Swim Teams
TOPS stands for The Oak Park Swimmers, the YMCA’s nationally recognized competitive swim team for youth ages 5 and up. It’s a great place to make new friends with all the practices, swim meets and social nights. YMCA TOPS is more than a swim team - it’s a family. The older swimmers encourage and guide younger swimmers and the parents support the swimmers by volunteering at meets and team functions. When you sign-up for YMCA TOPS, you are signing up to receive the best coaching in town, a place to learn life skills and be a part of the YMCA TOPS family!
Notice there is no “I” in YMCA TOPS!
Our program is based on the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. In committing to excellence in swimming, we teach YMCA TOPS members the value of hard work, discipline and sportsmanship for all aspects of life. Our outstanding coaches endeavor to teach, train and motivate our swimmers to achieve their personal best- an attitude that ideally carries over to all of their other activities. Together with supportive parents, our coaches provide a positive and healthy environment that develops each swimmer’s self confidence and leadership. Our swimmers and parents support each other as members of a team and family.
For more information including information on meets and fees, visit the TOPS website at www.topswim.org or call us at 708-434-0222.
Swimmers are placed I practice groups based on ability and age as follows:
YMCA Tiny TOPS (Ages 5-7) AQ900
A pre-competitive group for novice swimmers looking for a step-up from swimming lessons. Swimmers will be introduced to all the basic skills of competitive swimming. Emphasis will be on fun. Practices are offered two times per week for 45 min.. Participants must be able to swim one pool length completely.
YMCA TOPS Red (Ages 7-10) AQ905
Beginner group that focuses on balance and technique in the four competitive strokes. Swimmers must be able to swim one pool length of freestyle and backstroke before joining this group.
YMCA TOPS Black (Ages 11+) AQ915
Beginner group that focuses on balance and technique in the four competitive strokes. Introduction to the pace clock, start and turns.
YMCA Bronze (Ages 9-12) AQ920
This program is advanced group for this age that focuses on building endurance, body position and technique. Practices are offered five days per week.
YMCA Silver (Ages 11-14) AQ925
This program provides techniques to increase efficiency while gaining strength, speed and endurance. Five practices per week.
YMCA Gold (Ages 13+) AQ930
This is TOPS second-highest level of training. Aerobic and anaerobic training methods are used. Program stresses efficiency and technique. Six practices per week.
YMCA National (Ages 13+) AQ935
Athletes in the National group are committed to serious training for the sport of swimming. Athletes must be 13 yrs. or older and agree to a commitment to train year-round and are expected to attend all workouts.
Please note: Fees for YMCA TOPS does not include membership fees. The YMCA of the USA requires all team members, other than Tiny TOPS, to be active YMCA members.
YMCA Master Swim Team (Ages 18+)
The YMCA Oak Park Masters Swim Team (TOPM) is for advanced swimmers who are seeking an organized and focused workout with other adults. Participation in competition is optional; Fee will be pro-rated on a monthly basis for those who wish to join after a start date. Session is 8 weeks long. Email Coaches Greg and Stacy Sorg at Stacy_sorg@yahoo.com or contact Eric Meyer at 708-434-0222.
