Gold A & B

The Gold program is divided into two categories of training – Gold A and Gold B. 

Gold A is the highest level of training within the Orillia Channel Cats. Designed for high performance, dedicated athletes, Gold A prepares swimmers for success at provincial, national, and post-secondary levels. Running from September through June/July, this program requires a full-season commitment.

Swimmers in Gold A swim 8 times per week, supported by 4 dryland sessions.

Gold A swimmers are recommended to attend 10 – 12 meets per year.

Gold A practices feature advanced training sets that push athletes beyond their comfort zones while reinforcing the importance of quality over quantity. Swimmers also participate in regular dryland training, cross-training, and weight training to build strength, resilience, and overall athleticism.

A key focus of the Gold A group is long-term development. Athletes are encouraged to take ownership of their training through goal setting, accountability, and consistent effort. The ultimate goal is to prepare swimmers to continue their careers in post-secondary varsity programs, while maintaining a balanced approach that prevents burnout and fosters a lifelong love for the sport.

The Gold A program represents the peak of our competitive pathway, giving athletes the tools, training, and mindset to succeed at the highest levels of swimming and beyond.

Gold A Practice Schedule (Updated for 2026-2027):

*All practice times include a 15 minute activation period

Monday: 6:00 – 7:00 am (dryland); 3:15 – 4:30 pm (pool)

Tuesday: 5:30 – 7:15 am (pool); 3:15 – 4:30 pm (pool) 4:40 – 5:30 pm (dryland)

Wednesday: 5:30 – 6:00 am (dryland on deck); 6:00 – 7:15am (pool); PM OFF

Thursday: AM OFF; 3:15 – 5:30 pm (pool)

Friday:  5:30 – 6:20 am (dryland); 6:30 – 7:15am (pool); 3:15 – 5:30pm (pool)

Saturday: 5:45 – 8:00 am (pool); 8:10 – 9:00 am (dryland)

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Gold B is recommended for high school aged swimmers who wish to continue competitive swimming, but may be training rigorously in other sports, and/or looking to stay active in swimming without the demands of high performance training.

Gold B swimmers are offered 4 practices per week in the pool.

Swimmers in Gold B may opt to remain competitive, attending some meets, or they may choose to discontinue going to meets.

Gold B practices may share many of the same components of the advanced training sets that swimmers have come to know in their competitive swimming careers, but they will be met with the goal of continuing swimming fitness and strength, aiming for a lifelong love of the sport and ability to swim well, with excellent technique.

Gold B Practice Schedule (New for 2026-2027)

*All practice times include a 15 minute activation period

• Monday: 3:15 – 4:30 pm (pool)

• Tuesday: 3:15 – 4:30 pm (pool)

• Wednesday: OFF

• Thursday: 3:15 – 4:30 pm (Pool)

• Friday: OFF

• Saturday: 6:45 – 8:00 am (Pool)