Stage 8 competitive introduces children to the competitive swimming environment but maintains the award structures used in stages 1-7. Swimmers train for three one hour sessions per week. The sessions focus on technique and skill development.
Once the children have completed the stage 8 competitive award children can move to other stage 8 disciplines, external swim clubs or for the chosen few, progress in the competitive pathway.
Stage 8 competitive swimmers have the chance to be selected by Swim Training Scheme coaches to progress further in the competitive pathway which boasts county, regional, national and international standards.
To identify swimmers for the swim training scheme senior coaches visit each Stage 8 group to assess the swimmers. Coaching staff identify those swimmers who have proficient technique for the second stage of the progression process.
Swimmers will then undertake a trial to become a member of the swim training scheme. If successful a place is offered within a development squad of the swim training scheme.
Stage 8 sessions are available at the following centres:
Aireborough
Armley
JCCS (Invitation only)
John Smeaton
Kirkstall
Morley
Pudsey
Rothwell
Scott Hall
Wetherby