The Family Registration Fee for the 2026/2027 season is $200 per family. Registration fee includes two (2) team t-shirts, one (1) team water bottle, team bag and team swim caps (latex) and helps cover team events and awards.

Note: The registration fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE.

A Youth, Teen or Family membership is required to participate with the YMCA Competitive Swimming Programs.

Blue Group trains alongside the Purple Group as part of our year-round Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers advancing from Purple Group or an equivalent program who consistently uphold the highest expectations for training effort, discipline, attendance, and personal accountability. 

Further emphasis is placed on intense training, mental preparation, and advanced race strategy. Placement in Blue Group is based on coach recommendation and is reserved for swimmers who have demonstrated the maturity, commitment, and overall readiness to succeed at the highest level of our program. 

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Blue Group practices begin in mid-August dependent upon pool availability. Blue Group practices six times per week for 105-120 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 14-18 years

Practice Locations: West Shore YMCA and Messiah University

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Blue Group trains alongside the Purple Group as part of our year-round Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers advancing from Purple Group or an equivalent program who consistently uphold the highest expectations for training effort, discipline, attendance, and personal accountability. 

Further emphasis is placed on intense training, mental preparation, and advanced race strategy. Placement in Blue Group is based on coach recommendation and is reserved for swimmers who have demonstrated the maturity, commitment, and overall readiness to succeed at the highest level of our program. 

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Blue Group practices begin in mid-August dependent upon pool availability. Blue Group practices six times per week for 105-120 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 14-18 years

Practice Locations: West Shore YMCA and Messiah University

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Green Group is one of two entry-level groups for our Fall-Spring Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers ages 10 and under who have completed the WSY Pathway Program Series or an equivalent program, or who have been assigned to Green Group through a New Swimmer Evaluation. While completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series is encouraged, placement on the competitive swim team is based on each swimmer’s individual skill development and readiness as determined by our coaching staff.

Green Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series (or an equivalent program) with coach recommendation, or placement through a New Swimmer Evaluation.
• Must be able to competently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body position, etc.) and minimal coaching.
• Must be able to demonstrate a legal butterfly and breaststroke.
• Ability to listen, follow instructions, and be coached in a group setting; comfortable in water up to 6 feet deep.

Green Group Training Goals:

• Apply and consistently demonstrate legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives.
• Build endurance, confidence, and race skills through structured team practices.
• Learn to complete longer workouts while understanding basic practice sets, intervals, and pace clock usage.
• Develop the training habits and skills needed to progress within our competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least one swim meet per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets.

Program Fees: Program fees for Green Group do not include Summer League Swimming with the Hampden Ducks. A separate registration fee in the spring is required for swimmers interested in participating.

Practice Schedule: Green Group practices begin in mid-September and continue through mid-March. Green Group practices three times per week for 75 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Ages: 6-10 years

Dates: TBD

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Green Group is one of two entry-level groups for our Fall-Spring Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers ages 10 and under who have completed the WSY Pathway Program Series or an equivalent program, or who have been assigned to Green Group through a New Swimmer Evaluation. While completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series is encouraged, placement on the competitive swim team is based on each swimmer’s individual skill development and readiness as determined by our coaching staff.

Green Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series (or an equivalent program) with coach recommendation, or placement through a New Swimmer Evaluation.
• Must be able to competently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body position, etc.) and minimal coaching.
• Must be able to demonstrate a legal butterfly and breaststroke.
• Ability to listen, follow instructions, and be coached in a group setting; comfortable in water up to 6 feet deep.

Green Group Training Goals:

• Apply and consistently demonstrate legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives.
• Build endurance, confidence, and race skills through structured team practices.
• Learn to complete longer workouts while understanding basic practice sets, intervals, and pace clock usage.
• Develop the training habits and skills needed to progress within our competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least one swim meet per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets.

Program Fees: Program fees for Green Group do not include Summer League Swimming with the Hampden Ducks. A separate registration fee in the spring is required for swimmers interested in participating.

Practice Schedule: Green Group practices begin in mid-September and continue through mid-March. Green Group practices three times per week for 75 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Ages: 6-10 years

Dates: TBD

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Any swimmer interested in improving their swimming skills in a fun, low-pressure, non-competitive environment. This twice-weekly daytime program is ideal for homeschool students or any child with availability during the early afternoon who is looking for a fun way to stay active. Swimmers of all ability levels, from those who are just learning to swim to those with previous swimming experience, will work together to improve technique, build endurance, increase confidence in the water, and enjoy swimming in a supportive group setting.

This program is for homeschool swimmers that focuses on skill development in the four competitive strokes as well as learning competitive swimming terminology, stroke drills, turns, starts and developing physical fitness and endurance in a fun, less competitive environment.

Prerequisites: 

• Ability to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) while horizontal, on your stomach with rotary breathing
• Ability to swim one length of the pool (25 yards) while horizontal, on your back
• Ability to listen, follow instructions, and be coached in a group setting; comfortable in water up to 6 feet deep.

Dates: 

• September 3 – October 27, 2026
• November 3 – December 29, 2026
• January 5, 2027 – February 25, 2027
• March 4 – April 27, 2027

Schedule: 

• Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:15-1:30pm
• 15 practices over the course of 2 months

Ages: 8-16 years

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Samantha at [email protected]

Orange Group is designed for swimmers who have been assigned to the group through a New Swimmer Evaluation or who have advanced from the Green or Yellow practice groups based on coach recommendation.

Swimmers who are comfortable with all four competitive strokes will learn competitive readiness, practice discipline and developing proper stroke technique and forming correct practice habits.

Orange Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of Green or Yellow Group, or another program’s equivalent.
• Must be able to compete in 25/50 yards of all 4 strokes, a 100 IM and a 100 free legally.
• Must be able to regularly complete up to a 300 freestyle and repeats of 50s in all 4 strokes at practice.
• Swimmers advancing to Orange Group have demonstrated the practice maturity, work ethic, and coachability needed to succeed in a more challenging training environment.

Orange Group Training Goals:

• Consistently apply legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives during practices and competitions.
• Build endurance by completing longer, more challenging workouts with minimal stopping while accurately following practice sets and intervals.
• Develop independence by confidently using the pace clocks and understanding structured team practices.
• Prepare for championship-level competition by working toward YMCA District qualifying times and continued advancement within the competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in approximately one to two swim meets per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Orange Group practices begin in early September. Orange Group practices four times per week for 75-90 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 9-13 years

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Orange Group is designed for swimmers who have been assigned to the group through a New Swimmer Evaluation or who have advanced from the Green or Yellow practice groups based on coach recommendation.

Swimmers who are comfortable with all four competitive strokes will learn competitive readiness, practice discipline and developing proper stroke technique and forming correct practice habits.

Orange Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of Green or Yellow Group, or another program’s equivalent.
• Must be able to compete in 25/50 yards of all 4 strokes, a 100 IM and a 100 free legally.
• Must be able to regularly complete up to a 300 freestyle and repeats of 50s in all 4 strokes at practice.
• Swimmers advancing to Orange Group have demonstrated the practice maturity, work ethic, and coachability needed to succeed in a more challenging training environment.

Orange Group Training Goals:

• Consistently apply legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives during practices and competitions.
• Build endurance by completing longer, more challenging workouts with minimal stopping while accurately following practice sets and intervals.
• Develop independence by confidently using the pace clocks and understanding structured team practices.
• Prepare for championship-level competition by working toward YMCA District qualifying times and continued advancement within the competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in approximately one to two swim meets per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Orange Group practices begin in early September. Orange Group practices four times per week for 75-90 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 9-13 years

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Purple Group trains alongside the Blue Group as part of our year-round Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers advancing from Red Group or an equivalent program who are ready to take on a higher level of training. 

Purple Group emphasizes building endurance, developing physical and mental resilience, and fostering independence in training. Swimmers are expected to approach every practice with focus, purpose, and self-motivation while demonstrating a strong commitment to consistent attendance and personal improvement.

Placement in Purple Group is based on coach recommendation and each swimmer’s overall readiness for the demands of the program.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Purple Group practices begin in mid-August dependent upon pool availability. Purple Group practices six times per week for 105-120 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 13-16 years

Location: West Shore YMCA  and Messiah University

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Purple Group trains alongside the Blue Group as part of our year-round Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for swimmers advancing from Red Group or an equivalent program who are ready to take on a higher level of training. 

Purple Group emphasizes building endurance, developing physical and mental resilience, and fostering independence in training. Swimmers are expected to approach every practice with focus, purpose, and self-motivation while demonstrating a strong commitment to consistent attendance and personal improvement.

Placement in Purple Group is based on coach recommendation and each swimmer’s overall readiness for the demands of the program.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Purple Group practices begin in mid-August dependent upon pool availability. Purple Group practices six times per week for 105-120 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 13-16 years

Location: West Shore YMCA  and Messiah University

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Red Group is designed for swimmers who have been assigned to the group through a New Swimmer Evaluation or who have advanced from the Yellow or Orange practice groups based on coach recommendation.

Swimmers who are comfortable with all four competitive strokes will learn competitive readiness, practice discipline and developing proper stroke technique and forming correct practice habits.

Red Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of Yellow or Orange Group, or another program’s equivalent.
• Must be able to legally compete in the 50 yards of all 4 strokes, as well as the 200-yard freestyle and 200 IM.
• Must be able to regularly complete up to a 500-yard freestyle, repeats of 75 yards in all four strokes, and repeats of up to 200 IMs during practice.
• Swimmers ready for Red Group have demonstrated a thorough understanding of all four competitive strokes and consistently maintain proper technique throughout practices. They have also demonstrated a strong commitment to their personal growth through consistent practice and meet attendance.

Red Group Training Goals:

• Compete legally in up to the 100 yard (and possibly) 200 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, as well as the 500/1,000 yard freestyle and 200/400 IM.
• Build endurance by regularly completing 3,000–4,500 yard practices with minimal stopping while accurately following practice sets and intervals. Independent use of the pace clocks for intervals and time goals is expected.
• Swimmers should work towards qualifying for the next highest level of competition in YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. 
• Develop an understanding of how to set personal, achievable short-term and long-term goals

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Red Group practices begin in early September. Red Group practices five times per week for 90-105 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 11-14

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Red Group is designed for swimmers who have been assigned to the group through a New Swimmer Evaluation or who have advanced from the Yellow or Orange practice groups based on coach recommendation.

Swimmers who are comfortable with all four competitive strokes will learn competitive readiness, practice discipline and developing proper stroke technique and forming correct practice habits.

Red Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of Yellow or Orange Group, or another program’s equivalent.
• Must be able to legally compete in the 50 yards of all 4 strokes, as well as the 200-yard freestyle and 200 IM.
• Must be able to regularly complete up to a 500-yard freestyle, repeats of 75 yards in all four strokes, and repeats of up to 200 IMs during practice.
• Swimmers ready for Red Group have demonstrated a thorough understanding of all four competitive strokes and consistently maintain proper technique throughout practices. They have also demonstrated a strong commitment to their personal growth through consistent practice and meet attendance.

Red Group Training Goals:

• Compete legally in up to the 100 yard (and possibly) 200 yard backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly, as well as the 500/1,000 yard freestyle and 200/400 IM.
• Build endurance by regularly completing 3,000–4,500 yard practices with minimal stopping while accurately following practice sets and intervals. Independent use of the pace clocks for intervals and time goals is expected.
• Swimmers should work towards qualifying for the next highest level of competition in YMCA, PIAA, and/or USA Swimming Championship meets. 
• Develop an understanding of how to set personal, achievable short-term and long-term goals

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least 1-2 swim meets per month in addition to end-of-year championship meets. All swimmers in this practice group will be members of USA Swimming.

Practice Schedule: Red Group practices begin in early September. Red Group practices five times per week for 90-105 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 11-14

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Yellow Group is one of two entry-level groups for our Fall-Spring Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for newer swimmers ages 10-14 who have completed the WSY Pathway Program Series or an equivalent program, or who have been assigned to Yellow Group through a New Swimmer Evaluation. While completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series is encouraged, placement on the competitive swim team is based on each swimmer’s individual skill development and readiness as determined by our coaching staff.

Yellow Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series (or an equivalent program) with coach recommendation, or placement through a New Swimmer Evaluation.
• Must be able to competently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body position, etc.) and minimal coaching.
• Must be able to demonstrate a legal butterfly and breaststroke.
• Ability to listen, follow instructions, and be coached in a group setting; comfortable in water up to 6 feet deep.

Yellow Group Training Goals:

• Apply and consistently demonstrate legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives.
• Build endurance, confidence, and race skills through structured team practices.
• Learn to complete longer workouts while understanding basic practice sets, intervals, and pace clock usage.
• Develop the training habits and skills needed to progress within our competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least one swim meet per month in addition to end-of year championship meets. Swimmers will also have the opportunity to join USA Swimming, swimmers who chose to join will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions.

Practice Schedule: Yellow Group practices begin in mid-September. Yellow Group practices three times per week for 75 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 10-14 years

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]

Yellow Group is one of two entry-level groups for our Fall-Spring Competitive Swim Team. This group is designed for newer swimmers ages 10-14 who have completed the WSY Pathway Program Series or an equivalent program, or who have been assigned to Yellow Group through a New Swimmer Evaluation. While completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series is encouraged, placement on the competitive swim team is based on each swimmer’s individual skill development and readiness as determined by our coaching staff.

Yellow Group Prerequisites: 

• Successful completion of the WSY Pathway Program Series (or an equivalent program) with coach recommendation, or placement through a New Swimmer Evaluation.
• Must be able to competently swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke with recognizable technique (rotary breathing, proper body position, etc.) and minimal coaching.
• Must be able to demonstrate a legal butterfly and breaststroke.
• Ability to listen, follow instructions, and be coached in a group setting; comfortable in water up to 6 feet deep.

Yellow Group Training Goals:

• Apply and consistently demonstrate legal technique in all four competitive strokes, turns, and dives.
• Build endurance, confidence, and race skills through structured team practices.
• Learn to complete longer workouts while understanding basic practice sets, intervals, and pace clock usage.
• Develop the training habits and skills needed to progress within our competitive swim team.

Swim Meet Opportunities: Swimmers will compete in at least one swim meet per month in addition to end-of year championship meets. Swimmers will also have the opportunity to join USA Swimming, swimmers who chose to join will be billed a yearly USA Swimming Registration fee, and compete at USA Swimming sanctioned competitions.

Practice Schedule: Yellow Group practices begin in mid-September. Yellow Group practices three times per week for 75 minutes. The specific practice schedule will be communicated prior to the start of the season.

Dates: TBD

Ages: 10-14 years

Location: West Shore YMCA

For more info, contact: Coach Sam at [email protected]