Thinking About Year-Round Swimming?
Hi Dolphin Families!
Several families have expressed interest this season in learning more about year-round club swimming opportunities after the summer league season ends.
For those who may not know, I also coach year-round as an Assistant Age Group Coach with Denver Swim Academy (DSA), which practices at Regis University. I love seeing so many of our swimmers interested in continuing with the sport!
If your family is considering club swimming, I've put together some information that I hope will help you navigate the process. Below are a few tips, things to consider, and advice that may be helpful as you begin your club swimming journey.
Note: Many local clubs begin holding tryouts and swimmer evaluations as early as next week. I've attached a list of year-round swim clubs in the Denver metro area, along with their primary practice locations and contact information. I encourage you to explore several teams, attend multiple tryouts if possible, and find the club that best fits your swimmer's personality, goals, and your family's schedule.
1. Any Swimming Is Better Than No Swimming
The biggest goal is simply to keep your swimmer in the water if they enjoy it.
Whether that's:
- Swim lessons
- Recreational swimming
- Pre-competitive programs
- Year-round club swimming
...all of these help swimmers retain strength, improve technique, and continue building confidence in the water. Every hour spent swimming is an investment in future improvement.
2. Other Sports Can Make Better Swimmers
Swimming doesn't have to be the only sport your child plays.
Many activities build athletic skills that translate directly to swimming:
- Gymnastics develops strength, body awareness, flexibility, and coordination.
- Dance improves flexibility, rhythm, balance, and coordination.
- Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and other team sports build agility, endurance, teamwork, and communication.
- Martial arts encourage discipline, balance, focus, and body control.
Cross-training can help prevent burnout while developing well-rounded athletes.
3. Sports Teach More Than Physical Skills
Whether your child chooses swimming or another activity, sports help develop valuable life skills:
- Commitment
- Responsibility
- Perseverance
- Confidence
- Goal setting
- Learning from setbacks
- Supporting teammates
- Trying new and challenging things
Those lessons often become far more valuable than medals or ribbons.
4. Make Sure Your Child Has Some Buy-In
One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to make sure your swimmer wants to participate.
Don't sign them up simply because you want them to become the fastest swimmer or because they're talented.
When kids genuinely enjoy what they're doing, they're much more likely to:
- Stay motivated
- Work hard
- Handle challenges
- Continue participating long-term
The most successful athletes are usually the ones who enjoy the journey—not just the results.
If You Decide Club Swimming Is Right for Your Family...
Year-round club swimming is a wonderful opportunity, but it's important to understand that it is different from summer league.
Club Swimming Has Higher Expectations
Club swimming can absolutely still be fun and social. Many swimmers build lifelong friendships there.
However, expectations are generally greater.
Things that are encouraged in summer league often become expectations in club:
- Arriving early
- Completing warm-up every day
- Attending practices consistently
- Being prepared and ready to work
- Following practice expectations and team policies
Club programs are designed for long-term athlete development and require a higher level of commitment from both swimmers and families.
Visit More Than One Team
Don't feel like you need to commit to the first club you visit.
If possible, attend multiple tryouts or evaluation practices and pay attention to things like:
- Coaching style
- Team atmosphere
- Practice environment
- Group sizes
- Expectations for attendance
- Practice schedule
- Costs and meet fees
- Whether your child feels comfortable and excited
Every club has its own personality, and finding the right fit is just as important as finding a convenient location.
Understand the Financial Commitment
Like many club sports, year-round swimming can be a significant investment.
In addition to monthly dues, families should ask about:
- USA Swimming registration fees
- Meet entry fees
- Team equipment requirements
- Swim suits
- Travel expectations
- Volunteer requirements (if applicable)
Knowing the full picture ahead of time helps avoid surprises later.
Understanding Tryouts
Many clubs hold evaluations or tryouts before placing swimmers into practice groups.
Remember:
- Not receiving an offer is not a reflection of your child's potential.
- Sometimes practice groups are simply full.
- Some clubs are looking for swimmers with specific skills or experience levels.
- Coaches want swimmers placed where they'll be successful—not overwhelmed or discouraged.
If one club isn't the right fit today, another club may be a perfect match.
Every swimmer develops at a different pace, and there are many paths to becoming a successful athlete.
My Final Advice
There isn't one "best" club in the Denver metro area.
The best club is the one where your child enjoys going to practice, feels supported by their coaches, continues improving, and leaves excited to come back the next day.
A positive experience and a love for the sport will take your swimmer much farther than choosing a team based solely on reputation.
Please let me know if you have any questions—I'd be happy to help!
If your family is already part of one of these amazing year-round clubs and would be willing to share your experiences with other Dam West families, I'd love to connect you. Hearing firsthand perspectives from current club families can be incredibly helpful as others decide which program might be the best fit for them.
Coach Emilie