Summary: Newington Forest Swim Team is a community-based swim team in Fairfax, Virginia. It offers a fun, competitive and supportive environment for children of all ages and abilities to improve their swimming skills and develop lifelong friendships.
1. History of Newington Forest Swim Team
The Newington Forest Swim Team was established in 1980 by a group of parents who wanted to provide a fun and educational summer activity for their children. Since then, the team has grown to include over 120 swimmers each season from ages 4 to 18 years old. The team competes in the Northern Virginia Swimming League, which includes over 100 teams across the region. The team has won several league championships, and many of its swimmers have gone on to swim at the collegiate level.
The swim team is run by a volunteer board of directors, which includes parents of current and former swimmers, as well as community members. The board oversees the team’s finances, fundraising, social events, and overall direction. Head Coach Steve Ercolano has been with the team for over 20 years and oversees all aspects of coaching and training.
The team’s success and longevity are due to the dedication of its members and their families. Each year, parents volunteer their time and resources to help with meets, events, and fundraising efforts. Swimmers also develop meaningful relationships with their teammates and coaches, many of whom have been with the team for multiple seasons.
2. Training and Facilities
The Newington Forest Swim Team offers a comprehensive swim program that focuses on stroke technique, endurance, and speed. Swimmers of all levels are welcome and are placed in appropriate practice groups based on their ability and experience. Practices are held in the team’s private pool, which features six lanes and electronic timing equipment. The pool is heated, which ensures that practices and meets can be held in any weather conditions.
In addition to regular practices, the team also offers specialized clinics and workshops led by experienced coaches. These programs focus on specific skills and techniques such as starts, turns, and stroke mechanics. Swimmers who participate in these programs have shown significant improvement in their times and overall performance.
The team also emphasizes the importance of dryland training, which includes exercises and strength training that support swimming performance. Swimmers have access to a dedicated dryland area equipped with weights, resistance bands, and other equipment.
3. Meet Schedule and Competition
The Newington Forest Swim Team competes in regular season meets from June through July, with championship meets in August. Meets are held on Saturdays and weekday evenings and typically last 2-3 hours. Swimmers compete in individual events as well as relays, and points are awarded based on performance.
The team’s competition schedule includes both home and away meets against teams in the Northern Virginia Swimming League. These meets offer swimmers the opportunity to develop skills and confidence in a competitive environment while also building friendships with swimmers from other teams. The team also participates in invitational meets and championships, which bring together the top teams in the league for a high level of competition.
The team takes pride in its sportsmanship and camaraderie, and encourages all swimmers to support and encourage their teammates and competitors. In addition to competition, the team also holds social events throughout the season, which provide opportunities for families and swimmers to bond and have fun.
4. Benefits of Joining the Newington Forest Swim Team
Joining the Newington Forest Swim Team offers numerous benefits for children and families. First and foremost, it provides an opportunity for children to develop lifelong swimming skills and a love for the sport. Swimmers also learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, goal setting, and perseverance.
In addition, the team offers a safe and supportive environment for swimmers to grow and learn. The team’s coaches and volunteers are dedicated to helping each swimmer reach their full potential, both in and out of the pool. The team also fosters friendships and community involvement, which can have a positive impact on children’s overall well-being.
Finally, participating in the Newington Forest Swim Team is an excellent way for families to get involved in their community and meet other families with similar interests. Parents have the opportunity to volunteer and help support the team, which can be a rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Conclusion:
The Newington Forest Swim Team offers a fun, competitive, and supportive environment for children of all ages and abilities to improve their swimming skills and develop lifelong friendships. The team’s success is due to the dedication of its members and volunteers, as well as its emphasis on comprehensive training and sportsmanship. By joining the Newington Forest Swim Team, children and families can experience the numerous benefits of swimming while also building connections within their community.