Thanks for expressing an interest in CSCSC Squads Programme. 

 

Swimming Squad Expectations

Camden Swiss Cottage Swim Club (CSCSC) swim across a number of locations in North London. Depending on the squad to which a swimmer qualifies there will be specific training schedule and varying criteria/levels of commitment that the swimmer will have to adhere to. More information can be found on each squad/programme webpage under the Squads menu. 

  • Performance Squads - 10+yrs Moving through Regional, National and International Level. A significant level of commitment is required.
  • Competitive Squads - 10+yrs Working towards County and Regional Standard. Core training group with a good level of commitment expected.
  • Academy Squads - 7-9yrs Introduction to competitive swimming for swimmers direct out of lessons.
  • Development Squads - 10+yrs Swimmers staying in the sport, training for fun, competing is optional. 
  • Masters - 18+yrs Swimmers staying competitive (optional) in the sport as a pastime. The Masters Squad is at capacity and operating a waitlist, regardless of experience. 

Swimmers aged 10 (end of year) without previous competitive swimming experience (checks will be undertaken via Rankings) will automatically be added to the waitlist. CSCSC is oversubscribed, therefore the club will not honour the Trial Processes (detailed below) for swimmers that are classified as these groups. We acknowledge this may be disappointing but as we do not know how long we will need to operate a waitlist, you may wish to seek alternative swimming clubs / provisions. 

Trial Process

  1. In order to participate in a trial, a swimmer must be atleast 7 years old and competent across all 4 strokes (front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly). Disability swimmers should be able to confidently swim a minimum distance of 25m unaided in deep water.
  2. A swim trial form (below) must be submitted to express an interest in trialling with CSCSC squads. 
  3. We will email you directly within 1 month with appropriate trial/waitlist options. Depending on the age and experience, swimmers may be invited to a formal trial or be invited to attend a training session with an appropriate squad (based on the information and supporting evidence provided on the trial form). ​​ ​
  4. Trials will only take place at the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Adelaide Rd London NW3 3NF. GLL reception staff will be able to provide trialists (with booking confirmation) access through the entry barriers without having to pay admission to the centre. No special equipment is required beyond a cap, goggles, swimming costume and towel.
  5. Once the trial is complete you will be contacted within 10 days with the outcome of the trial. At that time your swimmer may be invited for a further trial, to join a selected squad (determined by the Team Manager based on age and ability). Alternatively, your swimmer will be recommended to pursue swimming lessons to prepare them for a future trial, this will include specific feedback of areas of improvement (assessment criteria are listed as 'skills' in the classes section of a swimmer's account). 

Additional Information​

  • Only swimmers who have submitted an expression of interest form will be invited to register for a trial or join the waitlist. Any swimmers attempting to register or access a trial without official offer/confirmation to trial, will not be permitted. Additionally, do not attempt to attend a (preferred) squad training session - CSCSC coaches will refuse swimmer access. ​
  • Invitations to trial are time sensitive. Due to limited squad capacities and ongoing interest from prospective members, communication from the club will come with a non-negotiable deadline for your response/action.
  • Swimmers selected for a squad will be invited for a further trial/taster session. Please review the squad's training schedule and commitment required (under the Squads menu) before accepting the taster session. 
  • Those targeting squads operating at capacity will be automatically added to the waitlist. Only when a space becomes available will the club invite the swimmer to attend a trial. Please do not chase club administrators for updates or to enquire a swimmer's place on the waitlist  (you will not receive a response) as they cannot anticipate if/when a place will become available. 
  • Currently registered in the CSCSC L2S programme? Do not complete the trial form, your entry will be deleted. For more information, follow the link to the L2S area of the website. https://www.camdenswimming.co.uk/page/learn-to-swim