The Club is structured with a 8 Level Competitive Program based on the Long-Term Development in Sport and Physical Activity Model (LTAD). This structure allows for the development of athletes as they progress through the sport of competitive swimming. Each level requires an increase in commitment level from both the swimmer and the parents. The Calgary Partiots Swim Club is not a learn to swim program. Individuals looking for a learn to swim program are encouraged to register with Calgary P-Too.

Training Squads & Practice Schedules (Coaching placement subject to change)

​​​​​​​White Squad (LTAD "Fundamentals") 

White Squad – Coaches: Kristina Mills (White 1) & Alex Pellettier (White 2), 3 swims (4.5 hrs swim)

White Squad is the Patriots’ introduction into competitive swimming. It is aimed at inexperienced swimmers aged 8 to 10 and places emphasis on the development of competitive swimming skills. Fun and enjoyment in the water is a vital part of this program. Competitions are generally local, are held approximately every four (4) weeks, with limited opportunity to travel.

 Grey Squad - (LTAD "Learn to Train")

Grey Squad – Coach: Elsie Whitney & Assist. Chad Michie, 4 swims (5.5 hrs swim)

Grey Squad is the Patriots’ second level of competitive swimming. It is aimed at swimmers aged 9 to 11. Emphasis at this level is still placed on the development of competitive skills and enjoyment of the sport. Competitions are held approximately every four (4) weeks with local meets and meets around Alberta.

Black Squad (LTAD "Learn to Train")

Black Squad – Coach: Chad Michie & Assist. Julia Pigott, 5 swims (7 hrs swim)

Black Squad is the Patriots’ advanced age group program aimed at swimmers aged 10 to 12. The emphasis in this squad is geared toward the competitive aspect of the sport with weight placed on the achievement of Alberta festival qualifying times. Swim meets at this level are approximately every three to four weeks with opportunities to travel throughout Alberta.

Red Squad (LTAD "Train to Train")

Red Squad – Coach: Brent Bester & Assist. Julia Pigott, 6 swims (8 hrs swim)

The Red Squad is the next step in age group swimming and is designed for swimmers aged 11 to 13. This Squad aims to guide swimmers through their final years of age group swimming and develop the skills necessary to succeed in senior swimming. Swim meets at this level are approximately every three to four weeks with opportunities to travel throughout Western Canada.

Bronze Squad (LTAD "Train to Train/Train to Compete")

Bronze Squad – Coach: Brent Bester, 6 swims  (8.5 hrs swim)

The Bronze Squad is the Patriots’ final step in age group swimming and is designed for swimmers aged 12 to 14. In this squad, we elevate the training intensity and environment with the goal of achieving an Alberta Trials or Champs qualification. Swim meets at this level are approximately every three to four weeks, with opportunities to travel throughout Western Canada.

Silver Squad (LTAD "Train to Compete")

Silver Squad – Coach: Richie Stokes & Assist. Marit Anderson, 6 or 7 swims, 1 lift (11 hrs swim)

The Silver Squad is the Patriots’ first introduction to "senior" level training. This squad places a continued emphasis on swimming development and life skills, supporting those who aspire to advance to the later Squads. At this level, the training builds off of Bronze Squad while still maintaining a large emphasis on the continued development of swimming and life skills. The focus is to help swimmers become more complete athletes by offering a flexible schedule that allows them to take an active role in their own improvement.

​​​​​​​Gold Squad (LTAD "Train to Compete")

Gold Squad – Coach: Marit Anderson & Assist. Richie Stokes, 7 swims, 2 lifts (12.5 hr swim)

The Gold Squad is the Patriots’ last step of our senior level of training. At this level, the training becomes more intense while still maintaining a large emphasis on the continued development of swimming and life skills. The focus is to develop swimmers to be more complete athletes and to be individuals fully involved and committed to their own process of improvement. This is a big step forward in commitment, accountability, and dedication to the sport.

Performance Squad (LTAD "Train to Compete/Train to Win")

Performance Squad – Coach: Kevin Coulman & Assist. Erin Cameron, 8 swims, 3 lifts (14.75 hrs swim)

The Performance Squad is the Patriots’ elite, performance-level training program. At this level, the emphasis is placed on performance and the attainment of Western and National qualifying times. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of both the physical and life skills necessary to compete at an elite level and understanding the process of training and recovery.