LEARN TO SWIM:  Ages 6+

Swimmers in this group are learning the very basics of swimming and water safety. They will learn how to adapt in the water with proper breathing, kicking, and body position.As swimmers become more comfortable, they will learn the basics of all four swimming strokes and advance to Pre-Team after an evaluation of skills.

PRE-TEAM:  Ages 7+

Swimmers in Pre-Team are introduced to USA Swimming competition and rules. We continue to develop all swimming strokes with a primary focus on stroke technique, proper breathing, kicking, body position, starts, turns, and having fun. Swimmers will build endurance for 25-meter lap swimming, learn rules, safety, and lane etiquette. Committed swimmers may be invited to compete in the 10 and under USA Swimming agre group competitions. Pre-Team practices are 45 minutes twice a week.

BRONZE:  Ages 7-9 (grades 2-5)

Bronze swimmers must be able to swim 25 meters of all four competitve strokes. The training for this group focuses on developing and improving technique for all competitive strokes, interval training, and building endurance to prepare for more rigorous practices and competitions. Rules of swimming are reinforced with an emphasis on safety, lane etiquette, and legal starts, turns, and finishes. Bronze swimmers are highly encouraged to compete regularly in USA Swimming age group competitions and may attend competitions once a month or every two months. Practices for this level are three days per week for one hour each day.

SILVER:  Ages 9-11 (grades 3-5)

Silver swimmers advance from Bronze and continue to practice and improve their stroke technique while building their endurance and prepare to compete. They are more committed to competitive swimming and have a consistent understanding of training methods, expectations, rules, and ethics of the sport. There is a greater emphasis on distance training, endurance, breath control, and efficiency in the water to prepare for competitive races within their age group. Swimmers at this level are expected to compete regularly in USA Swimming competitions and must be able to compete in events of 50 and 100 yards for each competitive stroke. Practices for this level are five days a week for one hour each day with competitions once a month.

GOLD:  Ages 11+ (Middle School Grades 6-8)

Gold athletes continue to perfect their technique and build their endurance for sprint and distance swimming. They are expected to be committed athletes and have a solid understanding of training methods, expectations, rules, and ethics of the sport. There will be a greater emphasis on speed and endurance development and working to improve times to qualify for championship meets. All swimmers at this level are expected to compete regularly in USA Swimming competitions and may compete in FHSAA competitions for their respective schools (grades 6 and up). The Gold team practices six days a week for two hours each day. Swimmers are required to maintain 80% attendance (no more than four absences per month) to participate.

SENIOR:  Ages 13+

Senior swimmers will train with a focus on maximizing individual capabilities and long term athlete development by increasing volume, intensity, and strength training at each practice. These athletes are expected to be highly committed to swimming and exemplify athleticism, focus, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic expected of all MVAC swimmers. Our Senior athletes compete year-round at various levels of USA Swimming competitions including Florida Senior Championships, Futures, and seasonally at the FHSAA competitions for their respective high schools (August-November). Some of our senior athletes also go on to compete at the collegiate, national, and international levels. The Senior group trains Monday through Saturday for two hours each day plus afternoon practices and weight training on select days. Senior swimmers are expected to attend all assigned practices and competitions.