Forest Park Swim Team

For the 2026 season, we are excited to continue offering our Mini-Flyer program that specifically prepares young children and new swimmers for advancement to the Forest Park Swim Team. Please review evaluation requirements below. 

Mini-Flyers will run in two sessions:

• Spring: April 13-May 2; Practice schedule starting May 4 is 6:00-6:30 pm, M-F
• Summer: June 3-July 24; Practice schedule is 10:00-10:30 am, M-F 

EVALUATION & SESSION ASSIGNMENT

NEW MINI-FLYER SWIMMERS: All swimmers new to the Mini-Flyer program will need to complete an evaluation to determine skill level and session placement. Due to limited staffing capacity to accommodate one-on-one coaching needs in the spring, some swimmers may be assigned to the summer session.

RETURNING SWIMMERS: Upon registration, some returning Mini-Flyer swimmers will be asked to complete the evaluation to determine continued placement in the Mini-Flyer program or placement on Swim Team. 

Evaluations will take place May 26-28, between 6 and 6:30 pm. Sign up HERE. 

For beginner swimmers, Mini-Flyer coaches are in the water, providing individualized attention. As the swimmers progress, coaches will still be in the water, but focus on independent swimming. 

Mini-Flyer swimmers have many opportunities to participate in Swim Team social activities, truly getting a taste of what it's like to be on the team! 

MEET PARTICIPATION & VOLUNTEERING

Mini-Flyers typically do not swim in meets unless the Coaches feel they are ready to do so. For our program, meet participation happens in several ways: 

• Depending on skill level, some Mini-Flyers will be asked to participate the Team's Time Trials and in dual meet, beginning late May. These swimmers are not officially part of the Swim Team, but this is another opportunity for Mini-Flyers to gain experience and to be evaluated for Swim Team readiness. 
• To provide an introduction to meets and competitive swimming, all Mini-Flyers will be invited to swim in the last home meet of the season. 
• During the season, if a FIRST-YEAR Mini-Flyer starts to regularly swim in meets, job requirements do not need to be fulfilled unless participating in an Invitational Meet.
• Optional 8 & Under Invitational Meets sometimes have races for Mini-Flyers. 
• For Invitationals meets including City Meet, Mini-Flyer parent(s) must perform one job.

ADVANCEMENT TO SWIM TEAM 

As Mini-Flyer swimmers progress, they may be advanced to the Swim Team during the season. FIRST-YEAR Mini-Flyers who transition to Swim Team in the same season will not be required to fulfill job duties (unless participating in an Invitational Meet). Coaches will officially transition Mini-Flyers who are ready to Swim Team typically at  beginning of the summer session (June 3). 

For those desiring non-competitive swimming opportunities, we encourage you to check out Forest Park Swim Club clinics and public group and individual lessons. 

Mini-Flyers is a fantastic and fun way to introduce swimmers to competitive swimming and prepare them for Swim Team. See you at the pool! Go FLYERS! 

This year, the Mini-Flyer program will run in two sessions of 7 weeks each for a flat fee of $350. The spring session starts in middle of April and summer session starts first week of June. More precise dates will be available before registration opens.

All potential Mini-Flyers will need to attend an evaluation before the session starts. Evaluations will be held in early April and late May. 

• Mini-Flyers are welcome to participate in Buddy Night
• Mini-Flyers are not required (but encouraged!) to Fundraise.
• Mini-Flyers are not required to fulfill job requirements even if they transition during the season to the Swim Team. The only exception is when participating in an invitational meet. All parents are required to help fulfill jobs for invitational meets.