What has changed as of the 2025 Season?

• The league (PWSL) changed the computer system we use to manage the team and prepare for and conduct meets. Meets will be pre-seeded, meaning you will know the number, heat, and lane of each event. These details should be written in Sharpie on your swimmer's arm.
• Registration MUST be paid online via card/debit card. We will NOT accept checks or cash for registration.
• All swimmers are REQUIRED to participate in a minimum of two meets.
• No swim lessons will be offered. Swimmers must pass a basic swim test (length of the pool unassisted) to make the team. If you would like guidance for swim lessons, let us know! PWC offers some great programs and we would love to have you on the team next year!
• Swimmers must be at least 5 years of age.

What is the purpose and affiliation of the Southbridge Swim Team?

• The Southbridge Swim Team is a member of the Prince William Swim League (PWSL).
• The purpose of our program is to provide opportunities for swimmers ages 5-18  to participate in a fun, competitive summer swim program.
• The Southbridge Swim Team is NOT swim lessons. Swimmers are expected to be able to swim, unassisted, to the opposite end of the lap pool.

How long is the season and when does it start?

• The season lasts nine weeks: First Tuesday after Memorial Day through the last Saturday in July.

Where are practices and meets held?

• Our practices run Monday thru Friday in the evenings, weather permitting.
• All practices and HOME MEETS are held at the Southbridge Clubhouse Pool at 17325 River Ridge Blvd, Southbridge, VA 22026. We always use the Lap Pool, which is located on the Lower Deck.
• Tentative Practice Schedule:
  • 8 and under - 5:30-6:00pm
  • 9-12 - 6:00-6:45pm
  • 13 and Over - 6:45-7:30pm
• AWAY MEETS are held at various outdoor pools around Prince William County. 
• Every Saturday starting the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in July (except July 5th) we have a swim meet: three at our home pool, three at another pool in the Prince William County area, and one final Divisional meet.
• Our season ends with a Divisional meet on the last Saturday in July. This year divisionals will be away.

How is the swimmer’s age determined/what is the age up date?

• The age of each child on June 1st of each swim season determines the age and age group in which they will swim throughout the season, regardless of a summer birthday.

What should my child wear to meets and practices?

• Swimmers are required to wear an appropriate one-piece swimsuit for all practices and meets. The team will provide meet swimsuits and jammers for purchase, but while recommended, these are not mandatory. CLICK HERE for team suit info.
• We do NOT recommend wearing the competition suits/jammers to practice.
• Swimmers should also bring a swim cap, goggles (bring a backup pair!), towel, water bottle and sunscreen.
• Meets can be cold in the morning! Bring warm clothes for your swimmer to wear between events.

How long is a meet?

• Meets start at 7am (and you'll need to arrive early for warm ups), and are usually over by noon, depending on the team sizes.
• If you need to leave early, please check with the coaches to make sure they do not need your swimmer for a relay. Freestyle relays for ages 14 and under are at the very end of the meets, and if we don't have enough swimmers, the entire relay won't be able to swim.

Does the team have official merchandise for purchase?

• We will have our spirit wear store up and running soon!

Does my child have to participate in all seven meets?

• While we certainly encourage 100% participation in all meets, we understand that life and plans happen and that isn’t always possible. Please try to be aware of any weeks your child will not be able to attend meets and provide those to the coaching staff as early as possible. If your child is sick the morning of a meet, please notify the coaching staff as soon as you’re aware.

What if I don’t live in Southbridge?

• Your child can still be on the swim team! We have many nonresident swimmers. There is a $25/child ($50 family cap) fee made payable to the Southbridge HOA. This fee grants your child(ren) permission to participate in swim practices at the Southbridge pool. All registered children are eligible to participate in meets.

What if my child has never swam competitively before? What if I know nothing about swim?

• Children should be able to complete a lap across the pool without assistance.  Please note that these are not swim lessons, and children should be comfortable in the water and at least able to doggy paddle to ensure safety.
• You don't need to know anything about it - our amazing coaches do! Just sit back and let them do what they do best.

Do I need to be at the pool during practice?

• For children ages 10 and under, the HOA requires an adult 16 or older be present (this can be a sibling or other adult in the neighborhood - we understand that even though we have evening practice, traffic and other factors sometimes impact being able to make it).
• Children ages 11 and over may pass a swim test (the lifeguards verify they can swim across the pool without assistance) and get a pass that enables them to be at the pool without an adult present.
• Lifeguards and coaches are present for all practices. Please wait until before or after practice to speak with the coaches as they need to devote their full attention to the swimmers - this includes junior coaches.
• Parents, please refrain from standing on the pool deck during practices. The coaching staff needs this space to do their jobs.There are plenty of chairs and loungers arond the lap pool that you may use.

How much does it cost?

• Summer swim is $175 per child, and each child you register after that is $165.
• Meets are FREE to enter - there is no additional cost.
• There are no fundraising or monthly fees - $175 per swimmer - that's it!
• Practice equipment is provided, but swimmers must provide their own swimwear (suits, goggles, caps, towels, etc.).

What should I bring to the meets?

• Bring some chairs for you and your swimmer(s). Some families bring tents, but we only have so much space, so it's smart to find a buddy and share tents with a family or two. If you do bring a tent, be willing to share!
• Bring warm clothes and extra towels as sometimes it's cold in the morning.
• Some families like to bring devices or games for the kids to keep them occupied between events.
• SUNSCREEN!
• Bring an extra pair of goggles and if possible an extra cap for your swimmer(s).
• Printed out heat sheet (these will be emailed to you the night before the meet. Sometimes at away meets they sell them.) None will be provided at home meets so you'll need to bring your own.
• Sharpie - it's best to write your swimmer's events on their arms the night before, but wise to bring one just in case.
• Cash or credit cards for concessions.
• WATER! The meets sometimes get very hot and sunny and hydration is very important...for parents and children alike. Water and drinks containing electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) are strongly encouraged.

I'm nervous that volunteering will prevent me from getting my young child to his/her events, or keep me from seeing my kid(s) swim.

• Don't worry - we have a volunteer position to ensure that doesn't happen! Our 8 & under Coordinator makes sure all the young swimmers get to the Clerk of Course, who organizes them for their events. We have this down to a science!
• Regarding seeing your child(ren) swim, many of the positions put you right on the deck so you never miss an event. However, the volunteer positions are flexible, so even if you have a position that isn't within view, you can still be sure to see your kids.

Are there awards for the kids?

• For each heat, heat winners get a heat winner ribbon.
• Following each meet, 1st - 12th places for individual events, 1st - 3rd places for relay events, and all 6 and unders who successfully complete the free and/or backstroke get place ribbons. These are available at practices after the meet.
• Seals of Week - these are weekly awards that the coaches give out
• End of Season Awards Party! More info will follow closer to time, but depending on weather, we will have an after-hours pool party to celebrate the season at the Southbridge pool the final week of the season.