What are the ages that the YMCA swim team goes to?

Question

I want to join the YMCA swim team but I don't know if I am too old. I am 15 years old. What ages does the YMCA swim team go up to? Also, do you need prior experience to join the YMCA swim team because I never been on a competitive swim team before. Will that not allow me to join without prior competitive swimming experience?

Answer 1

Call the Y and ask.

Answer 2

No, you don't need to have prior experience. If swim teams refused to let people join because they didn't have experience, then there would be no swim teams. Depending on the size and competitiveness of the team, you might be assigned to a lower-tier workout group. If you work and improve, you should be able to move up.

No, you're not too old. The people on YMCA teams *typically* go up to age 18. When I was in high school, we had a guy train and go to Y Nationals with us. He was 25.

In general Y programs are less competitive than USS programs, but there are plenty of exceptions. The season starts in the fall and runs through the spring, but your Y might have a different calendar. You really need to contact your local Y and ask some questions.

Answer 3

You'll probably have to call up the head coach and schedule an appointment with him, since the long course season is more than half way through, so she/he can assess your swimming ability. I know this girl who joined really late in the season on my team. You probably won't be turned away, but you might be placed with a younger practice group so that you'll be able to keep up in practices (I was).

I'm 16 and I'm on a YMCA team, so you're fine (I joined last summer, at 15). The ages typically go up to 18.

I feel for you. I jumped into high school competitive swimming my freshman year of high school. It's a good idea to do the YMCA team before doing that (I didn't).