PARENTS OF MINOR POOL SWIMMERS.
Dear Parents,
We have been having a successful year so far in the minor pool. The swimmers have been making
great progress and many have moved up through the ability groups in the minor pool and some have
progressed to the main pool Monday sessions.
As a result of this movement, spaces have become available and we have been able to assess and
bring in a few new members to the club. Having the benefit of a fourth coach in some sessions
means we have been able to divide some the 'Turtles' groups into smaller more ability specific
groups which has allowed for great progress for beginners. Parent helpers are also a great asset in
the 'Turtles' groups.
Saturday Sessions
Swimmers who have recently moved into the 'Sharks' group (top group minor pool) are reminded that
they can attend Saturday morning sessions 8:30-9:30. These classes take place in the main pool. We
strongly advise that if your child is in a 'shark' group, that you make every effort to ensure they attend
these sessions - they are greatly beneficial for extra technique teaching and for the swimmers to start
building up their stamina. Also, skills which cannot be taught in the minor pool are covered on
Saturday mornings, for example diving.
Aquasprints
As a swimming club, we are more than just a 'learn to swim' programme, and are able to provide a
much wider swimming experience as the children progress. Please keep yourself up to date with
what is going on in the rest of the club. The club notice board is just outside the minor pool viewing
gallery and you should check on a regular basis if there is anything relevant to you or your child.
The club takes part in a junior league called 'Aquasprints'. They will be taking part in several
Aquasprint swimming galas in the near future. This year the Aquasprint team consists of children
born in 2003 or after. The majority of them will be Monday night swimmers, however, a few
children in the 'sharks' group who also attend on Saturdays would be eligible and may be asked to
take part in a gala. The Aquasprint galas consist of 25metre (1 length) races in all four competitive
strokes as well as 2 relay events.
Some galas are hosted away and some are here in Ballymoney. Parents and children in the minor
pool would be most welcome to come and watch a home gala. This would be a very good idea for
'Shark' group swimmers to introduce them to what a gala is like and allow them to look forward with
excitement to the time when they may take part in one.
Help Required
Claire Hunter (Monday night coach) is looking for parent helpers on a rota basis. This is not a
coaching job, but as the role of a helper. You do not need to be a qualified coach or a good swimmer
to be of use on the poolside, simply being a responsible adult is enough! You would be given clear
instructions on how to help. If you think you could help with this even for a few weeks between now
and June, please sign your name on the rota on the noticeboard.
As always, if you have any questions or queries please let me know. You can speak to me during the
last 5 minutes (playtime) of each class or phone or e-mail me.
Julie Green 07736646170
julielagreen25@btinternet.com