Flyers families,

We are so excited to welcome you all tomorrow! We have more swimmers than ever before and are looking forward to lots of fun, hard work, learning new skills, and making new friends. Below is a lot of important information that will help you prepare for the season. Please read it thoroughly as there have been several changes from past years as well as updated practice times from those that have been previously communicated. Because we have so many swimmers, particularly new and younger swimmers, and safety our highest priority, we have shifted a couple of practice times and groups for the first two weeks. These will be important times for the coaches to be able to assess swimming ability and set morning practice groups that create a fun, safe environment.

After-school practices begin Tuesday, May 31 and run through Thursday, June 9. We will begin morning practices on Friday, June 10.

We will host a brief parent meeting in the pavilion on May 31 at 5:30 pm to run through the season schedule, expectations, and answer any questions.

All practices will take place at the First Colony pool. Your swimmer should come dressed in a swimsuit and bring goggles, a towel, and a water bottle (unfortunately, there is no water fountain at the pool). We know kids will be finishing out other sports and activities these next few weeks, and that's ok - come when you can.

11:30a - 12 p:     Any 4 & 5 year olds who are able to attend during the day are encouraged to do so through June 9 (this is in place of evening practice)
4:15 - 5:00 p:     11 & up
5:00 - 5:45 p:     9 & 10 year olds + any 11 year olds who are are not home from school in time for the first practice.
5:15 - 5:45 p:     NEW 7 & 8 year olds (if this is your first year on a swim team, please report to the shallow end at the beginning of practice)
5:45 - 6:15 p:     NEW 6 & unders (if this is your first year on a swim team, please report to the shallow end at the beginning of practice)
5:45 - 6:15p:      RETURNING 8 & unders (those who swam on the team last year)

Morning practice groups will be finalized after the first two weeks, but, in general, they will follow the schedule below:

8:00 - 9:00a:     9 & 10 year olds
9:00 - 9:45a:     8 & under
9:45 - 10:45a:   11 & up

Spectators: Parents are allowed on deck during practice, but we ask that you do not interact with the swimmers while they are practicing. Please provide coaches and swimmers plenty of space to focus on the workout.

Communication:
We will communicate team information via email and the Swimtopia app. Please download the free version of Swimtopia in order to receive notifications including practice cancellations due to weather, reminders on meet days, and other time-sensitive matters. This app is also how you can see your swimmers event, heat, and lane assignments for each meet.

If you need to speak with Coach Dave about your swimmer, please send him an email at [email protected]. If there is an urgent matter, you may text him at 757.784.5911. Please do not catch him at practice, as this keeps him from being able to focus on the safety of our swimmers and it's also hard to remember notes from many different parents each day.

Team Swimsuits:
Team suits (and other merchandise) that have been already been ordered will be distributed during practice in the coming weeks. Team suits are not required, but if you would still like to purchase one (photo attached), you will need to determine your swimmer's size here and email Joe Eiden ([email protected]) to order. The boys' jammer is $45, girls' suit is $67.50. Should you choose not to purchase the team suit, your swimmer may wear a plain black swimsuit for meets. Other merchandise can be purchased throughout the season on the Flyers site or swim gear via the TYR Flyers portal.

Meets & Volunteering: The meet schedule is live on the Flyers webpage - mark your calendars! Volunteers are needed for all meets. The volunteer sign up and descriptions of each role will be sent out during the first week of practice.

Spaghetti Dinner: This annual fundraiser - sponsored by Guiseppes - will be held on Sunday, July 17 from 4-6 pm at the First Colony Clubhouse. Families are required to sell or purchase a minimum of 4 tickets each. You will be able to purchase tickets in advance, sell to your friends and neighbors, then come pick up your meals (pasta with meat or marinara sauce, salad, bread and dessert) or eat with teammates in the park!

I am thrilled to welcome so many new families and looking forward to seeing those returning as well! 

It's always a great day to be a Flyer
Laurel Henshaw