Meeting for junior parents
We are having a meeting for junior parents on Thursday 9 September at 7.15pm – 7.45pm in the Falls Leisure Centre.
The topics covered below will be discussed and it will be an opportunity to ask questions about these or any other matter. Coaches will be in attendance.
If you cannot attend but would like to discuss a matter please contact us.
Registration
Swim Ireland require us to register all members at the start of each season. The form is online and will be circulated in WhatsApp groups. It can be accessed on the download and links page. The deadline for registration is 30 September 2021.
Training
Training resumes on 9 September 2021 and will run this term until Thursday 23 December.
Times for Thursday night training this term are as follows:
FUNdamentals, U9s and U11s: 7.00 to 7.45
U13s and U15s: 7.45 to 8.45
U17s and U19s: 8.45 to 9.45
On Thursday 9 September for FUNdamentals, U9s and U11s we will be assessing ability for the purposes of delivering more focused swimming lessons.
If you are unsure what session your child should attend, please contact Ronan or Joe. Alternatively, attend the session your child has attended previously on the first training session back.
U13s and U15s
This term we plan to offer swim improvement sessions in BRA School Pool on Tuesday evenings at 7.30 to 8.30. These sessions will be led by a Swim Ireland qualified swimming coach and the primary focus will be on developing swimming ability and fitness. The sessions are open to children who can swim at least 25m front crawl. We would particularly encourage junior players in the U13 and U15 groups to attend.
There is no additional charge, provided that you pay on a monthly basis. When we have confirmed the pool booking we will let you know the start date.
U17s and U19s
U17s and U19s are invited to train at senior sessions in Lisnsharragh Pool on Tuesdays at 9pm to 10pm and the Grove Pool on Wednesdays at 8.00pm to 9.30pm. The junior players will take part in senior training but will perform drills and matches as a group, so far as possible; their coach will be in attendance.
Matches
National leagues and cups are organised by year of birth depending on when the match is played or competition begins. Ulster competitions tend to follow the relevant year of birth for Irish Cups taking place each season.
For example, in the 2021 / 2022 season the U13 Cup takes place in June 2022 and is open to players born 2009 or later (i.e. players who are aged 13 or under at the time). Given this, Ulster will arrange matches for players born 2009 throughout the 2021 / 2022 season.
The below are indicative dates for competitions / matches. When these games have been confirmed we will contact the relevant squads.
WhatsApp groups
Parents will be invited to join WhatsApp groups for the group in which their children train and compete. if you have not been invited, please contact us and let us know.
Volunteering opportunities
We have a number of positions that are traditionally occupied by parents of juniors. No prior experience (or understanding of the game) is necessary. Time commitments are minimal and training will be provided, where required.
Club children’s officer
Team managers
Covid officers / parents rota
If you would like to get involved please let us know.
Club gear
We will be organising a club order towards the end of September. Order forms will be distributed and clothing will be available to try (for size) on 23 and 30 September at the Falls Leisure Centre between 7.30 and 8.00.