New Club Squad System Launched

Our new 'Squad System' continues to develop with swimmers now being placed in one of our six development groups; Gold, Silver, Blue, Green, Red and Yellow. The idea is to focus coaching on swimmers of approximately the same level of ability to improve their technique and performance. Promotion from one squad to another will not be dependent upon age, those who are identified as 'out performing' their squad will be moved to the next level. In order to make this possible each squad has been assigned a number of sessions where they can meet and train together. Details of these sessions are available on the club noticeboard. At the moment these changes affect large pool swimmers only, however, those who move out of the small pool will be placed in one of the squads listed above.

Club Success at Halloween Graded Gala 2

Several swimmers returned from the second in this year's 'Graded Gala' competition held in Larne 23rd/25th October 2009. Andrew Irwin, Daniel Chambers, Curt Black and Joel Milligan along with Beth Irwin, Chloe Black, Eden Magwood, Lauren Robinson and Abbie McCullough all finished with a clutch of gold and silver medals for their efforts. The next in the series ( Ulster Graded Gala 3) will take place at Castlereagh during the weekend 22nd/24th January 2010. Further details will be available soon.

Halloween Swims!

Swimmers are reminded that there are no sessions over the Halloween weekend ie Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November. All of the usual pool sessions will return 'as normal' from Monday 2nd November.

Arthur McDonald Novice Gala!

This popular gala will take place on Saturday 7th November 2009 and it does involve an early start. It is designed to cater for swimmers who have not as yet won at open galas or at a previous Arthur McDonald event. Sonia will be getting the squad sorted, those not available should let her know as soon as possible as entries will need to be confirmed by Friday 16th October. Check with the PASC desk on Wednesday night for further information. The Arthur McDonald gala is a great opportunity for younger swimmers to experience competition in a friendly 'fun' atmosphere. Strokes take place over 25 metres and entrants may swim in one or more events. A small charge is levied on a 'per stroke' basis.

Dungannon win by a whisker!

Dungannon finished 15 points ahead of our PTL squad in what proved to be a hard fought but extremely enjoyable opening gala on Saturday 26th September. This was the first chance for both clubs to see their teams in action after the summer break and on this occasion Dungannon, swimming at home had just the edge to claim a win. The opening Medley Relays finished 5-3 to Dungannon despite wins for our A and B Boys and B Girls teams. There was little to choose between the teams in the main strokes or in the Individual Medley events with first one club and then the other ahead. However, Dungannon made sure of the win in the Freestyle Relays once again taking 5 out of the 8 events. The gala finished with a final score Dungannon 573 Portadown 558. Of course the result was disappointing but several swimmers took the opportunity to put in excellent individual performances and we look forward to our next gala and hopefully a home win. Thanks to everyone who officiated and to Dungannon for their hospitality.

New Season New Challenges!

Firstly a big welcome back to all our swimmers, all of the usual sessions are now well and truly 'up and running'. Unfortunately, we have had to say goodbye to several senior club members who have moved on to higher education across the water, we wish them every success in their chosen careers. The new look D squads (boys and girls) are already in place and keen to make their mark at the top end of the PTL gala competition. Of course it will take a while for everyone to regain their competitive edge but those swimmers who are stepping up as well as those new to PTL have the ability to give any club in our division a battle for the points. It is our intention to introduce a new squad system as soon as possible which we hope will improve the overall quality of our swimming and set out a path for individual development.