Southern Performance Centre
In collaboration with Swimming NSW and the NSW Institute of Sport, Sutherland Leisure Centre is home to the Southern Performance Centre.
The program aims to enhance the performance of talented athletes and develop coaches across New South Wales, providing vital pathways for the local community. With support from nationally and internationally recognised coaches, the Performance Centre is aligned with Swimming NSW’s vision to be the leading state in performance and participation.
Local swimmers now have improved access to elite-level coaching and training opportunities. The Sutherland Shire will now offer athletes and coaches from the Southern Sydney region and beyond unprecedented chances to pursue their dreams.
Our squad structure is built around long-term athlete development principles. Each squad is led by experienced coaches and supported by a team environment that fosters progression, technical skill, and high-performance behaviours.
- Recommended training 3 sessions per week
- Focus - introduction to competition at club nights and external local club competitions
- Training for 100m individual medley including racing skills like starts and turns
- SLC Aquadot membership is encouraged but not compulsory at this level
- Recommended training 3-4 sessions per week
- Focus – introduction to competition at local club competitions and Met SEA Regional Championships
- Training to improve 100m individual medley and start competing in 200m individual medley and improving racing skills like starts and turns.
- Commitment to competition calendar outlined by Black Tip Sharks Coach (compulsory SLC Aquadot club membership)
- 15 min athletic development routine at the start of each training session.
- Recommended training 4-5 sessions per week
- Focus – competition at Sydney Metro’s, Met SEA Regional Championships and local club meet competitions
- Training for improvement in 200m individual medley including skill development such as starts and turns
- Commitment to competition calendar outlined by Hammerhead Sharks coach (compulsory SLC Aquadot club membership)
- 2 athletic development sessions
Primary Meet
NSW Junior State Championships (typically September/March)
Commitment
- Minimum: 5 sessions per week (compulsory)
- Sessions Offered: 7 per week
Lead Coach
Kai Robertson
Program Objectives
- Foundational skill acquisition and refinement
- Racing skills: starts, turns, and pacing
- Aerobic base development
- Multi-stroke and IM preparation (focus on 200m & 400m IM)
Competition Focus
- NSW Junior State Championships
- Sydney Metro Championships
- MetSEA Regional Championships
Performance Goal
- Prepare swimmers for transition into senior pathway
- Aim to qualify for first National Age Championships
- Exit point: completion of final eligible Youth State meet (usually post-September)
Additional Components
- 1x Athletic Development session
- 1x Classroom session
Equipment Required
Kick board, pull buoy, band, snorkel, finger paddles, fins, water bottle, recovery nutrition
Notes
- This group forms the development funnel into senior squads
- Post-Junior State, swimmers are streamed into 13 & Over development pathways
Eligibility
- Athletes outside the Top 5 at Junior State but now age-eligible for National Age
- Or, athletes without a current National Age Qualifying Time (QT)
Commitment
- Minimum: 6 sessions per week (compulsory)
- Sessions Offered: 8 per week, including gym and spin
Lead Coach
Kyan Davies, supported by rotational coaches under our performance progression framework.
Program Objectives
- Bridge the gap to National Age qualification
- Develop physiological and technical capacities to achieve National QTs
- Emphasise consistent training, skill consolidation, and targeted improvement
- Preparing athletes for senior-level racing expectations
Competition Focus
- Senior NSW State Championships
- Senior Metro Meets
- Metsea Championships
- Club and preparation meets
Performance Goal
- Achieve first Pool National Age QT
- Progress to Great Whites squad upon meeting standards
Additional Components
- 1x Gym session
- 1x Spin session
- 1x Classroom session
Equipment Required
- Kick board, pull buoy, band, snorkel, finger paddles, fins, water bottle, recovery nutrition
Notes
- Integrated with Sutherland Leisure Centre support services
- Competition calendar set by squad coach (SLC Aquadot membership required)
Training
- 7–9 sessions per week as outlined by the Head Coach
- Minimum training commitment: 7 sessions per week
- Focus on performance at NSW State and Australian Age/Open Championships
- Training tailored to individual event goals discussed with the Head Coach
- Full commitment to the competition calendar outlined by the Head Coach (compulsory SLC Aquadot club membership)
- 2 x Coached strength sessions per week
- 2 x Spin sessions
- 1 x Classroom session
Competition Focus
- Australian Age/Open Championships
- NSW State Championships
- Senior Metro Meets
- MetSEA Championships
- Club and preparation meets
Performance Goal
- Qualification for pool Australian Age/Open National Championships and performance at NSW State Championships
Equipment Required
- Kickboard
- Pull buoy
- Band
- Snorkel
- Finger paddles / hand paddles
- Fins
- Water bottle
- Recovery nutrition
Eligibility
Tailored on a case-by-case basis, intended for:
- Multisport athletes (e.g. surf, polo, team sports)
- Swimmers seeking lower-volume or flexible schedules
- Individuals maintaining skills/fitness or preparing for future performance pathways
Sessions Offered
- 6 sessions per week
Program Objectives
- Maintain technical proficiency in a supportive training environment
- Support skill retention and growth for recreational swimmers or those planning a return to high-performance
- Provide access to a training environment alongside national-level peers
Structure and Philosophy
- Flexible attendance (1–3 sessions per week is common)
- Swimmers must meet basic training and technical standards (e.g. 1:40 cycle)
- Not a remedial group - entry and retention based on quality of participation
Notes
- Individual plans discussed with the coaching team
- Referral pathways available for swimmers not seeking competition or performance alignment
Sutherland Leisure Centre Squad Program
Keen to take your swimming to the next level?
Try our Competitive Squad Program at Sutherland Leisure Centre with a complimentary session!
Our program is led by highly qualified and experienced coaches, helping swimmers refine their skills in a supportive environment.