Middlesex Programs
Programming & Group Progression
INTRO TO WATER POLO GROUP:
- Learn To Play Water Polo & Have Fun!
Ages 5-10 years old
INTRO TO SWIM FOR KIDS GROUP:
- Learn To Swim & Have Fun!
Ages 5-10+ years old
WHITE SWIM GROUP:
- A Fun Introductory Orientation to Swimming Skills
- Stroke Development
Ages 5-8 years old
GREEN SWIM GROUP:
- An Introduction to Competitive Swimming Skills
- Technical Stroke Improvement
Ages 8-10 years old
REC SWIM GROUP:
- Keep Fit & Have Fun!
Ages 10-18 years old
LIFESAVING SPORT GROUP:
- Keep Fit, Stay Healthy, Have Fun Swimming & Learning About Lifesaving Sport
- Improve Swimming and Lifesaving Technique & Skills
Ages 10-18 years old:
REC WATER POLO GROUP:
- Keep Fit & Have Fun!
Ages 10-18 years old
SILVER WATER POLO GROUP:
- Technical Skills
- Stroke Enhancement
- Introduction to Training
Ages 9-12 years old
BLACK SWIM GROUP:
- Technical Skills & Stroke Enhancement
- Introduction to Training & Racing
Ages 10-12 years old
YOUTH SWIM GROUP:
- Refinement of Skills & Stroke Mechanics
- Enhanced Training
- Racing Improvement
Ages 12-13 years old
FUTURE MUSTANGS WATER POLO GROUP:
- Advanced Skills
- Mastery of Stroke Mechanics
- Enhanced Training
Ages 13-18 years old
SENIOR SWIM GROUP:
- Advanced Skills
- Mastery of Stroke Mechanics
- Performance Training & Racing
Ages 14+ years old
VARSITY:
- NCAA/CIS. Reach Maximum Potential as a Senior Athlete (18+ years-old)
INTRO TO SWIM FOR ADULTS GROUP:
- Learn To Swim & Have Fun!
Ages 16-99+ years old
MASTERS GROUP (16-99+):
- Keep Fit
- Stay Healthy
- Have Fun!
Multi-Sport: Swimming and Water Polo"If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done."
- Thomas Jefferson
Middlesex is one of four programs in Canada that offer Swimming and Water Polo under the same umbrella. This is an opportunity to take our athletes beyond a traditional Canadian Swimming or Water Polo program. Combining the best of both sports will help our athletes develop skills and energy systems that they simply cannot achieve by doing one sport at a time. Middlesex has received provincial recognition by Ontario Water Polo for its innovative program and forward-thinking.
Understanding the Two Sports
Traditionally, swimming attracts a type A personality. Swimmers like structure, organization, silence, lane ropes and pace clocks. Water Polo attracts a type B personality. Water Polo likes to fly by the seat of their pants, no lane ropes, balls flying through the air, loud communication and chaos.
To combine the sports, we have to get passed our initial reactions and feelings.
- Swimmers: it is OK to play water polo. It will help your swimming.
- Water Polo Players: it is OK to swim laps. It will help your game.
Swim/Water Polo Benefits: Athletes - jump out of your comfort zone!
- Prevents muscle fatigue and overuse injuries.
- Prevents mental and emotional burnout.
- Develops a higher sports IQ.
- Advanced training capabilities.
- Keeps athletes fresh and sharp in the water.
Energy Systems:
Swimming/Water Polo multi-sport athletes will develop energy systems that they would have trouble achieving by only doing one sport. Athletes have difficulty putting forth the effort to develop water polo energy systems during swim practice. Putting the focus on the game helps them hit these energy systems.
Long Term Athlete Development
Background Reading:
Middlesex is committed to the long-term success of our athletes. Athletes that graduate our program have a higher chance of reaching their potential at a senior/varsity level, and continue to swim for fitness through their adult lives.
Swimming Is A Long-Term Investment In Your Child
- Activity for Life (No impact. Water holds 90% of your body weight)
- Health (Helps prevent heart disease)
- Safety (48% of drowning in Ontario are in lakes - Lifesavings Society)
- Life Skills (Time management, work ethic, focus and life balance)
- Success (As competitive swimmers and as adults in the real world)
