SMSE Development
NEW EXCITING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 2025-26!
Thomas Hargreaves (Cranbrook Aquatics) – Convenor
Clive Nicholson (Kincoppal Rose-Bay)
Zane Hayes (Randwick City)
Sebastian Torales (St George)
Email: development.metsea@gmail.com
SMSE Development Squads 2025-2026
SMSE is committed to recognising and rewarding dedicated swimmers within our Area. To support this, we heavily subsidise our Development Squad activities, ensuring greater access and opportunity for a wide range of swimmers.
These activities are designed to help swimmers of varying abilities enhance their skills and deepen their knowledge of the sport. They also offer a valuable opportunity to build friendships and learn from a diverse team of experienced coaches and industry professionals.
SMSE aims to offer a tiered squad structure based on age and ability.
Please note: All swimmers must hold current financial Primary Club membership with a Metro South East affiliated club to be eligible.
MORE INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE HERE
14 & Under (Participation Clinics)
SMSE is committed to providing regular Skill and Technique Clinics for our junior swimmers, offering them ongoing opportunities to refine their strokes, improve efficiency, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. These clinics also include opportunities to race in a low-pressure setting, where swimmers can implement their skills and gain official times in a constructive and encouraging atmosphere.
- Criteria: All SMSE area swimmers aged 8-14yrs old
- General Info: Location of events may vary depending on availability, age groups will be split on the day as 8-11yrs and 12-14yrs, all members will be notified of upcoming events via email and registrations will be via SwimCentral
Speedo Sprints Development Clinic – 2026
In 2026, SMSE hosted a dedicated Development Clinic for our Speedo Sprint Finalists following the Heats in January. This special event aims to strengthen the connection between swimmers and coaches as we come together and prepare as a team for the Finals.
The clinic will feature:
- A stroke-specific session tailored to the event your child has qualified for.
- An age-based relay session focused on improving team change-over skills.
- Morning Tea and Lunch; giving swimmers to develop new connections with other swimmers in our area.
- Our official T-shirt and Cap presentation for all finalists.
- MetSEA Team Photos.
We’re excited to celebrate your achievements and prepare together for Finals—we look forward to seeing all our Finalists there!
- Criteria: SMSE Speedo Finalists
- General Info:
- Date: 22nd February 2026
- Location: Murray Rose Aquatic Centre, Cranbrook
- Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Youth Area Squad
Junior Representative Team Initiative.
SMSE intends to select a Junior Team of up to 40 swimmers (ages 11–13) based on performances at MetSEA Championship meets to attend a regional event such as Nelson Bay, Orange, or Canberra.
This initiative aims to encourage progression beyond club-level racing, build team culture within the Area and offers exposure to travel, team racing, and competitive environments.
National Area Squad
National Age Swimmer Support Program.
To enhance the performance of National Age-qualified swimmers in the SMSE area through targeted, non-intrusive support strategies that complement existing coaching environments.
This program will focus on Areas of; Nutrition, Strength and Conditioning, Recovery and Swimmer Education.
At Age Nationals 2026, SMSE with the support of SMNE and CVSA provided sports massage support to athletes from these areas, assisting in Recovery and Performance across the 8-day meet.
Open Area Squad
Engagement and Retention Initiatives
SMSE will select a Senior Team of up to 12 swimmers (ages 18 & Over) based on performances at MetSEA, NSW and Australian Championship meets to attend an interstate/international competition.
MetSEA is also committing to investment in engaging initiatives for senior athletes such as the ‘Metro Showdown’ which was a huge success in 2024!
