Practice Groups

Levels are determined by the coaching staff.  Requests for level changes to swim with siblings or friends will not be considered.

Gold:  This group is designed for competitive swimmers ages 14-18 who are the most serious and committed and have goals of competing and excelling at Age Groups, Seniors, Sectionals and beyond. Competition at swim meets is expected in this group. The expectation is that swimmers will attend 5-6 practices per week. (We've combined Gold 1/2 groups in the 2025-2026 season creating the Gold group).  

Silve​r 2:  Designed for competitive age group swimmers ages 9-14 who have goals of competing and excelling at Age Groups and beyond.  Athletes entering this group must display a desire to swim on a more committed basis. Competition at swim meets is expected in this group. The expectation is that swimmers will attend 4-5 practices per week. Maximum of 5 practices a week allowed.

Silver 1:  Designed for swimmers ages 9-16 who enjoy competitive swimming and looking to build a strong foundation in all 4 strokes. Competition at swim meets is expected in this group. Maximum of 4 practices a week allowed.

Bronze:  This group is for swimmers ages 6-12 who are focusing on improving all four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle).  Competition in swim meets is encouraged. Maximum of 4 practices per week allowed. 

 

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  1. All swim groups require an August 13, 2025 thru July 31, 2026 commitment.  Moving up in groups is at the coaches discretion and based on demonstrated performance.
  2. All swimmers must pay the $100 VSTP registration fee, and the $88 USA Swimming Registration fee (USA Swimming registration renews annual on September 1. New and existing athletes must wait to renew after September 1) to be eligible to attend practice and swim meets. Registration fees cover insurance, team shirt and team cap.
  3. 5% discount for paying all monthly swim fees in a lump sum upfront.
  4. Family discount – 1st full price per month, 2nd $15 discount per month, 3rd $15 discount, 4th etc. $15 discount
  5. Registration discounts for families with multiple athletes can be seen at registration.
  6. Group assignments are determined by the coaching staff. Requests for level changes to swim with siblings or friends will not be considered.
  7. Valley Swim Team Phoenix will hosts two swim meets in December and January.  Hosting this meet will net the team needed income to maintain team operations. To run this meet effectively, each swim family (ALL Swim Groups) is expected to volunteer at both meets.