FTLL Group Descriptions
At the determination of the coaches, your swimmer will be placed in a group that best meets their current skill level. The intent is to place them in a challenging but not overwhelming training environment which in turn will lead to the swimmer improving in technique, strength, and endurance. As your swimmer progresses, they will be moved to the next group to ensure they are constantly motivated and challenged.
*** Practice guidelines and restrictions are subject to change.
Bronze Group
Monthly Fee: $90
Age Range: 12 & under (exceptions may apply)
Practice Duration: 45 minutes
Practice Yardage: 1,000 – 1,500 yards
Description:
The Bronze group focuses on foundational skill development including stroke technique, starts, turns, and basic rules—all in a fun, engaging environment. Swimmers must be able to swim 25 yards of any stroke without stopping and demonstrate the ability to listen and follow directions.
Equipment Requirements: Fins, kickboard, mesh bag, water bottle, suit, and team cap
Recommended Attendance: Minimum 2 practices per week for continued progress
USA Swimming Membership: Required – Year-Round/Premium
Meet Expectations: Participation in all intrasquad and home meets. Away meets encouraged with coach input based on stroke proficiency.
Volunteer Requirements: Parent involvement is essential. See the FTLL “Volunteer Policy” for full details.
Silver Group
Monthly Fee: $105
Age Range: 8 & older (exceptions may apply)
Practice Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Practice Yardage: 1,500 – 3,000 yards
Description:
The Silver group is designed for swimmers proficient in at least 3 of the 4 competitive strokes. Training focuses on refining technique, improving speed, and increasing aerobic capacity.
Equipment Requirements: Fins, kickboard, pull buoy, snorkel mesh bag, water bottle, suit, and team cap
Recommended Attendance: 3 of 4 pool practices plus 1 dryland session weekly
USA Swimming Membership: Required – Year-Round/Premium
Meet Expectations: All intrasquad and home meets required. A minimum of 2 away meets expected. Participation in championship meets is highly encouraged.
Volunteer Requirements: See the FTLL “Volunteer Policy” for full details.
Gold Group
Monthly Fee: $120
Age Range: 9 & older (exceptions may apply)
Practice Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Practice Yardage: 3,000 – 5,500+ yards
Description:
The Gold group serves three swimmer profiles: those training year-round for high school swimming, athletes having already achieved MV District times, aiming for Championship times, and those preparing to meet Platinum group standards. Emphasis is placed on stroke refinement, starts and turns, and aerobic development.
Equipment Requirements: Fins, kickboard, pull buoy, snorkel, paddles, mesh bag, water bottle, suit, and team cap
Recommended Attendance: 4 of 5 pool practices plus 2 of 3 dryland sessions per week. Platinum-aspiring swimmers are expected to attend all practices consistently.
USA Swimming Membership: Required – Year-Round/Premium
Meet Expectations: Minimum 1 meet per month; District and Championship meet attendance expected.
Volunteer Requirements: See the FTLL “Volunteer Policy” for full details.
Platinum Group
Monthly Fee: $135
Age Range: 12–19 (exceptions may apply)
Practice Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Practice Yardage: 4,000 – 7,500+ yards
Description:
Platinum is FTLL’s most advanced training group, designed for athletes who are committed to competitive swimming as a primary activity. Training is intensive, with a focus on achieving high-level goals such as State and Sectional qualifications. Must have achieved appropriate age group Championship times. The program also serves as preparation for collegiate swimming.
Equipment Requirements: Fins, kickboard, paddles, pull buoy, mesh bag, water bottle, suit, and team cap
Recommended Attendance: 100% attendance at both swim and dryland practices. Exceptions allowed for illness or pre-approved obligations; timely communication required.
USA Swimming Membership: Required – Year-Round/Premium
Meet Expectations: Minimum 1 meet per month. Participation in the highest level championship meet qualified for is expected.
Volunteer Requirements: See the FTLL “Volunteer Policy” for full details.
High School Conditioning Group
Monthly Fee: $90
Eligibility: Current high school students (9th grade and up)
Practice Duration: Up to 2 hours, max 3 practices/week
Practice Yardage: 2,500+ yards
Description:
This group is designed for high school swimmers seeking conditioning and stroke refinement outside their school season. Participation is limited to training only.
Equipment Requirements: Fins, kickboard, pull buoy, mesh bag, water bottle, suit, and team cap
USA Swimming Membership: Required - Year-Round/Premium
Meet Expectations: Home/intramural meets during the HS season are required. Away meet participation is not permitted during the high school season.
Volunteer & Fundraising: Not required for this group
Additional Details:
- This is a training-only group. Swimmers are not eligible for team events, banquets, or end-of-year awards.
- Registration includes a team cap only; no team shirt provided.
- Swimmers may go inactive during their high school season. No FTLL practices or coach communication allowed during
inactive periods.
General Notes
- Age ranges serve as guidelines. Coaches may place athletes in a group based on skill rather than age in consultation with the family.
- Equipment rental is available for Bronze and Silver swimmers. Gold rentals subject to availability. See "Swim Equipment Rental" for details.
- Refer to "Group Fees" for full pricing and registration details.
