunteer and gives his/her time and energy for free, this includes Sharon Wenn our Head Coach and the team of coaches and teaching staff.

Tadpoles

Tadpole sessions are for children learning the fundamentals of all strokes.

Payment is made in blocks in advance.

Liz Baker is the Tadpole Secretary and will inform you of the session start and finish dates. During your child’s time in this section your child may do a number of badges at different stages of his/her progression. You will be given a slip of paper when s/he successfully completes a National Standard Badge.

Tadpoles usually have a fun race night in December. Watch the notice board, or ask.

The club holds an end of summer party for all swimmers at the beginning of September on a Wednesday (the first Wednesday after the bank holiday w/end) the Tadpoles have their fun swim in the indoor pool.

We also host a Christmas fun swim in December. All details will be on the board nearer the time.

Improvers

Your child’s swimming has now become developed enough that s/he can swim lengths and we now want to develop their technique, strength and stamina, and perhaps find a potential future Squad swimmer.

After your child has reached a NPTS Level 7 or the age of fourteen, they will no longer be able to swim in Improvers.

In the summer months we encourage Improvers to join our Junior Water Polo and/or Awards on a Tuesday in our outdoor pool, Junior Water Polo is available on a Sunday night (in the indoor pool!) during the winter. These extra sessions are all part of your membership fees and are great ways to diversify swimming skills and have fun!

Improvers have a summer party (the first Wednesday in September) in the outdoor pool. Christmas fun swim is in December; all details will be on the board nearer the dates.

Improvers are encouraged to enter Club Championships races in May and June. Letters will be given out, but please keep looking at the notice board.

Squad

Swimmers have three evening training sessions and a Saturday morning training session.

Your commitment to squad is important if you want to become a good competitive swimmer. In order to be selected for galas your commitment to training, correct stroke style and speed are paramount.

Eventually you should be selected to represent the club in a gala. Galas are great fun and an opportunity to put your hard work to the test. Gala selection is based on your commitment to training, your speed, and correct stroke style.

If you unable to attend training for any length of time please let Sharon Wenn know.

Squad have an end of summer party in the outdoor pool (first Wednesday in September) and a Christmas fun swim in December; details on board nearer time.

All squad swimmers are required to enter Club Championships in May and  June. Letters will be handed out, but please watch the notice board.

Club membership fees can be paid monthly by standing order or alternatively payment can be made in two instalments (January and June). If you join during the year your payment will be pro rata.

Synchro

Synchro swimming is available to any swimmer who has reached an Improver level of swimming and subject to an assessment. Swimmers will be tested for their swimming ability before they can join Synchro. Please see Rachel on a Monday night if you are interested in this section.

Awards

Awards takes place in the outdoor pool on a Tuesday in the summer months for swimmers from Improver level upwards. This is an opportunity to meet a variety of swimming challenges and obtain certificates and awards of a National Standard.

Junior Water Polo

Water polo takes place in the outdoor pool on a Tuesday evening in the summer months. It is 45 minutes session covering water polo skills and the fundamental elements of the game. The session ends with a mini game between players. These sessions are great fun and physical, all swimmers with a swimming ability of Improvers and above are welcome to join in. We are now able to offer Junior Water Polo on a Sunday night during our winter timetable.

Diving

This section is currently without a coach/teacher but we would like to reinstate this section in the future.

Life-saving

This section is currently without a coach/teacher but we would like to reinstate this section in the future.

Timetable

The Swimming Club has two timetables; winter and summer. The winter timetable usually begins the second Monday in September, and the summer timetable starts at the beginning of May. Always check the notice board for exact dates. During the summer we offer longer swimming sessions and the opportunity for club members to join awards and junior water polo.

Club Championships and Club Age Group Races

All eligible swimmers are encouraged to enter the Club Championships and Age Group races. Dates are on the notice board for these events held in May and June. Entry forms are handed out nearer the time, however please ask if you haven’t been given one.

In the past the club has trialled a system whereby all Improvers and Squad were automatically entered for the Age Group races  and only removed from the list if the club was informed the swimmer was unable to attend. This resulted in a higher level of entrants and a very successful couple of evenings. With this in mind please put the Age group races dates in your diary!

Presentation night

Club members are presented with certificates and awards for their achievements during the year. Presentation nights are usually held on a Friday in November and start at around 7.15pm. You will be invited to the Presentation night if you are to receive a certificate, award or colours.

Parties for all

Winter

It is traditional for the club to have a Christmas party in December when all the swimmers have the opportunity to swim and then enjoy some party food (bring and share) in the cafeteria. Details and posters will be on the notice board nearer the time.

Summer

At the beginning of September there is an end of summer party. This is a chance for all swimmers to have a fun swim. Tadpoles swim in the indoor pool, Improvers and Squad in the outside pool. There is a hot dog and drink at the end of the evening for each swimmer. Tickets are sold in advance.