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What are tryouts like?

Our tryouts are very relaxed and low-key. Your swimmer just needs to wear their swimsuit and be ready to swim. During the tryout, they will be asked to swim at least one length of the pool (25 meters) to demonstrate their ability. Based on their performance, the coach will decide which group is the best fit for them.

VAC

Tryouts

We offer tryouts at the beginning of each season and look forward to seeing your swimmer demonstrate their skill level. Swimmers are expected to swim 25 yards unassisted to qualify for our team. 

ALL LEVELS

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Tryout Info

Please arrive promptly at the start time and check-in at the table. 

We have open tryouts the first week of practice each season. The specific dates are listed above unless our tryout week has already concluded for the season.

If you have missed our tryout week, please use the registration form below to register your swimmer then press the “Book Your Tryout Timeslot Here”.

Tryouts are held at our pool which is located at Valley Central High School. Please enter through the side door to the right of the pool which is the adjacent building to the main entrance. Follow the other swimmers and parents if you are unsure on the exact pool location. 

Address

Valley Central High School Pool
1175 Route 17K Montgomery, NY 12549

 

Your swimmer will be asked to complete one full lap, unassisted in the pool (25 yards). Please let the coach know if they know multiple strokes and what their swimming level for each stroke is. 

The coach will notify you if your swimmer isn’t quite ready to join the VAC, otherwise you will be assigned a swim group proceeding their tryout. 

Blue Group

Beginner

Fall & Spring: 5:30pm – 6:30pm Daily
Summer: 7:30am – 8:30am Daily

More Info

White Group Intermediate-Beginner

Fall & Spring: 6:30pm – 7:30pm Daily
Summer: 8:30am – 9:30am Daily

More Info

Competitive & Varsity

Intermediate-Advanced

Fall & Spring: 5:30pm – 7:30pm Daily
Summer: 7:30am – 9:30am Daily

More Info

Please bring or wear the following:

  • Swimsuit (any style)
  • Goggles
  • Towel
  • Change of clothes as needed (there are changes rooms in the pool area)

The purpose of VAC is to develop motivated athletes who are driven to succeed in a competitive environment.  A committed staff of coaches and parent volunteers supports the growth of the team and swimmers by developing a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all athletes.

VAC aspires to develop a premiere swim club inspiring a commitment to team through a competitive and fun environment that builds on hard work and dedication both in and out of the pool.

The club makes demands on parents, swimmers and the coaching staff. The demands on the parents are very important. For the parents there is a time commitment between practice and meets, a financial commitment, as well as the commitments as a volunteer (i.e. working at meets, fund-raisers, annual dinners, etc.).

For the athletes, the commitments can be very demanding. Practice demands hard work and a commitment to improve. ESSL meets are held for every swimmer. The athlete must take on responsibilities for her/himself as well as the whole team.

The coaching staff feels that the demands made by the club will help develop the athlete into a well-rounded young person. The following are some ways we believe you will help us achieve our goals:

  1. Get to know the coaches. They are always available after practice. Feel free to communicate any problems or suggestions.
  2. Understand that competition can be a thrill that our athletes will enjoy. Although it means hard work, it can be fun. It does not always mean winning. Improving in skills, times and attitudes are equally important goals.
  3. Understand the courage required when an athlete competes. When a swimmer competes, they are taking a risk. Therefore competition and risk taking require courage and develop strength and character.
  4. Remember that coaches and parents cannot compete. When this occurs, the all-important communication system can fall apart.

We believe the Viking Aquatic Club can be advantageous for the athletic swimmer, the coaching staff, and the parents of the athletes.

Please attend your first practice on the Monday following the end of tryouts week, unless instructed otherwise by the coach.

How to join

1

Sign Up for Tryouts

Complete the form below to receive more info about our program and register for tryouts!

2

Attend
Tryouts

Show up to Valley Central Pool during the tryout times to demonstrate your swimmers skill level. 

3

Complete your application

You’ll be emailed your assigned group and registration page the week of or following tryouts.

Register for tryouts!

Swim Season Info

  • When does the season start?
  • What kind of swim programs do you offer?
  • Parent Volunteering at Swim Meets
  • How old does a child need to be to swim with the club?
  • What level of swim ability is required for swimmers to join?
  • Parent Handbook
  • Blue Swim Group
  • White Swim Group
  • Competitive Swim Group
  • Can I switch swim groups?
  • How much does it cost?
  • My kid wants to compete, so should I register them for the competitive team?
  • It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it at this time.
  • Varsity Swim Group

Help Center Articles

Remind App

Most communication happens in the RemindApp and a new remind group is created every year so make sure to add the new group for the current season. Step 1: Download the Remind App Step 2: Sign Up for Remind Step 3: Stay Informed Now that you’re all set up, you’ll

Read More »

Parent Volunteering at Swim Meets

There is a MANDATORY number of volunteer sessions (minimum of 6 but we usually need as much extra help as possible) required to successfully host these fundraiser meets; if you don’t do these – you will forfeit your $250 work bond deposit.   You may get other family members to help

Read More »

Team Unify Login (SE Motion App)

If you’re a parent of a swimmer, you’ve probably heard about Team Unify and its companion, the SE Motion App. These tools are essential for keeping things organized and running smoothly for both the club and families like yours. But if you’re still scratching your head about what exactly these

Read More »