The Carroll County YMCA (CCY) competitive swimming program is designed to provide young swimmers with an opportunity to develop a healthy mind, body, and spirit. We strive to develop the character of our swimmers by building on the four core values of the YMCA, and we aim to strengthen families through their involvement in the program. Our goal is to make our swim team a positive experience for everyone involved; an experience that promotes a lifetime of fitness in the spirit of teamwork and the methods of appropriate competition. Swim Team practices, social functions, fundraisers, and swim meets bring swimmers, parents, and coaches together to provide and atmosphere of cooperation, unity, and stability during the crucial years of a swimmer's development. We require our swimmers to maintain good grades in school.

Practice Groups:
Swimmers are assigned to one of four training levels, based largely on skill and experience but with consideration also given to age, maturity, desire, and dedication. Parental opinion is an important element in this process, but coaches make the final determination regarding group placement.

Novice Group:
The novice group is designed for swimmers 8 and under that are new to competitive swimming. Swimmers must be able to swim the length of the pool with their face in the water. Swimmers must also be comfortable on their back in the water. Novice swimmers will practice 2 times per week. Y dual meet attendance is encouraged. Swimmers will practice until the end of the dual meet season.

Cadet Team:
This group is for swimmers aged 7 to10. The practice sessions consist of stroke work and endurance training.  These swimmers are relatively new to winter swimming. Y dual meet attendance is strongly encouraged. Emphasis is on fun, fitness and good swimming technique. Novice Team swimmers must be able to swim freestyle and backstroke for a minimum of 25 yards continuously. Novice team members will have 3 practices per week, and swimmers will practice until the end of the dual meet season.