Heritage Greens Gators Swim Team – Pre Team Approach
What: The Gator Pre-team allows an opportunity for kids who are not quite ready for swim competition to develop their swimming skills and participate in the fun of the neighborhood swim team. The goal of the program is to prepare kids to move up to the competition team by the following season or within the season if they are ready. The Pre-Team will also allows us to fuel the future of our Gators swim program by introducing kids to the sport of swimming in an age-appropriate and comfortable environment.
Who: The Pre-team is for children who have basic swimming skills but are not yet ready for regular practices or competition. This program is intended for kids who have basic swimming ability but are not yet ready to swim the full length of the pool without stopping. To join the pre-team your child should be able to:
1. Put his/her face in the water
2. Swim at least a third of the length of the pool on his/her own (any stroke)
3. Listen and follow coaches’ direction
4. Be safe in the pool without an adult within reach
The program is not intended to be a substitute for basic swim lessons. The goal of the program is for kids to progress toward swimming 25 meters of freestyle and backstroke. Coaches will evaluate children who sign up to determine if they are ready to participate.
Details: Pre-team a great option for those in their first year with the Gators. Pre-team members will be age 4 or older and meet the criteria above. The coaches will provide age appropriate activities so that the program is beneficial for older swimmers that are new to the team.
At the conclusion of the season, the Pre-team will compete in a “fun meet” at the HG pool where they will get to experience racing and celebrate their achievements. If at any point during the season a pre-team swimmer is ready to compete in meets and move to age-group practices, they may do so.
Pre-team members will experience all of the team aspects of being a Gator. They are invited to participate in all of the social activities for the team and are encouraged to attend meets to cheer for the team.
Pre-team swimmers are registered as part of the team through the standard registration process. Parents of pre-team swimmers will still have a volunteer commitment to the team. Pre-team swimmers are not required to purchase a team suit, but can do so if they choose. They are also welcome to show their team support with Gator Gear.
Pre-team will practice daily during the standard team practice times – specific schedule is TBD. While practice will be offered 5 days a week, we understand that not every child will practice every day. We would like the swimmers to participate several days a week at a minimum so that they feel a part of the team and are comfortable with the practices. Pre-team will have dedicated coaches who lead their practices.
If you have any questions or are wondering whether Pre-team is right for your child, please contact Amy Walker Kurtz.