Team Philosophy

§ Brief History

The Fairhope Area Swim Team was founded with the purpose of promoting the development of the sport of swimming in programs designed for competition through age-grouped frameworks outlined by the United States Swimming, Inc. (USS). Promoting a sense of good sportsmanship, fellowship and citizenship among the swimmers is a priority, along with helping each swimmer in every appropriate way to develop and grow into healthy, happy and contributing adult citizens.

§ Practice & Learning

Practices are scheduled daily, and each child is encouraged to attend every practice, with a target of at least 3 days per week or more. If your child does not attend practice, he/she will not be as prepared as those that attend regularly. Therefore, his/her chance to improve their stroke technique and endurance will be less than those that attend practice regularly. The coaching staff fully understands that summer is a time for families to go on vacations and participate in VBS. Please understand, however, that this is a competitive swim team and the coaches want as many swimmers to contribute towards a full team effort.

§ Competition

Fairhope Area Swim Team is an active member of the Gulf Coast Area Aquatic League (GCAAL), the governing body for the area’s summer swimming programs. GCAAL, along with representatives from FAST, schedule weekly swim meets in preparation for the City Meet, the final 2-day meet of the summer that includes all GCAAL teams. Although children are not required to swim in meet competitions, we highly encourage participation.