The Small Club Advantage

 

CREST is a small team by design. While many clubs operate on a model that has a very large team that is divided into levels that practice at different times, and often in different pools around the city, CREST believes in the importance of one team. As such, the team is capped every year at 50 competitive swimmers. This cap enables personalized coaching from one or all of the CREST coaches and fosters a spirit of teamwork that is truly unique.

 

CREST has access to a six-lane, 25 metre pool flooded with natural light as well as a full gym. The entire team trains together and supports each other. Less experienced swimmers learn from more experienced swimmers and mentorship, friendship and comradery are commonplace in and out of the pool as a result. Although the team has its share of elite swimmers, the team practices together, learns together and supports each other.  

 

It’s no surprise that CREST has won Swim Ontario’s Small Team Award since 2017 given its commitment to developing personal excellence within the context of one team. This is a small team with big heart, and it is this quality that has our swimmers on the podium meet after meet, and our team consistently being recognized by Swim Ontario for its group achievements.

 

Most important, the small team approach means coaching that is geared towards every swimmers’ strengths and development opportunities. CREST coaches know their swimmers – they know what motivates them, where they can improve, and what it will take to help them achieve their goals. Every swimmer is different – some want the podium others just want to achieve their personal best. Either is a positive outcome as long as swimmers work hard, respect their coach and support the team. 

 

Facility

 

CREST trains out of the pool at the Crescent Town Club at Victoria Park Avenue, just north of Danforth Avenue. The pool re-opened in March 2018 after extensive upgrades to the in-ground structure and surrounding deck area.

In addition to a six-lane, 25 metre pool with state-of the art lane equipment – including new diving blocks – there is a full gymnasium and weight room that swimmers can access. Dryland training is held several times per week. There is abundant free parking in the parking garage beneath the facility and the pool is near public transit. CREST is the only swim team to train out of this facility.

 

Social Activities

 

“Work hard/Play hard” is a concept not lost on our coaches and swimmers. Our swimmers spend a lot of time in the pool and it’s only fair that they also have opportunities to spend time together developing friendships and having fun. There are many social events throughout the year geared at forging strong relationships and celebrating achievements. A few of the events held include:

  • Pancake breakfasts
  • Holiday Party
  • Year-End Awards Banquet
  • Swim-a-Thon – Fundraiser and Dinner

Meets

 

CREST competitive swimmers will attend 5-15 meets per year depending on level. Coaches will assess and enter swimmers into meets that are consistent with a swimmer’s ability and times. Throughout the year the team will attend meets as a whole, with all swimmers competing in events, or swimmers may attend different meets that are suited to their level and personal goals.

 

CREST attends at least one “away meet” per year where the team travels as a group to a location within Ontario. This meet is intended to provide a fun travel experience for the swimmers and their families and also provide an opportunity to compete against teams that are outside of the Greater Toronto Area.