Swim Team
If you would like to tryout....please inquire!!!
Anyone new who would like to register for FCA or Team Phoenix, will need to attend a tryout with an FCA Coach.
Tryouts can take up to 20 minutes between the swimming portion and the explanation of the registration process.
Please email fcaquatics@friendscentral.org with any questions.
Tryouts are now open! Please click here to select a tryout date.
SEASONS
The FCA Swim Team has two seasons each year:
2025-2026 Dates
Fall/Winter: September 2nd through March 20th (non-championship swimmers)
Spring/Summer: April 6th through July 9th (non-championship swimmers)
MEETS - 2026-2027 Fall/Winter Schedule Link
All FCA swimmers must be registered with USA Swimming through the Middle Atlantic Swimming LSC. Meets are typically once a month and could require travel outside of the Greater Philadelphia area. The meet schedule page will breakdown which age groups or ability levels should attend each meet.
**Continuing this Fall/Winter Season: All mini’s, novice’s, and Junior I’s who are 10 & under will participate in the Fall & Winter 10 & Over meets. Novices & Junior I’s that are 9 & Over: Will participate in the PDR Invite, Holiday Meet, EAAC January Jam, and the UDAC Closed Invite.**
Swimmers and families who are new to year round competitive swimming are expected to participate in home FCA meets and are encouraged to participate in at least one travel meet.
GROUPS:
Breakdown of groups, ability required, and pricing are below.
All new prospective team members must have an evaluation before joining the team. Please email fcaquatics@friendscentral.org to schedule a day and time if it is outside of our normal evaluation periods. Based on this evaluation we can determine which group or program would be the best fit for your swimmer(s).
Mini's (8 & Under)
The Mini group serves as a bridge between swim school and the competitive team. This is an athlete’s first true experience with competitive swimming. This group fosters a fun environment while developing a passion for swimming. Emphasis will be on making swimming fun while working on developing basic stroke fundamentals through drills. Freestyle and backstroke are the primary focus before introducing breaststroke and butterfly.
The Mini athlete must be able to complete 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke without stopping. They must be comfortable with swimming with their face in the water and demonstrate the ability to breathe to the side on freestyle. The athlete should be able to demonstrate a steady flutter kick with little knee bend and toes pointed.
Novice (7-10 Years Old)
The Novice group further develops athletes' skills in all four strokes while refining race techniques and strategies, such as diving and turns. Practice intensity increases while still being age-appropriate to build endurance. Drill progressions in each practice continue to build a solid foundation that will be built upon as athletes develop. A heavy emphasis is placed on building team relationships. Novice athletes are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another, and grow confident in and out of the water.
The Novice athletes must be able to swim 50 yards of freestyle and backstroke without stopping. Athletes should be able to demonstrate a correct flutter kick for free and back, and bilateral breathing when swimming freestyle. Some knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly is required.
Junior Groups
The following are FCA’s Junior level group expectations and standards. The listed information is criteria which coaches look at in order to discuss or consider move ups (i.e attendance, participating in highest meet eligible for, attending travel trips, performance standards, mental/emotional maturity, etc.)
Athlete Behavior and General Meet Expectations:
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Attend the highest level of meet the athlete is qualified for
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Portrays and displays the FCA Values and Behaviors on a daily basis
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Self Accountability: Practice behavior and performance is not dependent on coach/consequences
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Start practice on time - on deck when coach asks, and in the water at the start
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Communication on any changes to schedule or future absences
-
Hustle on deck and into water when late
Junior I
Junior I athletes are increasingly committing to year-round swimming while balancing other activities and passions. We expect Junior I athletes to learn to set goals, be self-motivated, attend practice, and strive for improvement.
Junior I’s train and compete in all four competitive strokes and compete at meets farther away (more than one hour). There is a continued focus on stroke development through drills, with increased practice duration and intensity. Dryland sessions are longer and more strength-based.
Athletes should expect to train and compete in the 10 and under IMR (100Fr, 50Bk, 50Br, 50Fl, 100IM) and IMX (200Fr, 100Bk, 100Br, *100Fly, *200IM) events.
Junior II
Junior II athletes are on the path to "self motivation" in swimming and further wish to develop their passion for the sport. They have chosen to make a larger commitment to year-round competitive swimming, prioritizing it while leaving room to pursue other interests. Junior II athletes have met some performance standards and are working toward achieving additional age-appropriate time standards. Dryland sessions focus on strength-based training and development.
The Junior II practice group develops versatile athletes who train and compete in all 4 competitive strokes and should expect to train and compete in the 11-12 IMX events (500Fr, 100Bk, 100Br, 100Fl, 200IM)
Senior Groups
The following are FCA’s Senior level group expectations and standards. The listed information is criteria which coaches look at in order to discuss or consider move ups (i.e attendance, participating in highest meet eligible for, attending travel trips, performance standards, mental/emotional maturity, etc.)
Athlete Behavior and General Meet Expectations:
-
Attend the highest level of meet the athlete is qualified for
-
Portrays and displays the FCA Values and Behaviors on a daily basis
-
Self Accountability: Practice behavior and performance is not dependent on coach/consequences
-
Start practice on time - on deck when coach asks, and in the water at the start
-
Communication on any changes to schedule or future absences
-
Hustle on deck and into water when late
Senior I
Senior I athletes are middle and high school students who have committed to swimming competitively year-round. They should expect to prioritize swimming over other activities the majority of the time. The Senior I group includes athletes who have not yet made the concerted commitment of Senior II and younger athletes who have not yet reached their peak performance. Travel experience is expected, and athletes should plan to prepare for the highest-level meet they qualify for.
Senior I athletes serve as role models for our younger groups. They are setting good examples of how to behave on the team, how to treat teammates and coaches, and demonstrating proper stroke technique. They should motivate and inspire each other and their younger teammates.
Senior I athletes have mastered all four competitive strokes and are aiming to reach peak performance and achieve their goals. They should expect to train and compete in the 13 and over IMR (200Fr, 100 Bk, 100Br, 100Fly, 200IM) and IMX (500Fr, 200Bk, 200Br, 200Fly, 400IM) events. Additionally, training incorporates strength-based dryland work and yoga, as well as an introduction to resistance training and equipment such as weights, dumbbells, and barbells.
Senior II
Senior II is the highest level of training and competition offered at FCA. Athletes in this group have demonstrated the commitment, work ethic, and performance standards necessary to thrive in a demanding training environment, both in the water and in the weight room.
Senior II athletes are expected to lead by example, setting the standard for effort, accountability, sportsmanship, and team culture. They serve as mentors and role models for younger athletes while embracing the responsibility that comes with representing FCA at the highest level.
Training emphasizes excellence across all four competitive strokes, with continued focus on the 13 and over IMR (200Fr, 100 Bk, 100Br, 100Fly, 200IM) and IMX (500Fr, 200Bk, 200Br, 200Fly, 400IM) events. Dryland and strength training progress beyond Senior I, incorporating advanced weight room work designed to develop power, durability, and long-term athletic performance.
Many Senior II athletes aspire to compete at the collegiate level. FCA coaches are committed to supporting families throughout the recruiting process, including goal-setting, communication with college programs, and guidance in finding the right fit. Families interested in collegiate swimming are encouraged to speak with the coaching staff for additional resources and individualized support.
COST (Updated for 2026-2027 Seasons)
USA Swimming Registration: If you are a returning member, we will be doing block registration. Meaning, FCA will invoice you for the registration fee as we will handle your registration as a current member. If you are new to FCA, you will be sent a link to complete USA Swimming registration.
FCS STUDENTS
| Mini | Novice | Junior I | Junior II | Senior I | Senior II | |
| Fall/Winter | $880 | $1270 | $1330 | $1380 | $1570 | $1645 |
| Spring/Summer | $780 | $900 | $1035 | $1115 | $1245 | $1315 |
NON-FCS STUDENTS
| Mini | Novice | Junior I | Junior II | Senior I | Senior II | ||
| Fall/Winter | $930 | $1330 | $1380 | $1495 | $1640 | $1715 | |
| Spring/Summer | $855 | $965 | $1095 | $1185 | $1305 | $1370 | |
Year-Long Registration
With our emphasis on commitment with FCA, we are implementing a program for registration this year for our four most experienced groups (Junior I (UPDATED)/Junior II/Senior I/Senior II). We will allow returning members to register for the entire year (Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer) at a discounted price. Also, we will allow monthly installments (September 1st to June 1st) as well throughout the year with this purchase. Please see the breakdown below:
| Group |
Discounted Year-Long Registration Cost |
| FCS-Junior I | $2110 |
| Non-FCS Junior I | $2215 |
| FCS-Junior II | $2230 |
| Non-FCS Junior II | $2395 |
| FCS-Senior I | $2515 |
| Non-FCS-Senior I | $2635 |
| FCS-Senior II | $2640 |
| Non-FCS-Senior II |
$2760 |
- Program fees include 2 FCA shirts & 1 FCA Cap (once for whole 2025-2026 season)
- Fees above do not include swim meets entry fees or USA Swimming Registration fee.
- Some practice groups will be required to purchase own training equipment. (Junior II, Senior I, Senior II)
- All swimmers must wear a team suit at all meets besides when wearing a tech suit. Team suits are not included in prices above. A team store website is located at the top of the web browser.
DISCOUNTS
Families with multiple kids on the team will receive $50 toward swim meet credits for 2nd and 3rd kids (each). Credits will be reflected in Commit Swimming
RETURNING MEMBER REGISTRATION OPENS:
Monday, July 20th @10am
PUBLIC REGISTRATION OPENS
Fall/Winter: Wednesday, July 29th @6pm
Spring/Summer: TBD
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Fall/Winter: Monday, August 17th
Spring/Summer: TBD
Late Registration Fee: $50
REFUNDS
Refunds: No refunds will be given after week four of each season. From registration to the end of week one, refunds will be allowed minus 10% of program costs. After week two 25%. After week three 50%.
If you registered for the year-long registration, you will not allowed to have a refund after week four of the start of the year.