The Academy is often a swimmer’s first step into competitive club swimming. Following Swim England’s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) framework, our programme focuses on developing strong technical foundations, confidence, and positive training habits at the right age and stage.
The Ascot Royals Academy is designed for young swimmers aged 6 to 9 years who already demonstrate good water confidence and basic stroke ability. The Academy provides a structured yet supportive environment where swimmers refine technique, learn essential race skills, and develop the mindset required for long-term success in swimming.
Our coaching philosophy prioritises skill development over early results, ensuring swimmers enjoy their training while building the foundations needed to progress safely and successfully through the club pathway.
Swimmers wishing to join the Ascot Royals Academy must:
All swimmers are assessed to ensure the Academy is the right fit for their ability and stage of development.
The Ascot Royals Academy is made up of three progressive stages, aligned with the Swim England LTAD “Learn to Train” stage. This ensures swimmers develop at a pace appropriate to their age, ability, and confidence.
Strong technical foundations in frontcrawl, backcrawl, and breaststroke
Improving body position, breathing, and coordination
Introduction to butterfly body movement and dolphin kick
Developing confidence in a squad training environment
Refining stroke technique and efficiency
Introduction to butterfly arm action and timing
Developing starts, turns, and basic race skills
Improving focus, discipline, and training habits
Strong, repeatable technique across all four strokes
Swimming butterfly confidently over short distances
Improved speed control, starts, turns, and finishes
Preparing swimmers physically and mentally for squad progression
By the end of the Ascot Royals Academy pathway, swimmers will be able to:
Swim 100 metres efficiently in Frontcrawl, Backcrawl, Breaststroke
Swim 25 metres of butterfly confidently with correct technique
Perform basic racing starts and turns
Demonstrate good body control, coordination, and breathing skills
Train positively and independently in a squad environment
Listen, focus, and respond to coaching feedback
On successful completion of the Academy pathway, swimmers will progress into one of the following squads, based on individual readiness and development:
This ensures every swimmer continues their journey within Ascot Royals in a way that best supports their Passion, Progress, and Potential.
At Ascot Royals, we are committed to developing swimmers the right way. By aligning with Swim England’s Long-Term Athlete Development framework, we ensure that:
Technique comes before performance
Progress is individual and sustainable
Swimmers are supported physically, mentally, and emotionally
This approach gives our swimmers the best possible foundation for long-term enjoyment and success in the sport.