Join the YMCA Swim Team and experience the excitement of competitive swimming in a supportive and skill-building environment. Our swim teams are open to youth ages 6 to 18 and focus on improving technique, building endurance, and fostering a love for the sport.

Start with a Swim Assessment

Before joining the swim team, all new participants must complete a one-time swim team assessment. This quick evaluation helps our coaches place swimmers in the appropriate training group based on age, skill and endurance.

Training Groups

White Group: Meets 2x/week for 45 minutes

To qualify for the white group, swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 25 meters (one length of the pool) with the front crawl swim stroke (sometimes called freestyle)
• Swim 25 meters with a backstroke kick 

If your child is participating in swim lessons, they will be ready for Swim Team White Group after completing Stage 5 of the Y's swim lesson curriculum.

Blue Group: Meets 3x/week for 60 minutes Swimmers are encouraged to attend at least 2x/week

To qualify for the blue group, swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 50 meters with proper technique for front crawl swim stroke
• Swim 50 meters with proper technique for backstroke
• Demonstrate an understanding of breast stroke and butterfly stroke 
• Have a working knowledge of swim turns

Black Group: Meets 3x/week for 75 minutes

To qualify for the black group, swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 100-meter Individual Medley in under two minutes (Order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle)
• Swim 100 meters of legal freestyle (any stroke, but front crawl is recommended)
• Swim 100 meters of legal backstroke
• Swim 50 meters of legal breast stroke
• Swim 50 meters of legal butterfly

Why Join a YMCA Swim Team?

• Professional coaching to develop stroke technique, speed, and stamina
• Progressive team structure organized by skill level after assessment
• Focus on the four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly
• Training includes drills, sets, starts, and finishes
• Emphasis on fun, learning and personal growth, rather than just competition
• Participation in swim meets throughout the season
• YMCA membership required for team participation

What to Bring to Practice

• Clean, family-appropriate swimwear
• Towel and goggles
• Water bottle (recommended for hydration)
• Arrive dressed and ready to swim
• Be prepared to participate fully for the entire session (varies by swimmer’s age and ability)

Swim Team Locations

• Albemarle Family YMCA
• Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA
• Eastern Shore Family YMCA
• Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA
• Greenbrier Family YMCA
• Northampton County YMCA (summer only)
• Outer Banks Family YMCA
• Suffolk Family YMCA
• Taylor Bend Family YMCA
• YMCA of Portsmouth
• YMCA of South Boston/Halifax County