Club squads
Harpenden Swimming Club has two key arms:
A competitive pathway based at Harpenden Pool and St Albans High School for Girls.
A Development Squad — our teaching programme for swimmers building foundational skills.
Swimmers are placed in squads based on ability and progress by meeting clear criteria set by our coaching team. These align with the British Swimming Performance Pathway and support long-term athlete development.
A useful overview of the UK swimming hierarchy of club structures, from HSC up to British Swimming at a national level, can be found here: Swimming hierarchy.pdf
Development squad
The starting point of the journey. Designed for swimmers still learning the basics, this squad focuses on water confidence and mastering all four strokes. Graduating from Development is a proud first step into the competitive side of the club.
Development squad – training times
| Sun | 14:30 – 15:30 | Harpenden pool |
Seals
Welcome to competitive swimming. Seals is where swimmers begin structured training, developing strong technique across all four strokes, plus starts and turns. It’s the launchpad for racing in club galas and league events.
We have compiled a short FAQ PDF for those joining the club and entering the Seals Training squad, Download it here.
Junior Seals – training times
| Wed | 18:00 – 19:00 | Harpenden pool |
| Sun | 14:30 – 15:30 | Harpenden pool |
Senior Seals – training times
| *Thur | 19:30 – 20:15 | Sandringham |
| Sun | 15:30 – 16:30 | Harpenden pool |
Otters
A step up in stamina and skill. Otters refine technique over longer distances and sharpen race execution. Swimmers gain experience in open meets and contribute to team competitions — a sign they’re becoming true competitors.
Otters – training times
| Wed | 18:00 – 19:00 | Harpenden pool |
| *Thur | 20:15 – 21:00 | Sandringham |
| Sun | 15:30 – 16:30 | Harpenden pool |
Dolphins
Where swimmers start to think like athletes. Dolphins tackle more technical sets, learn pace control, and train under time pressure. It’s a big leap forward, with many aiming for County Championship qualification.
Dolphins – training times
| Wed | 19:00 – 20:00 | Harpenden pool |
| *Thur | 18:00 – 19:00 | Nuffield St Albans |
| *Fri | 19:00 – 21:00 | Harpenden |
| Sun | 16:30 – 17:30 | Harpenden pool |
Competitive
This is where training gets serious. Competitive swimmers follow season-planned sets, sharpen race skills, and compete regularly. It’s a major achievement — and a platform for reaching County, Regional, and even National levels.
Competitive – training times
| Wed | 20:00 – 21:00 | Harpenden pool |
| Fri | 19:00 – 21:00 | Harpenden pool |
| Sun | 8:00 – 10:00 | Inspire Luton Sports Village (50m pool) |
Performance
The pinnacle of our programme. Performance swimmers train with intensity and purpose, focusing on race strategy, event specialisation, and peak performance. Selection reflects dedication, talent, and a drive to compete at the highest level.
Performance – training times
| Wed | 19:00 – 21:00 | Harpenden pool |
| *Thur | 19:00 – 21:00 | Nuffield St Albans |
| Fri | 19:00 – 21:00 | Harpenden pool |
| Sun | 08:00 – 10:00 | Inspire Luton Sports Village (50m pool) |
| Sun | 16:30 – 17:30 | Harpenden pool |