The Xcel High Performance Squad: a structured pathway for swimmers chasing the next level.

The EGA Xcel High Performance Squad is a structured athlete development programme for swimmers who demonstrate strong performance potential and a commitment to their development within competitive swimming. The programme complements club coaching through specialised clinics, workshops, training camps, educational sessions and exposure to higher levels of competition.

Talk to the Squad Convenor Full programme document
Xcel Squad

Three areas, developed together.

The programme focuses on technical development, physical conditioning, mental performance, lifestyle education, leadership and accountability. Squad members are expected to maintain strong participation, training attendance, sportsmanship and commitment throughout the season.

Technical

  • Stroke efficiency
  • Underwater skills
  • Starts, turns and breakouts
  • Race pace execution
  • Video analysis and race review

Physical

  • Core stability
  • Strength and power
  • Mobility and flexibility
  • Injury prevention
  • Endurance and athletic development

Mental & lifestyle

  • Goal setting and race strategy
  • Confidence, focus, pressure
  • Nutrition and hydration
  • Recovery strategies
  • Leadership and accountability

Four squads, one ladder.

Each squad is capped at roughly 10–15 swimmers so that every athlete gets real coach attention and meaningful access to resources.

Velocity

500 – 550 WA points

Strong provincial level. The entry point into the programme.

Elevate

551 – 600 WA points

Building toward national development standards.

Edge

601 – 650 WA points

High provincial and national development level.

Ignite

651+ WA points

Strong national level and upward.

Selection: one number, every stroke and distance.

Selection is based primarily on official World Aquatics (WA) Points achieved in Long Course competition. Swimmers are considered according to their highest WA Point score achieved in an individual event during the qualifying period, with the minimum entry standard for consideration set at 500 WA points.

WA points compare a performance against the current world record, so sprinters, distance swimmers and IM swimmers are judged on the same scale.

Open door, all season

Achieve the standard after squads are announced and your coach can apply in writing for inclusion in the appropriate squad.

Grade 12 swimmers

Matrics are not selected for the 2026/2027 squads — exams and January departures make a season-long commitment unrealistic. This is not performance-related: Grade 12 swimmers who meet the standard are invited to selected clinics, workshops and education sessions.

WA points Performance level
500+ Strong provincial level
600+ High provincial / national development
700+ Strong national level
800+ Elite national level
900+ International / world-class level

Participation requirements

Compete at the EGA Summer Championships
Swim approximately 90% of District Age Group galas
Maintain roughly 80% training attendance
Attend about 80% of squad clinics and workshops
Set and review seasonal goals with your coach
Adhere to the EGA Code of Conduct

Squad membership is reviewed where these expectations aren’t met, regardless of performance level.

Expected athlete characteristics

Strong technical foundations
Coachability and a willingness to learn
Consistent effort and professionalism
Competitive resilience under pressure
Leadership and accountability
Respect for teammates, coaches and officials

The programme targets the SSA Grand Prix series, SA Senior Nationals, SA Short Course Championships and, where appropriate, international meets.

Clinics, camps and tours: a clinic every month or two, and a passport if you want one.

1–2
Months between clinics
80%
Expected clinic attendance
R250–500
Estimated cost per clinic
In person
& online
Delivery format

Clinics cover technical and tactical work, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, nutrition and recovery — with guest speakers, video analysis, competition simulations and coach education built in.

SANJ +

Ireland tour

Irish National Championships

Proposed December 2026
SANJ +

Florida, USA

High performance camp & Florida State Championships

Proposed August 2027
14 & over

Italy training camp

Treviso Cup / Pesaro Championships

Proposed July 2027
All squads

Local camp

High performance training camp in the district

Dates to be confirmed

Team Leaders on every tour

EGA appoints and approves Team Leaders for athlete welfare, logistics, discipline and emergencies. Safeguarding training is compulsory.

Club coaches welcome

We strongly encourage club coaches to travel with their swimmers — it keeps athlete support continuous through the tour.

Squad travel, not family travel

Tours are limited to eligible swimmers, registered coaches and appointed Team Leaders, and all international travel is self-funded.

Sponsorship: back a swimmer who can go all the way.

Sponsorship helps cover specialist coaching, venue hire, equipment, workshops, camps and subsidies for deserving swimmers. Sponsors get recognition across EGA events, publications and digital platforms.

Discuss a partnership Full programme document
Administration
Swimmers must be registered with EGA for the current season. A Squad Convenor manages planning, logistics and communication. Formal squad agreements may be signed by EGA, swimmers, parents and coaches. Swimmers who choose not to participate should tell us in writing. Squad enquiries: jenny@xcelsquad.co.za