Junior A

This group is for swimmers who have achieved results at the Canadian Junior Championship level and/or Eastern National level. These swimmers will develop the aerobic capacity and skills required that will lead to the Senior A group. A high level of commitment, desire to succeed, desire to excel, and to achieve the highest possible level of performance are the foundations of this group. 

Attendance Criteria: Attendance is mandatory at all trainings, training camps, and competitions.

Hours of pool training per week: 16
Hours of dryland training per week: 5
Athlete Ages: 13-15 years old

Coach: Philip Garverick

Philip Garverick is a highly accomplished and passionate swimming coach whose career spans nearly three decades. Known for his process-driven approach and commitment to developing both elite athletes and well-rounded individuals, Philip believes firmly that "hard work works." His coaching philosophy centers on building strong relationships with athletes, fostering a growth mindset, and promoting excellence both in and out of the pool.

Philip began his coaching journey in 1996 as an assistant at Columbia Swim Club, where he became Head Coach in 1999 and later General Manager in 2006. Over his tenure, he helped grow the club from 57 to over 220 athletes and transformed it into one of the top swim programs in the United States. From 2008 to 2014, Columbia Swim Club was ranked in the top 5% of all USA swim clubs and received the Silver Medal of Distinction from the USA Swimming Club Excellence Program each year.

During this period, Philip coached over 50 U.S. Junior National qualifiers and 12 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers, earning accolades including Missouri Valley Coach of the Year (2003, 2006, 2011, 2013) and the ASCA Award of Excellence (2006–2009). He is an ASCA Level 4 Certified Coach, a Swimming Canada level 3 coach, and actively contributed to the sport's governance as a USA Swimming House of Delegates member and Senior Vice Chair of Missouri Valley Swimming from 2007 to 2014.

In 2014, Philip brought his expertise to Pointe-Claire Swim Club (PCSC) in Québec as a Senior Coach. Since then, he has played a key role in leading the club to national prominence, including two National Team Championships and four Junior National Team Championships. He was also a member of the 2019 World Championship coaching staff in South Korea.

His impact continued in the 2023–2024 season, with a standout year that included:

  • 3 nationally carded athletes
  • 3 athletes achieving the Junior Pan Pacific qualification standard (with 1 selected to the team)
  • A 2nd place overall team finish at the 2024 Canadian Swimming Championships, placing in the top 3 across all categories (Men, Women, Combined)
  • 1 athlete representing Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games

Whether guiding Olympic-level swimmers or helping young athletes discover their potential, Philip is dedicated to developing champions in the water—and resilient, disciplined, and values-driven individuals outside of it.

 

The Junior A group is a part of the PCSC Junior Program (13-15 years old)

The Junior program at Pointe-Claire Swim Club is for athletes aged 13 to 15. Groups in the Junior program are Junior A, Junior B, Junior C, and Sport-Etudes.

Program Information

  • Group placement is based on the athlete’s progression in the PCSC development model.
  • Athletes in this program focus on the further development of all four competitive strokes, skills and techniques while developing and maintaining a high level of fitness.
  • This program focuses on teaching athletes how to train effectively while preparing them to train more intensely in the future. We focus on mental development as well as providing new competitive opportunities at this level.
  • Aerobic development continues in the junior program.
  • Minimum attendance requirements during the season of 80% are expected in the Junior program, with a recommendation of 90% or higher for athlete progression.
  • Morning practices are introduced at this level for certain groups and required for certain groups.
  • Athlete progress is more focused on competitive performance compared to the Age Group program.

This program is important for:

  • Continuation of the individualization of the physical training approach.
  • Mental health development and ability to deal with adversity.
  • Advanced physical, technical, and tactical performance skills.
  • Further develop aerobic development training.
  • Ability to compete in various environments and conditions.
  • Maintenance and development of flexibility.
  • Development of autonomy, independence, and individual responsibility.
  • Lifestyle skill awareness and development.
  • Individualized strength development.