33 YEARS IN A ROW (1986-2019)

2015-2016 Flyers

Coach Richard Finkelstein and his team, the Flushing Flyers, have won 30 straight titles at the YMCA New York State Championships, most recently at SUNY Buffalo in March 2016. With more than 1,400 swimmers in attendance, the dedication of the kids, the parents, and the staff is the reason why the Flushing Flyers have made winning not only a goal but a habit.
(Swimmers World, May 2016)

 

THE FLUSHING FLYERS MISSION

The Flushing Flyers are aligned with the YMCA common core values of being a caring, honest, respectful and responsible athlete. The purpose of this Team shall be the promotion of the SPIRIT, MIND, & BODY of our youth through aquatic sports. In furtherance of such general purpose, the Team shall:

  • Assist in the provision and maintenance of Aquatic facilities and Equipment for use by our youth.

  • Plan and conduct, or assist in, the planning and conducting of aquatic team competitions for boys and girls.

  • Encourage the development of young children in aquatic sports by sponsoring competitions in age group classifications with limited age ranges.

  • Encourage boys and girls to participate in aquatic competitions sponsored by recognized amateur organizations and assist in their desire to participate.

  • Encourage boys and girls to join their school's aquatic teams and participate in the competitions available to such teams.

  • Cooperate with other amateur organizations in their efforts to promote aquatic sports among boys and girls.

We are a USA Swimming & YMCA Competitive Swim Team within the Metro LSC. Our swimming season begins in September and ends in August. The meets we attend are competitive and consist of both Metro meets and YMCA meets (which are USA Swimming sanctioned).

The team swims at the Flushing YMCA and has access to a 25-yard pool with 6 lanes.

SWIM GROUPS

There is a spot for every level of swimmer from the beginner to the Elite Level swimmer. Each training group is designed to complement each other and provide a swimmer with a goal oriented progression. Initial group placement is determined by a swimmer’s age, ability, personal goals, and attendance. Coaches’ discretion will also be taken into consideration for placement.

 

Richard "Richie" Finkelstein (Head Coach) As their head coach since his second season in 1959, the Flushing Flyers has grown exponentially and is now competitive at all levels, in USS and YMCA meets.

Julissa Sotelo (Aquatics Coordinator/Coach) Coach Julissa has been a dedicated member of the YMCA since 2002 serving as both - Aquatics Coordinator and as the coach of the Silver team.

Kaitlin Toussaint (Aquatics Director) 

 

HISTORY OF THE FLUSHING YMCA

The first YMCA branch in Flushing opened before the area was part of New York City in 1895. It closed in 1897, however, due to financial problems. Not until 1926 did a branch reopen in Flushing as part of the significant expansion of the Brooklyn YMCA, soon to be called the Brooklyn and Queens YMCA. As envisioned in 1920, the branch served Bayside, Douglaston, College Point, Whitestone, and other communities in the immediate area. Ground was broken in December 1924, and the building was ready for occupancy in March 1926.


The Flushing branch broke new ground in several ways. First, by 1927, there were almost 900 women in the facility membership roles. Second, the Flushing branch planners were responsible for expanding the association's name from the Brooklyn YMCA to the Brooklyn and Queens YMCA, a change that occurred in 1924. The Flushing branch became known for its swimming programs and was the training home of several Olympic swimmers, including Lynn Burke, who won the gold in the 100-meter backstroke in 1960, and Wayne Anderson, a breaststroke swimmer who competed in the 1964 Olympics. Still with an avid swim team, the Flushing Flyers, the Flushing Y continues to take home medals at city and state YMCA swim competitions.


Today, the branch continues to welcome visitors from around the world access to its world-class swimming and fitness facilities. The Flushing Y continues to build on its historic emphasis on aquatics, providing swimming classes for all ages and levels of ability.