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Naugatuck Thunderfish Swim Club TryoutsSpring 2026 Season
*Spring Season runs through July 16th*
When: PICK ONE DAY! Wednesday April 29th or Thursday April 30th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Tryout location: Naugatuck High School Natatorium, Rubber Avenue, Naugatuck, CT
Swimmers should:
- Wear a swimsuit and bring their own towel, cap and/or goggles.
- Be between 6 years and 17 years old.
- Be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke.
*What do prospective Thunderfish do during tryouts?
We will have the swimmer jump or dive into the deep end and complete at least one unassisted length of freestyle and demonstrate some of the three other competitive strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke). If they do not know how to properly swim all four strokes, don’t worry! Many of our swimmers start on the team with a vague knowledge of the strokes, then learn as they go. The coaches may also treat some of the tryouts as a practice session (asking them to perform certain tasks). This is to see how they will work in a practice-like setting. Our practice program is designed to acquaint and teach young swimmers the strokes and training involved in today's competitive swimming. Emphasis is placed on learning the proper stroke, start and turn techniques as well as the improvement of each swimmer’s "personal best" time in each event.
*How many openings do you have for new team members?
What Makes Thunderfish Special? Skill development and strong fundamentals • Positive coaching • Personal best improvement focus • Team spirit and sportsmanship • A supportive swim family
We will not know the exact number until we complete early registration for our returning swimmers. However, we typically accept between 20 and 40 new members at tryouts.
*What are the fees for joining the Thunderfish?
Our fees depend on which practice group your child is placed in at tryouts, but will be between $165 and $250 for the entire season.
*What if my child tries out and does not make the team?
Coaches may suggest lessons and encourage trying again in the future. We want every swimmer to succeed — even if it’s not just yet.
*If my child makes the team, what group will they be in?
The groups are based on ability before age. We assign new swimmers to groups after we have evaluated them at tryouts and after we have determined how many returning swimmers we have on the team.
*When are the Swim Team practices?
Depending on which group your child is in our group practice schedule is below. All new swimmers will start practices the week of May 4th.
- Future Team: Tuesday and Thursday 6-7pm
- Shrimps: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6-7pm (No Fridays once school ends)
- Squids: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6-7pm (No Fridays once school ends)
- Juniors & Seniors: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 7-8:20pm and Friday 6-7:45pm (No Fridays once school ends)
*What if my child can’t commit to all the practices?
The Naugatuck Thunderfish Swim Team is a competitive program and we like to keep open and constant lines of communication between the swimmers and coaches. We also like our swimmers to be well rounded. (Many of our younger swimmers participate in other sports, such as Little League baseball or travel soccer, and a lot of our Thunderfish are accomplished musicians.) If you have to miss a practice, we just ask that you let your coach know by simply by telling them (the practice before or via email). If you have to miss a series of practices, please discuss this with your coach in advance so they can provide you and your child with training options or suggestions. Unfortunately, if your child makes the Future Team but is unable to practice on both Tuesdays AND Thursdays we are unable to accommodate them with another practice group.
*Are parents required to volunteer? Why do we need parent volunteers?
Yes! Our organization is completely run by parent volunteers, and it takes ALL families doing their part to make our team successful. While we do charge a registration fee, we are a not-for-profit organization. Our fees are only intended to cover the cost of equipment, swimmer insurance, coach’s salaries, banquet, awards and other expenses. The board members are also volunteers and receive a discount for their efforts. For parents who are new to the sport, you will soon learn that it takes a large number of parents to run a swim meet and every position is critical to the function of the meet!
*How do the coaches and board members communicate with the parents?
We communicate with parents via the following means:
Spond App ~ *Main Communication* schedule, alerts, announcements
Facebook ~ announcements, news
It is very important that you keep your account updated with a valid e-mail address for your family and that you check that email address regularly during swim season as this is our primary means of communication with you. Also, make sure you follow us on Facebook! The latest meet information will be posted on our app.
*Do current/past swim team members have to try out?
No, unless they have been previously notified by a Coach that a tryout will be required. Returning swimmers can reach out via email if unsure.
If you have other questions, please contact us at [email protected]
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