Junior Academy
A performance development opportunity within the Scottish Swimming pathway for selected swimmers aged 11–14.
Supporting Swimmer Development
At Nairn District Amateur Swimming Club, we are committed to supporting swimmers at every stage of their journey — from club participation through to regional and national performance pathways.
For swimmers demonstrating strong potential, there are opportunities to be selected into the Scottish Swimming Junior Academy programme, the first step in the national performance structure.
The National Pathway
Scottish Swimming supports a structured performance pathway for approximately 180 athletes across Scotland.
This includes the National Senior Team, National Junior Team, and Youth & Senior Academy — all supporting progression towards elite performance.
The Junior Academy sits at a regional level beneath these programmes and provides an important introduction to the national performance environment.
What is the Junior Academy?
The Junior Academy is a regional development programme delivered by Scottish Swimming and SASA Districts.
It is designed for swimmers aged 11–14 who meet selection criteria set out in the Scottish Swimming National Selection Policy.
The programme focuses on developing technical skills, training behaviours, and an understanding of competitive performance environments.
For Swimmers
The Junior Academy provides swimmers with exposure to a wider training environment, helping them develop alongside athletes from across the region.
It supports long-term athlete development and helps swimmers understand the expectations of higher-level competition.
For Coaches
The programme also provides a collaborative environment for coaches to share knowledge, develop practice, and support athlete progression across clubs.
This ensures consistent development standards across the region.
What This Means for NDASC Swimmers
Selection to Junior Academy is a recognition of a swimmer’s development, commitment, and potential.
Swimmers remain fully part of NDASC while accessing additional training and development opportunities through the Academy programme.
This ensures swimmers continue to benefit from their club environment while progressing along the Scottish Swimming pathway.