​AM Pod Squad:  Register HERE!

 

PM Pod Squad:  Registration is currently full.  Please email [email protected] to join the waitlist.

 

 

 

Join Willowdale's Pod Squad

 

Willowdale is excited to announce our Pod Squad program.  This is a pre-swim team program that is designed to help children who already have water experience but are not yet able to swim a full lap (25 meters) on their own unassisted.  The goal is to ready swimmers for participation on the swim team, either later in the summer or in a future summer.

 

Generally, Pod Squad swimmers should be between 4 to 7 years of age and interested in joining the swim team this summer or in a future summer.

Prequisites

 

Prerequisites to join the Pod Squad are:

  • able to be in the water away from a parent without being upset
  • able to put their face in the water without being upset
  • able to stand in 3 feet of water with their chin above the water
  • able to get across the shallow end of the pool (approximately 10 meters) without touching the bottom of the pool and without assistance (no proper stroke technique required)
  • at least 4 years of age
  • member of Willowdale Swim Club

If your swimmer does not meet these prerequisites, please consider utilizing our Learn To Swim program.

 

The Program

 

The Pod Squad is overseen by the swim team Assistant Coach, and assistance is provided by other Assistant Coaches and, at times, senior swim team members and/or lifeguards. There is a ratio of 1 coach to 6 swimmers.  Instruction takes place in the shallow end of the pool. 

 

​The Pod Squad coaching staff teaches the fundamentals of swimming, such as kicking and breathing, with a focus on preparing swimmers for the basics of competitive swimming.  All four competitive strokes plus technique will be introduced in a relaxed and fun environment.

 

Pod Squad swimmers are also invited to participate in Wednesday swim meets (“B” meets) that occur on 2 to 3 Wednesday evenings from late June to late July, where they can enter a kickboard race in their first swimming competitions.  Some Pod Squad swimmers will move up to swim team by the end of the season.

 

Pod Squad members will receive a complimentary swim team t-shirt and are invited to all swim team social events and celebrations, including our end-of-season banquet.

 

 

Practice

 

Pod Squad practices are offered at the following times:

  • Evaluations - Wednesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 12
    • ​5:00-5:30 pm - swimmers who will attend PM sessions during the Regular Season
    • 5:30-6:00 pm - swimmers who will attend AM sessions during the Regular Season

*All swimmers registered for Pod Squad should attend both days of evaluations on June 11 and 12.

  • Early Season - Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 19
    • ​5:00-5:30 pm - swimmers who will attend PM sessions during the Regular Season
    • 5:30-6:00 pm - swimmers who will attend AM sessions during the Regular Season​​​
      ​
  • ​Regular Season - June 23 to July 18
    • ​AM Pod Squad:  Mondays to Fridays, 10:00-10:30 am
    • PM Pod Squad: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 5:00-5:30 pm

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Registration and Payment

Please note the following important points about Pod Squad registration and payment:

  • The fee for the 5.5-week Pod Squad season in 2025 is $150.
  • To ensure proper instruction and water safety, there is a maximum enrollment cap of 12 swimmers for each of the AM and PM Pod Squad sessions.
    • ​Parents will be asked to register their swimmer for either the AM or PM Pod Squad program at the time of registration.
    • Once the enrollment cap has been reached, a waitlist will be offered.
    • Switching to a different session (e.g., switching from AM Pod Squad to PM Pod Squad) is subject to the enrollment cap.
  • Evaluations and initial instruction will occur on June 11 and 12.  Swimmers should attend on both days.  If the Assistant Coach determines that your swimmer does not meet the prerequisites outlined above, a full refund of the $150 fee will be provided.
  • The deadline for withdrawing your swimmer from the Pod Squad (for any reason) is Friday, June 20th.  To withdraw your swimmer and receive a full refund, please email Kelly Gastley at [email protected] by June 20th.
  • Between June 21st and June 27th, swimmers who need to withdraw for medical reasons (with a doctor’s note provided) will receive a full refund.
  • Swimmers who withdraw for any reason after June 27th will not receive a refund.