Swimming for all

The TD Squad Setup and Performance Pathway

The TD squads are structured to allow swimmers of all abilities to thrive in the water. Alongside our performance pathway we have a Triathlon club, Paraswimming, which is our para/disability squad and a TD Club for those wishing wishing to enjoy swimming outside of the performance pathway.

The TD Triathlon club has recently joined the TD family but has always had close links. Triathletes are able to benefit from expert aquatic coaching whilst also maintaining and developing their skills and techniques in running and cycling. If you are interested in becoming a member of TD Tri why not visit the webpage by following this link https://torfaentri.uk/ 

Torfaen Dolphins has a proud tradition of support and excellence in paraswimming and inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do at Torfaen Dolphins. We have athletes in the Welsh and British squads, with two of our members recently competing at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. You will be assessed and positioned in the best squad for you. This assessment is based on your needs to ensure you are with, where possible, other swimmers with similar abilities. This means you will be based in one of our Development/Performance squads. The aim is to maximise your potential in a safe and supportive environment whether you are in aquatics to assist with mobility and flexibility or would like to race.

TD Club is a pathway for confident swimmers who have moved on from performance pathways or for the mature swimmer who is looking for a structured swim session. This pathway is for the swimmer who wants more than swimming in a public session. The TD Club sessions have a set plan that builds on techniques and stamina in the water. The competitive Masters pathway allows mature swimmers to compete with their age groups, with events happening all round the country. Alternatively you can maintain a high level of fitness but not compete the choice is yours. 

If you are interested in any of our pathways contact [email protected] for a taster session or more information. 

The Swimming Journey

Young swimmers begin their TD journey in Foundation where you are taught to enhance your swimming techniques and gain greater confidence in the water. The focus at this stage is mastering all four strokes and building stamina before moving to the Development Squad. The development squad fine tunes the basic skills learnt in Foundation and further develops and enhance techniques whilst introducing you to the competitive environment.  There is no pressure for you to compete but you will learn race craft such as tumble turns and competitive starts. As you improve your stroke and fitness you will be moved to the Transition Performance Squads and ultimately Performance which have produced age group swimmers at the very highest levels of elite swimming. Here you will refine your skills and techniques further and build fitness and endurance in the pool and through Land training. In the Performance squad there is an expectation to compete and you will be coached in race craft.

Whether you wish to compete or gain greater confidence in the water, Torfaen Dolphins has a pathway for you.

If you are an experienced club swimmer and would like to join Torfaen Dolphins, there is always an opportunity to come along for a free trial in Transition Performance or Performance Squads. You will be assessed by an experienced coach who will advise you on the best squad to match your abilities.