Sparwood Programs


We currently offer limited programming at the Sparwood Recreation and Leisure Centre. We will continue to expand this programming as facility and coach availability allows.



  Guppies  


Age Group

3 to 5 years old at time of registration.

Emphasis

Designed specifically for our youngest swimmers, Guppies focuses on water safety and learning basic floating and swimming skills. We understand that pre-schoolers come with a diverse range of ages and abilities, and we are dedicated to providing a supportive and effective learning environment for each child. Our goal is to create a positive and enjoyable experience that fosters a love for swimming from an early age.

The Guppies program runs in 10-week sessions, with each class lasting 30 minutes. This duration is perfect for maintaining the attention and energy levels of young children while providing ample time to develop essential water skills.

Equipment Needed

  • Cap (provided 1st session);
  • Goggles; and,
  • Water Bottle.

Schedule 

Fridays - Group B

  • 6:30pm - 7:00pm

Saturdays - Group A

  • 12:30pm - 1:00pm

Cost

$150/class  per 10 week session

  Jr Pups   


Age Group

At least 5 years old at time of registration (or at coaches invitation). Should be comfortable swimming 10 meters on front and 10 meters on back.

Emphasis

For our Junior Pups, lessons are conducted in the small pool to foster rapid learning and skill development. This engaging 30-minute class emphasizes the fundamentals of freestyle and backstroke, focusing on stroke development and establishing comfort and safety in the water. Our main goal is to prepare the Junior Pups to eventually transition to the larger pool. Each session, spanning 10 weeks, is designed to build a strong foundation in a fun and secure environment.

Competitive Requirement

For our Jr. Pups, we have no competition requirements or expectations. While we focus on skill development, we also offer fun races during the season. Participation in these races is completely optional, and we encourage our Jnr Pups to enjoy these events without the pressure of competition.

Progression

For progression from the Junior Pups to the Pups level, we prioritize several key skills and behaviors. Swimmers should demonstrate the ability to comfortably breathe to the side during freestyle and maintain proper head position while performing backstroke. It is essential for them to listen attentively to the instructor and effectively follow directions. Safety remains a top priority, and while they are always under direct supervision, their ability to adhere to safety protocols and participate cooperatively in a class setting is crucial. This ensures they are prepared and condent to eventually handle the larger pool environment as they advance.

Equipment Needed

  • Cap (provided 1st session);
  • Goggles;
  • Kickboard; and,
  • Waterbottle.

Schedule

​​​​​​​Mondays & Fridays - Group A

  • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Wednesdays (w/ Saturdays) - Group B

  • 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Saturdays (w/ Wednesdays) - Group B

  • 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Cost

$250 per 10 week session​​​​​​​

  Pups 


Age Group

At least 5 years old at time of registration. Should be comfortable swimming 25 meters on front and 25 meters on back (10m for junior pups).

Emphasis

This will be a fun and very active 30-minute class focused on building the fundamentals of swimming. The primary focus will be on freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers are expected to stay in this squad for one to two seasons while they develop their fundamentals. The Pups will start in the shallow end of the pool with teachers in the water and will expand to the whole pool as their skill levels improve. This class will provide a strong platform for starting the competitive squad system. Each set lasts 10 weeks.

Competitive Requirement

There are no competition expectations for Pups. However, swimmers may attend race nights throughout the season and are encouraged to participate in competitive swim meets at home and away with the coaches' approval.

Progression

To progress, swimmers should be able to complete sessions with ease, have a grasp of the fundamentals of freestyle and backstroke, have regular attendance at practices, and demonstrate condence and the ability to safely operate without teacher supervision in the water. Additionally, they should exhibit good listening skills, a solid freestyle kick, proper head position in both freestyle and backstroke, a strong utter kick, and the ability to breathe to the side. Swimmers should also be interested in competing at minimum regional meets and being part of the competitive team.

Equipment Needed

  • Cap (provided 1st session);
  • Goggles;
  • Kickboard; and,
  • Waterbottle.

Schedule

​​​​​​​Mondays & Fridays - Group A

  • 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Wednesdays (w/ Saturdays) - Group B

  • 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Saturdays (w/ Wednesdays) - Group B

  • 1:30pm - 2:00pm

Cost

$250 per 10 week session​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​ Green Pod  


Age Group

7 - 10 years old

Emphasis

In the initial stage of our competitive squads we focus on enhancing the freestyle and backstroke techniques and introducing the fundamentals of butterfly and breaststroke. This approach ensures that swimmers develop a comprehensive skill set that prepares them for higher levels of competition. The Green Pod serves as a crucial stepping stone in our competitive pathway, where swimmers build the necessary skills and discipline required for future success in swimming. Our structured environment emphasizes skill improvement and teamwork, gearing our athletes for advanced competitive challenges.

Competitive Requirement

In Green Pod, we actively encourage all swimmers to participate in home meets. Additionally, we host regular race nights in Fernie throughout the season. These events offer valuable racing experience and allow swimmers to track their progress over time. As part of the Green Pod experience, attending at least one away meet is required. This commitment helps foster a competitive spirit and gives swimmers the opportunity to test their skills in different environments, promoting both growth and condence in their swimming abilities.

Progression

To progress from Green Pod, swimmers must demonstrate proficiency in freestyle and backstroke, including the ability to perform flip turns for both strokes. They should also have a fundamental understanding of butterfly and breaststroke. Meeting competitive requirements is essential, which includes participating in both home meets and at least one away meet per season. Similar to the criteria set for Pups, swimmers need to exhibit consistent attendance, strong listening skills, and the capability to complete training sessions with condence. Progression in Green Pod emphasizes not only technical skill development but also readiness to engage more deeply in competitive swimming, aiming for participation in regional meets and beyond. This structured approach ensures swimmers are well-prepared for the next levels of competition.

Equipment Needed

  • Cap (provided 1st session)
  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Kickboard
  • Flippers

Schedule

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

  • 5:00pm - 5:30pm

Cost 

$825 per season (3 - 10 week sessions included)



​​​​​​​  Teen Swim Fit  


Age Group

12 - 18

Emphasis

This teen squad caters to a wide range of needs, whether you’re focused on fitness, stroke refinement, or training for triathlons, Ironmans, and multi-sport cross training. We are committed to supporting each swimmer's individual goals and providing a comprehensive training experience.

Equipment Needed

  • Cap (provided 1st session)
  • Goggles
  • Water Bottle
  • Kickboard
  • Flippers (recommended)

Schedule

Tuesdays 1:00pm - 2:00pm 

Cost

$125 per 10 week session