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Merlions
Gold and Platinum squads are our competitive and performance squads. The squads’ primary focus is on meets such as the Singapore National Age Groups, ACSIS and SEASAC, and overseas meets including British and Australian Nationals.
Our Performance squads are intended to be small so as to offer specific and personalised support to the students. The Senior Performance Squad benefits from 11 sessions available per week, including 2-3 indoor 50-metre-long course sessions per week, 2 Strength and Conditioning sessions, and 1 Land session led by our team physio. With world-class coaching and facilities, we aim to support students and extend their potential. Please note: the number of recommended sessions per week depends on each student’s development stage.
At any point, students can transition across to a less competitive pathway and have the opportunity to change their minds should they wish to re-join further along in their journey through school.
Performance Requirements
Gold Squad - Lead Coach Andy Hailey
• Aged 13+ (girls) or 14+ (boys) • Holds a Singapore National age group qualifying time • Holds a Singapore National Open qualifying time • Has scored more than 500 Fina Points
In both squads, the Lead Coach has the final decision on promotions.
Team Selection
Our selection process is supported by three values: attitude, attendance and performance. The values are listed in that order for a reason: without a positive attitude and regular attendance, a student cannot demonstrate the commitment needed for a good performance.
1. Attitude: we believe that to be a good athlete you must have respect for both everyone around you and the sport itself. Demonstrate positive behaviour and be humble: we believe that charisma is a balance of confidence and humility, which ultimately gains you respect from your peers, coaches and opponents. Good people make good athletes.
2. Attendance: be on time and commit fully to training. You will not progress long term if you don’t show up to training. That said, physically turning up doesn’t necessarily mean you are attending. During each session, strive to be mentally present and motivated to give your best. Through good attendance, you also set an example to others around you – this in turn will make you feel more connected to, and a part of, the team as a whole.
3. Performance: this means reaping the rewards of your hard work - or sometimes maybe not. Performance is a process of plan. Do; review; and learn from your mistakes as well as your successes.
As coaches, we strive to differentiate our approach to meet the needs of our student athletes. This is the most effective means to helping our swimmers achieve their full potential.
Competitions
(including Residential Trips)
At Tanglin, we offer a wide range of competitions that allow students to compete at a level that is correct and most appropriate to them.
We place huge emphasis on team events such as ACSIS, SEASAC and the Invitational Sprint League. These meets cater for students across the age range and across all squads down to the Junior Merlions.
From the entry level of home time trials, there are more than 20 open meets throughout the year, all varying in size and level. Coaches use internal time trials to educate students about the processes of swim meets and to track progression. Personal development is hugely important to the motivation of young people.
Some of the competitions we participate in are overseas. Along with our annual training camp, these overseas competitions offer fun and exciting trips across South East Asia. These trips also offer great opportunities for students to socialise and enjoy time with their teammates.
Communication
We operate an open-door policy; however, we do ask parents not to approach our coaches poolside. We are always more than willing to find time to meet and support parents.
SOCs is our scheduling platform for parents and students and the Portal is where our latest announcements and information can be found.
For general inquiries, please email merlions@tts.edu.sg For the Aquatics Director, please email andrew.hailey@tts.edu.sg For School Admissions, please email admissions@tts.edu.sg ,
