Our summer swim team practices four days a week, focusing on building a strong foundation in endurance, technique, and skill development. We’re a fun, energetic group dedicated to improving and getting faster each season. With a supportive team environment and an emphasis on individual growth, we strive to help every swimmer reach their full potential—while enjoying every moment in the water. An active membership is required to participate in this program.

Requirement criteria for New Members: Completion of Level 4 or equivalent swim lessons, which will also be completion of the Deep Water/Green Band swim test plus backstroke.

• 25 yards front stroke
• 25 yards back stroke
• Tread water for 1 minute

*If unsure, please email [email protected] for a swim test. 

*Current team members should register for their established level*

Ages are approximate. Swimmers will be adjusted into the correct groups during the first week of practice. Swimmers may attend some or all practices; no minimum requirement.

• Jr. Bronze (has never swam competitively, has completed Level 4 or equivalent)

• Bronze (previous competitive experience, has completed Level 6, or equivalent)

• Silver/Gold (Coach Recommended; contact for evaluation)

Bronze Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team

The YMCA and SPY swim team welcome dedicated swimmers who want to compete with teammates in an encouraging and supportive environment. Emphasis is placed on developing the four competitive stroke techniques, racing skills and endurance while focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, healthy competition, fitness and fun. Our coaches encourage swimmers every step of the way to improve and do their personal best. Being on the swim team is a great way to meet new friends, work out and have fun – all at the same time! Typical age range is 5-10

All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration. 

Program Dates:

• Regular Season (October 5th- February 26th)

LOCATION:  YMCA

DAYS:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

TIMES:  6:00 – 7:00pm (3 Lanes)

Requirements

• Capable of continuously swimming up to 25 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke.
• Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
• Ability to demonstrate components of Breaststroke and Butterfly after instruction.
• Ability to enter the pool with a Kneeling, Compact, Stride or Shallow Dive.

Email [email protected] to schedule your try-out!

At the Y, everyone plays and everyone wins! Many of the families who participate at the YMCA enroll in our Financial Assistance program or choose a payment plan to keep their rates affordable. 

About Us: The Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team provides swimmers a competitive experience that is in a safe and supportive environment for athletes of all ages and abilities

Gold Description:

This group maintains an emphasis on stroke technique while incorporating more aerobic endurance, dryland exercises and racing skills. We encourage and teach a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport as we introduce this group to more rigorous training, preparing them to compete at the state and national level. Practices are offered up to 6 days a week and are held at the YMCA and Plum High School.

• Typical age range: 11-18.
• All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration.

Requirements

• Legally swim a minimum of 100 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
• Ability to complete an endurance set of 10×100 at an interval appropriate to the swimmers age and level.
• Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
• Ability to enter the pool with a competitive start from the diving blocks.
• The determination to work hard and strive for personal achievements based on goal setting exercises.

Program Dates:

• Regular Season (October 5th- February 26th)
• Championship Season (March 1st- 26th)- dependent on qualification times

LOCATION:  Plum High School & YMCA

DAYS:  6 Days Per Week

•       Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays at Plum High School
•       Sundays at the YMCA

TIMES:  5:30pm- 7:30pm (depending on Plum Varsity Swim schedule)

Why Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team?

• Consistent top tier team in Western PA
• Member of both the WYPSL League and USS Swimming
• Experienced and committed staff
• Quality facilities, weight room, and dryland training with certified instructors
• TEAM and Family Environment

Request a tryout today by contacting us at: [email protected]

At the Y, everyone plays and everyone wins! Many of the families who participate at the YMCA enroll in our Financial Assistance program or choose a payment plan to keep their rates affordable.

About Us: The Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team provides swimmers a competitive experience that is in a safe and supportive environment for athletes of all ages and abilities

Gold HS Description:

This group maintains an emphasis on stroke technique while incorporating more aerobic endurance, dryland exercises and racing skills. We encourage and teach a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport as we introduce this group to more rigorous training, preparing them to compete at the state and national level. Practices are offered up to 6 days a week and are held at the YMCA and Plum High School.

• This is for the individuals who are participating on a varsity-level swim team December – February. Swimmers must provide a letter from their varsity coach verifying that they are practicing at their high school sessions. 
• Typical age range: 14+
• All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration.

Program Dates:

• Regular Season (October 5th- February 26th)
• Championship Season (March 1st- 26th)- dependent on qualification times

LOCATION:  Plum High School & YMCA

DAYS:  6 Days Per Week

•       Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridays at Plum High School

TIMES:  5:30pm- 7:30pm (depending on Plum Varsity Swim schedule)

Why Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team?

• Consistent top tier team in Western PA
• Member of both the WYPSL League and USS Swimming
• Experienced and committed staff
• Quality facilities, weight room, and dryland training with certified instructors
• TEAM and Family Environment

Request a tryout today by contacting us at: [email protected]

At the Y, everyone plays and everyone wins! Many of the families who participate at the YMCA enroll in our Financial Assistance program or choose a payment plan to keep their rates affordable.

Silver Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team

Silver Description:  This group builds upon the fundamental swimming skills learned in the Bronze Group. More advanced drills and training techniques are introduced progressively to improve overall coordination and efficiency in water. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practice regularly and participate in swim meets. Being on the swim team is a great way to meet new friends, work out and have fun – all at the same time!   Typical age range: 8-12.

Program Dates:  October 5, 2026 – February 2027

Days & Times:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday @ 7:00pm- 8:30pm (5 lanes)

• Days and Times are subject to change.

All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration. 

• Requirements
  • Legally swim a minimum of 50 yards of Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
  • Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
  • Ability to enter the pool with a competitive start from the diving blocks.
• Email [email protected] to schedule your try-out!

At the Y, everyone plays and everyone wins! Many of the families who participate at the YMCA enroll in our Financial Assistance program or choose a payment plan to keep their rates affordable. 

Latex – $6

Silicone – $15

Long Hair Silicone – $20

Bronze Squad

Swimmers should have completed group levels 1-6 or equivalent.

Bronze swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 25-50 continuous yards of Freestyle with rotary (side) breathing, continuous arm motion and continuous kick.
• Swim 25-50 continuous yards of Backstroke with continuous arm motion and continuous kick.
• Have previous knowledge of Breaststroke and Butterfly.
• Attempt a dive from the side of the pool or off the diving block.
• Pass an endurance set (Example: 4×25’s freestyle with 1:00 minute break after each 25.)

Silver Squad

Silver Swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 50-100 Freestyle with continuous arm motion, kicking and rotary (side) breathing.
• Swim 50-100 of the four competitive strokes continuously with appropriate turns and continuous arm and kicking motion.
• Dive from the starting block.
• Continuously perform flip turns – no open turns.
• Perform the appropriate streamline/turn for each stroke.
• Butterfly — Get their arms over the water and perform the butterfly kick.
• Breaststroke — Perform the breaststroke pull and kick.
• Backstroke — Swim on their back for the entire distance and perform a backstroke flip turn and appropriate finish.
• Pass an endurance set (Example: 4×50’s freestyle and/or Backstroke with 1:00 minute break after each 50.)