Our Squads

Discover Your perfect squad with Flyers Swim Team

Flyers Swim Team features a well-structured squad pathway designed to nurture swimmers at every level, from learning the basics to reaching for high-level competition. Whether your goal is to improve your fitness, enjoy racing, or strive for elite performance, our squad system offers a clear progression to match your ambitions.


Check out the squads below to see where you fit best, then contact our head coach for more details and next steps.

The Mini Squad is the essential next step for young swimmers ready to move from Learn to Swim lessons into a fun, supportive, and non-competitive squad environment.

This squad is designed to help our youngest and mightiest swimmers build the foundations of swimming technique and skills across all four strokes. Swimmers will learn how to operate as part of a team, develop discipline and confidence, and be introduced to in-house race nights in a positive and encouraging way.

Who is it for

  • Ideal for those who have completed Learn to Swim lessons and are ready for the next challenge. Primarily for swimmers aged 6 – 10 years.

Training Expectations

  • Attend 1–2 sessions per week at Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre (of the 2 available)

  • Participate in a mix of technique, skill-building, and fitness-focused sets

  • Learn squad routines, lane etiquette, and the basics of goal setting

  • Demonstrate a positive attitude, teamwork, and willingness to learn

MINI SQUAD (PARC Only)

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD

The Development Squad (Dev) is the first step into competitive swimming at Flyers Swim Team. In the Development Squad, swimmers build on their foundational skills, developing strong technique across all four strokes with a special emphasis on medley swimming. Athletes learn how to train as part of a squad, develop discipline and confidence, and are guided through their first experiences with official racing in a positive and encouraging way. Training emphasises stroke refinement, developing endurance and speed.this squad introduces young athletes to official racing and club competitions in a fun, supportive, and team-focused environment. A key focus of the Development Squad at the Flyers is to support swimmers to develop Self- belief, positive self- worth and positive bonds with people in and out of the water.

Who is it for

  • For swimmers that display confidence and competence across the four (4) competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke & Freestyle) in their ability to maintain buoyancy and body alignment whilst able to develop propulsion in the water. It is designed as the next progression for those who have transitioned from our Mini Squad, alternatively another swimming clubs introductory squad or learn to swim squad. Please note that every program Australia wide have variations in their progression system, therefore we conduct an assessment/trial to ensure each swimmer is in the right squad for their swimming journey. This squad is primarily swimmers aged 8 – 11 years old.

Training Expectations

  • Attend 2-3 sessions per week (of the 4 available)

  • Participate in a mix of technique, skill-building, and fitness-focused sets

  • Learn squad routines, lane etiquette, and the basics of goal setting

  • Demonstrate a positive attitude, teamwork, and willingness to learn

JUNIOR SQUAD

The Junior Squad (Juniors) is the next step into competitive swimming with the Flyers Swim Team. In the Junior Squad, swimmers continue to build on their technical skills, across all four strokes with an ongoing emphasis on medley (IM) swimming. Athletes in the Junior squad actively work to develop their speed, strength and endurance in the water. As part of a structured training program swimmers experience a more challenging training environment, developing consistency in their technique and ability; whilst being encouraged to set and achieve personal goals in both training and competition. In the Flyers Junior Squad, we aim to improve Sport specific skills, overall health & fitness, healthy training habits, while improving the swimmers confidence (Self- belief, resilience, mental toughness & positive self-worth) and Character (Respect for the sport, ethical and moral responsible behaviour, integrity and empathy).

Who is it for?

  • For swimmers looking at taking their swimming to the next level that display a continued development of confidence and competence across the four (4) competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke & Freestyle). Swimmers are actively working towards achieving one or more ‘Swimming Victoria Metropolitan Championship’ time, which requires that they have motivation and ambition to swim and can independently engage with the core elements of the session whilst being guided by their coach. This is often reflected in the swimmers ability to engage with and complete the session/program. This is a competitive squad designed for those who are competitors at internal club events, swim meets on the Flyers Meet schedule and school events. It is designed as the next progression for those who have transitioned from our Development Squad, alternatively a swimmer transferring from another swimming clubs junior squad (please note that every program Australia wide have variations in their progression system, therefore we conduct an assessment/trial to ensure each swimmer is in the right squad for their swimming journey). This squad is primarily swimmers aged 10 – 13 years of age.

Training Expectations

  • Attend 4 - 5 sessions per week (of the 6 available)

  • Emphasis on advanced technique, aerobic fitness, and race preparation

  • Learn about goal setting, competition planning, and personal responsibility within the squad

  • Demonstrate teamwork, leadership, and a strong work ethic

INTERMEDIATE SQUAD

The Intermediate Squad (Inters) is the next step up in competitive swimming with our club. Swimmers within this squad are actively working towards achieving one or more Swimming Victoria State Age Qualifying times. Within the Intermediate Squad, swimmers may begin to gravitate towards specific events (strokes/distances), however continue their ability to participate in a diverse range of training across all strokes. Swimmers focus on further refining their technique, building endurance, and mastering advanced race strategies. Training is more intensive and structured, challenging athletes to push their limits while fostering a strong team spirit and leadership skills. Swimmers are encouraged to take greater ownership of their training and competition goals as they prepare for state-level racing. In the Flyers Intermediate Squad, we actively work to support each individual in developing Competence, Character, Confidence & Connection both within the sport of swimming and externally in every-day life.

Who is it for?

  • For swimmers looking at taking their swimming to the next level that display a continued development of confidence and competence across the four (4) competitive strokes (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke & Freestyle). They have motivation and ambition to swim and can independently engage with a wide variety of sessions whilst being guided by their coach. This is often reflected in the swimmers ability to engage with and complete the session/program. This is a competitive squad designed for those who are competitors at internal club events, swim meets on the Flyers Meet schedule and school events. It is designed as the next progression for those who have transitioned from our Junior Squad, alternatively a swimmer transferring from another swimming clubs state development squad (please note that every program Australia wide have variations in their progression system, therefore we conduct an assessment/trial/discussion to ensure each swimmer is in the right squad for their swimming journey). This squad is primarily swimmers aged 12 – 15 years of age.

Training Expectations

  • Attend 5 - 6 sessions per week (of the 6 available)

  • Focus on advanced stroke technique, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, speed, strength and race skills

  • Develop competition routines, goal setting, and personal accountability

  • Exhibit leadership, resilience, and a commitment to the Flyers Swim Team Values (as found on ‘About Us - Our Team’)

SENIOR SQUAD

The Senior Squad (Seniors) represents the pinnacle of the Flyers Swim Team pathway, designed for swimmers who are committed to swimming as a sport and have aspirations of competing at the highest levels in Victorian, Australian and/or International events. Swimmers in this group consistently compete at the Victorian State Championship and Swimming Australia Age/Open National Championship levels demonstrating elite skills, commitment, and leadership within the club.

Within the Senior Squad, swimmers have begun to specialise in specific events (strokes/distances), and display the ability to participate in a diverse range high level training. Swimmers focus on further refining their technique, building race skills, and mastering advanced race strategies. Training is more intensive and structured, challenging athletes to push their limits while fostering a strong team spirit and leadership skills. Swimmers are encouraged to take greater ownership of their training and competition goals as they prepare for state-level racing. In the Flyers Intermediate Squad, we actively work to support each individual in developing Competence, Character, Confidence & Connection both within the sport of swimming and externally in every-day life.

Who is it for?

  • For swimmers looking at taking their swimming to the next level of qualifying for Australian Championships (Age/Open). Swimmers within this squad display self motivation and the ambition to swim. Swimmers are required to independently engage with a variety of sessions throughout the training program (which may be discussed with the coach subject to their goals/targets). This is often reflected in the swimmers ability to engage with and complete the sessions/programs on offer. This is a competitive squad designed for those who are competitors at internal club events, swim meets on the Flyers Meet schedule and school events. It is designed as the next progression for those who have transitioned from our Intermediate Squad, alternatively a swimmer transferring from another swimming clubs state or national squad (please note that every program Australia wide have variations in their progression system, therefore we conduct an assessment/trial/discussion to ensure each swimmer is in the right squad for their swimming journey). This squad is primarily swimmers aged 15+ years of age.

Training Expectations

  • Attend 7 - 8 swim sessions per week (of the 8 available) + participate in an on/off site ‘Strength and Conditioning’ or ‘Strength and Mobility’ program in consultation with coach

  • Focus on elite-level technique, advanced race strategies, and optimal performance in competition

  • Develop individual race plans, set ambitious goals, and track progress with coach support

  • Demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a positive influence within the squad and club

Multi Class (MC)

At the Flyers Swim Team, we support every swimmer and want to ensure that Multi Class (MC) athletes are guaranteed a group of protected sessions that they can gain individualised support and coaching from our team. Our club is proudly inclusive, and we welcome swimmers of all abilities. Wherever possible, we integrate swimmers into our existing squads so every athlete can train, grow, and thrive alongside their peers. Our coaching team is licensed through the Swim Australia National Coaching Framework and works closely with Alex Hirschner, Head Coach of the Victorian Paralympic Coaching Team. This partnership ensures our coaches are supported with the latest knowledge and best‑practice approaches for swimmers with a disability. Class swimmers are welcome to partake in any of our squad levels based on their ability, however we also offer 3 specialty sessions per week that may target skill or technique specific needs of swimmers, or provide someone with ongoing fitness and strength based sessions in the water.

Who is it for?

  • Multiple Classification or Multi-Class Swimming, is the format of competitive swimming in Australia for people with disabilities to compete in a fair and equitable way. Multi-Class swimming events follow similar rules as non Multi-Class swimming events, with adjustments and flexibilities used to support swimmers with disabilities who may need further assistance around the pool, for example, optional platform or in-water starting positions for races and the use of sensory aids like ‘tappers’ or signals for swimmers who are Deaf or Blind.

Fitness Squad

At the Flyers Swim Team, we support every swimmer and understand that not everyone wants to swim competitively, or require a ‘reload’ in their commitments due to life… however wish to remain engages in swimming as a sport for it’s physical fitness and social benefits. So we have addressed this need by providing the ‘Fitness Squad’ as a non-competitive alternative for swimmers wishing the Advanced Junior Squad to Intermediate/Seniors ability level.

We currently offer up to 4 sessions per week that are shorter in length than typical squad sessions and provide a supportive environment for swimmers to continue to develop or maintain their skills and fitness in the pool, without the commitment to a full squad program or competition. This squad also offers program re-entry opportunities to the rest of our program in the event a swimmer wishes to re-engage swimming as a sport.

Who is it for?

  • The swimmer that is able to engage in all four swim strokes and can engage with a coach to participate in a structured program/session. This may be a swimmer looking to move away from competitive swimming, or that wants to take a break while working on other commitments.

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