Welcome to the Homepage of the Swimming Waikato Regional Squads

The Swimming Waikato Regional Squads have been around for over a decade– starting as IM and age-based development squads in the late 2009/2010 (prior to that we had train with a champion stroke development days throughout the 2000s) moving to the more consistent format we have had over the last 5-6 years.

As we continue to move towards Paris 2024, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 and everything in between the focus of our squads at all levels continues to evolve and adapt to best suit the needs of our wider group of swimmers to ensure we contribute positively to the needs and provide the tools at all levels to keep upping our performances in the pool. 

All Squad opportunities are discussed in collaboration with the Swimming Waikato Snr Coaching Group, alongside our Regional Squad Lead, Alastair Johnson, and the administration team at Swimming Waikato. 

 

Regional Squads Pathway

SQUADS SUMMARY

2024-2026 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

APPLICATION LINKS - INTAKE 2

Entries close – 31 August 2024
Qualifying Period – 06 July till 24 August 2024

Regional Squad Opportunities

REGIONAL PERFORMANCE CENTRE (RPC)

Delivering a comprehensive training program that immerses athletes in a daily, athlete-centered environment for swimming development.

RPC’s VISION – To create an athlete centric environment that drives swimmers to win medals at pinnacle international events.

RPC’s PURPOSE – Bringing together like-minded swimmers to achieve a common goal, through world-class coaching and accountability to the process of becoming professional/elite athletes and leaders within the community.

RPC’s VALUES 

  • Accountability – Honest application to the standards you have set for yourself.

  • Perseverance – Learning through experience and never giving up in pursuit of your goal.

  • Support – Celebrating teammate’s successes.

  • Excellence – Aiming to perform at a world-class standard daily.

For more information on the RPC, following the link to the Program webpage

 

REGIONAL AGE SQUAD

Domestic training opportunities, as well as an out of region, or international tour.
Tour dates and locations have been discussed, however we are awaiting SNZ’s Competition Review before announcing.

Squad Specific Educational Sessions:
Nutrition
Strength and Conditioning

Kit – to be issued to those swimmers who are touring with the squad. All swimmers will receive a Swimming Waikato training cap.

REGIONAL PATHWAY SQUAD

Domestic training opportunities, as well as an out of region tour.
Tour dates and locations have been discussed, however we are awaiting SNZ’s Competition Review before announcing.

Squad Specific Educational Sessions:
Nutrition
Strength and Conditioning
Flexibility

Kit – to be issued to those swimmers who are touring with the squad. All swimmers will receive a Swimming Waikato training cap.

REGIONAL XLR8 SQUAD

Qualifying for this squad is based off all listed XLR8 achievers club swimmers who achieve more than 1500 xlr8 points within the qualifying period of July 1st through to April 30th. The squad is capped at the highest achieving 30 athletes and the cut off of selected points scores is at discretion of coaching group.

10, 11 & 12-year-old swimmers who are our highest pointed young athletes through our XLR8 achievers programme over the qualifying period will have the opportunity to attend four annual Swimming Waikato Stroke Clinics. Swimmers already on Pathway Squads will not qualify for these stroke clinics. The Chief Executive may at his discretion select Wild Card entries for this Squad. This squad will include up to 30 swimmers in each season.

Swimmers who qualify for the Stroke Clinics will be contacted by Swimming Waikato, therefore are not required to fill out an application form.

For more information on Swimming Waikato’s XLR8 Achievers Club please visit our website at: https://swimmingwaikato.co.nz/xlr8-achievers-club/ 

Operational Leadership

Coaching Leadership

The Swimming Waikato Regional Squads is a ‘Coach-Led’ program, with input, guidance and delivery supported by the Swimming Waikato Coaching Leadership Group. The program is led by the Regional Squad Lead, Alison Fitch in collaboration with the Managment of Swimming Waikato and the pre-mentioned Coaching Leadership Group. 

We encourage all member coaches to get involved with the Regional Squads and support our regional based swimmers.

Contact for more details [email protected]

Alastair Johnson – Regional Squad Lead 
Mat Woofe – Hamilton Aquatics
Graham Smith – St Paul’s Swimming Club
Zac Taylor – St Peter’s
Jeremy Tasker – St Paul’s Swimming Club