England Talent Development Synchro Squad

Athletes are selected for the squad from their performances at the British Gas National Age Groups Championships in December and from a selection camp in February. Athletes on the squad continue to work with their clubs but prepare for national competitions with regular training camps.

They also have access to specialist coaches who provide personal feedback from training and competition.

The squad has three key objectives:

• To introduce athletes to International Competition and increase the competitive experiences

•To develop athletes to reach their full potential.

• To increase the development of the Talent Coaches

Proposed Plans for 2010*

The information below outlines the plans for the squad during 2010.
 

• International Competition

1 x International Competition – June/July 2010

• Training Days/Camp

Selection Camp February half term

Approx. 35 training days

Training – a mixture of camps And weekend training.

• Monitoring Program

Programme from phase one- phase two selection – focus on Fitness and Flexibility

Programme from phase two-Competition – focus on Synchro specifics

Development work from September-December via camps, email, tests, video etc

Selection

• Selection phase one will take place at the 2009 National Age Groups December

• Selection phase two will take place at a Selection Camp: February (tbc)

Phase One (Athletes eligible for selection must be born 1995 – 97)

• Athletes must enter 12 & Under or 13-14 Figure event at the 2009 National Age Groups.

• Athletes will have to hold the relevant skill level to compete.

• The top 13 athletes from the 13/14 Figure event will be invited to phase 2.

• The top 3 athletes that are 12 years old from the 12&Under Figure event will be invited to phase 2.

Phase Two

• 16 athletes will be invited to the selection camp (dates and location tbc)

• 12 athletes will be selected to the England Talent Development Squad

• Selection will be based on fitness, flexibility and routine swimming

Phase Three

• The Head Coach and Assistant Coach(es) will select 10 athletes for the travelling squad

• Athletes 11 and 12 will be reserves to the travelling squad

• Only 10 athletes will be selected to travel to the competition

Staff

• 1 x Head Coach

• 1 x Assistant Coach

• 1 x Team Manager/Assistant Coach

• Specialists Staff

*Plans may change due to budget constraints.