ABOUT US

The YMCA of Columbia Swim Club (Mudcats) was formed in 1999. Fast forward to present day, our club has grown from less than fifty swimmers to more than three hundred swimmers and two locations. We are a USA and YMCA Swimming (dual-sanctioned) competitive program that offers high-quality, professional coaching. Our goal is to provide all members opportunities to improve their swimming skills, while incorprating the YMCA core values (caring, repsect, responsiblity, honesty and faith). As coaches, our goal is to not only improve swimming skills and achieve success in the pool, but to teach life skills that will mold our young swimmers into successful young adults. 
 

GENERAL TEAM INFORMATION

Requirements:

• Must be a member of the YMCA of Columbia.
• ​Must be able to swim one length of the pool without assistance using backstroke and freestyle.
• First time year-round swimmers must provide a copy of birth certificate, required by USA Swimming.

Season: Year-Round (Season Starts in August)                              

Ages: 4-18 years old (Swimmers can compete in YMCA swimming to age 21)

Cost: Annual registration fee of $65 plus monthly dues listed below

USA Swimming: All swimmers must be members of USA Swimming.  This registration will be done by parents through USA Swimming.

Please Note: All NEW year round swimmers will receive a FREE one month trial prior to registering for the team or joining the YMCA. 

See Training Group Descriptions Below. 

LOCATIONS

Jeep Rogers Family YMCA
Address: 900 Lake Carolina Drive, Columbia, SC 29229
Phone: 803.451.8439
Coach: Assistant Head Coach Steve Leal

NorthWest Family YMCA
Address: 1501 Kennerly Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Phone: 803.407.8007  
Coach: Head Coach Berry Neville   
 

TRAINING GROUP DESCRIPTIONS

BRONZE: Age ranges from 4 to 12 years

Able to swim a legal 25-yards of freestyle and backstroke. Have the physical strength to practice for 60 minutes. Focus on improvement of technique in all competitive strokes, turns, racing starts, competitive swim rules, and fun.
Practices per Week: Two, 60 minutes each

SILVER: Age ranges 7 to 12 years

Able to swim 50-yards of freestyle and backstroke, and 25-yards of butterfly and breaststroke. Must be able to listen and follow directions and have the maturity and physical strength to complete 75 minute workouts. Focus is on improving technique, conditioning, racing starts, and turns.
Practices per Week: Two, 75 minutes each

GOLD: Age ranges 9 to 14 years

Able to legally swim 100-yards of all four competi- tive strokes, plus a 200 Individual Medley (IM). Able to perform racing stars and all four turns. Able to listen and follow directions and have the maturity and physical strength to complete 90 minute workouts. Focus is to continue to improve stroke technique, racing starts & turns, aerobic condition- ing, longer swim sets, sprints, race strategies, goal setting, and knowledge of pace/intervals. Attitude – demonstrates a commitment level necessary to attain higher levels of training. Expected to attend selected meets, plus highest qualified championship meets.
Practices per Week: Three to Four, 90 minutes each

JUNIOR: Age ranges 12 to 18

Expected to attend at least 70% of practices. This is a pre-cursor group aimed at bridging the Age Group and Senior Group programs. For swimmers not able to commit to Senior Group expectations or using swimming to cross-train or stay in shape. Focus on stroke mechanics, aerobic and anaerobic training, goal setting, and race strategy.
Practices per Week: Four to Five, 105 minutes each.

SENIOR: Age ranges 13 to 18

Expected to attend at least 80% of practices. Swimming is their primary activity with a desire to swim in college. Stroke mechanics, challenging aerobic and anaerobic training sets, goal setting, and race strategy emphasized. Expected to attend selected meets, plus highest qualified championship meets. Practices per Week: Five to Six, 120 minutes each. Optional morning practices offered.