Our swimmers train with the Swim Academy Network and the Melbourne Sports Centres (elite high performance) squad programs, which provide all squad training for Western Melbourne Propulsion Swim Club. For detailed information regarding swim programs, including squad times, locations and costs, visit the Swim Academy Network.
Regardless of whether you are hoping to make an international team or are a junior swimmer joining a squad for the first time, our squad framework ensures each swimmer's potential is maximised in a positive and inclusive environment.
Our squads train at:
We utilise the gym facilities provided at Melbourne University, Brimbank and MSAC [elite high performance only].
Transition Squad (1-2x per week, 60-75 minutes)
Our entry level squad is for those who have completed Learn-to-Swim, and introduces them to a squad environment, longer training sessions and practicing of more race-specific skills.
Competitions that we prepare transition athletes for include:
- school competitions
- Metro West district competitions
- Propulsion club meets
- encouragement meets
Junior Squad (2-3x per week, 75-90 minutes)
The next level in our squad system is tailored to those who have progressed beyond transition squad, who can train more frequently and for longer, with the same emphasis on race skills.
Competitions that we prepare transition athletes for include:
- school competitions
- Metro West district competitions
- Propulsion club meets
- encouragement meets
Metro Squad (3-4x per week, 90 minutes)
Metro squad is designed for children who have once again grown older, stronger and faster, who are now targeting higher level competitions.
Competitions that we prepare transition athletes for include:
- Victorian Metro championships (short course & long course)
- Metro West district competitions
- Propulsion club meets
- school competitions
State Age Squad (5-7x per week, 90-120 minutes)
Our state age squads (both streams) are for those with Victorian State Age qualifying times, whose goals are to succeed at the state level and eventually progress towards making finals and qualifying for nationals. We heavily encourage swimmers at this level to also participate in our strength & conditioning sessions.
Competitions that we prepare transition athletes for include:
- Victorian Age Championships (short course, long course, sprint and/or open water)
- Victorian Metro championships (short course & long course)
- Metro West district competitions
- Propulsion club competitions
National Age & National Target Squad (7-8x per week, 120 minutes)
For those who are qualified for national age championships, whose goals are to succeed at the national level by making finals, winning medals and/or making junior national teams. It also aims to prepare those swimmers for open age competition.
Competitions that we prepare transition athletes for include:
- Victorian Age Championships (short course, long course, sprint and/or open water)
- Victorian Metro championships (short course & long course)
- Metro West district competitions
Masters Squad (1-2x per week, 60 minutes)
A squad for those aged 18 & above, with a program that is supportive of a range of goals including:
- Fitness
- Fun / social swimming
- Competition preparation (pool, open water and/or triathlons)
There is no expectation to compete if you are in this squad.
State Open Squad (3-5x per week, 90-120 minutes)
The State Open squad is designed to serve four purposes:
- Allow those in VCE/Uni to continue to train in an environment that reflects their current commitment to the sport
- Serve as a pathway into the National Open squad
- Allow those with State Qualifying times and/or National qualifying times to train without committing to 9 sessions per week.
- Provide a high level training environment for those competing in triathlons and open water events
The State Open Squad is a competitive squad as a result it is expected that all swimmers in this squad are available to compete and are Propulsion members. If the intention is not to compete, then those over the age of 18 are encouraged to enroll in our masters squad program.
National Open Squad (6-9x per week, 120 minutes)
A squad for those with open national qualifying times and are aged 18+, with the aims of performing at the open national level by making finals, winning medals & making teams.
Swimmers who are still in school but have open national times can attend sessions with this squad, but are unlikely to be able to juggle the full training timetable with school commitments.
For enquiries about joining the national open squad, please contact seb.b@swimacademynetwork.com.au
Although we are a performance based squad program, we also offer recreational swimmer pathways for those swimmers wanting to improve fitness and conditioning rather than compete.
We pride ourselves on our low swimmer to coach ratio, which has enabled us to consistently achieve results comparable to larger squad programs.
We endeavour to have at least one coach at all targeted swim meets. The assigned coach will assist with warm-up, swim down and race review.
We believe swimming is a team sport and that training camps give swimmers the opportunity to not only develop as athletes but also bond as teammates.
We are lucky enough to have a number of expert external supports to assist our squad program. This includes physios, strength and conditioning coaches and sport scientists.
We endeavour to develop our swimmers not just as athletes but as future leaders in the club and wider community. We are very proud of our former athletes who have gone on to become committee members, teachers, coaches and even Swimming Victoria Board members.
All our coaches and teachers take the ‘more than a swimmer’ approach to all squad members. We understand the need for flexibility in our squad program to meet the individual athlete’s mental, social and academic needs.
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Please note, our coaching team will contact your current program prior to any trials or assessments taking place.
We recommend discussing any potential program changes with your own coach prior to making your enquiry.
