Academy

Academy

The Swimming Development Academy is for swimmers aged 11 years and under who can already swim at least 25 meters. Developing stroke technique and building up distance ability is the main focus to enable progression through the four academy groups. Eventually swimmers reach the first main competitive squad, which is the Skill Development Squad.

The first stage is the Bronze Academy and this is run in partnership with SERCO LEISURE who operate the Aqua Vale Swimming & Fitness Center in Aylesbury and also the Swan Pool & Leisure Center in Buckingham.

Swimmers are invited from the Aqua Vale and Swan Pool lesson programme by their teachers (or by the Maxwell coaching staff) to attend once a week. The Bronze Academy is an hour in duration and is a supplement to the swimmers usual 30 minute ‘learn to swim’ lesson each week. The Bronze Academy aims to develop all four strokes along with an introduction to “starts and turns”.

Payments for the Bronze Academy remain payable to SERCO LEISURE and are £2 per lesson for children that were selected from the leisure centers ‘learn to swim’ programme. Swimmers from other ‘private learn to swim schools’ or ‘schools lessons’ can also join the Bronze Academy but pay £4 per lesson instead.

As swimmers develop they will progress through the Silver, Gold and Platinum stages where they will gradually build up their technique and stamina. When swimmers are ready to join the Silver Academy they must become members of Maxwell Swim Club and pay the relevant squad fee each month.