Squads & Training
Supporting swimmer development at every stage of the pathway.
How Squads Work
Squads at Ballarat Gold Swimming Club are designed to support swimmers as they progress through different stages of development, training commitment, and performance.
Squad placement is based on a combination of:
- Skill level and technical ability
- Training attendance and attitude
- Physical readiness and age
- Competition experience and performance
- Commitment to squad expectations (including dryland and gym where applicable)
Swimmers are reviewed regularly throughout the season. Movement between squads may occur at the discretion of the Head Coach and relevant squad coaches, particularly at the end of each training cycle or season.
Progression through squads is individual — swimmers develop at different rates, and there is no fixed timeline for advancement.
If parents or swimmers have questions about squad placement or progression, we encourage open communication with the coaching team.
Squad placement is based on individual development and reviewed regularly by the coaching team.
Peter Pay Squad
- Weekly sessions: 8
- Total pool time: ~16.5 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
- Gym: Minimum 2 × 45-minute sessions per week
Our senior performance squad for experienced swimmers demonstrating a high level of commitment, consistency, and professionalism.
This squad focuses on advanced technique, race preparation, and long-term athlete development for state and national pathways.
Peter Pay Transition Squad
- Weekly sessions: 6 – 7
- Total pool time: ~12 -14 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
- Gym: Minimum 2 × 45-minute sessions per week
A transition-level squad bridging the gap between development and senior performance pathways.
Training emphasises advanced skill development, increased training volume, race preparation, and the physical and mental resilience required for progression into our most senior squad.
Ross Loader Squad
- Weekly sessions: 6
- Total pool time: ~12 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
- Gym: Minimum 2 × 45-minute sessions per week
A performance-focused squad for swimmers building strength, endurance, and racing skills.
Training emphasises technical refinement, consistency, and progression towards senior performance squads.
Ross Loader Transition Squad
- Weekly sessions: 5- 6
- Total pool time: ~10 – 12 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
- Gym: Minimum 2 × 45-minute sessions per week
A transitional squad for swimmers moving from development into higher performance expectations.
Focus is placed on improving technical consistency, aerobic capacity, racing skills, and strong training habits, preparing swimmers for progression into senior performance squads.
Rod Henwood Squad
- Weekly sessions: 5
- Total pool time: ~8.75 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
- Gym: 1 × 45-minute session per week (introductory level)
A transitional squad designed for swimmers stepping into higher training expectations.
Focus is placed on skill development, racing fundamentals, and establishing strong training habits.
Belinda Walton Squad 2
- Weekly sessions: 4
- Total pool time: ~6.75 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
A transitional squad designed for swimmers stepping into higher training expectations.
Focus is placed on skill development, racing fundamentals, and establishing strong training habits.
Belinda Walton Squad 1
- Weekly sessions: 4
- Total pool time: ~6.75 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
An introductory competitive squad for swimmers developing core skills and race awareness.
Training focuses on technique, consistency, and preparing swimmers for progression within the club pathway.
Pam Toom Squad 2
- Weekly sessions: 4
- Total pool time: ~5.75 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
An entry-level squad introducing swimmers to squad training in a supportive environment.
The focus is on basic technique, participation, and developing a love of swimming.
Pam Toom Squad 1
- Weekly sessions: 4
- Total pool time: ~5.75 hours
- Dryland: 15 minutes before each session
Our introductory squad for younger or newer swimmers transitioning from learn-to-swim programs.
Emphasis is placed on foundational skills, confidence in the water, and positive training habits.
Meet our amazing coaching team.
Our coaches are at the heart of Ballarat Gold — supporting swimmers across all squads, stages and abilities. With a mix of experience, energy and genuine care for our swimmers, our coaching team plays a vital role in building skills, confidence and a strong club community.
Mark V Stahl
Head Coach
Overseeing all squads across the program.
Read More About Stahlie
Mark is a long-time educator at St Patrick’s College, with over 40 years of teaching experience. Teaching and coaching have gone hand in hand throughout his life, with a strong focus on mentoring, discipline and personal growth — both in the classroom and on the pool deck.
While Mark didn’t grow up as a competitive swimmer, he has always been deeply involved in sport. He played a wide range of sports including football, soccer, cricket and tennis, and later competed in triathlons. This broad sporting background has strongly shaped his coaching approach, with an emphasis on skills, work ethic and enjoyment of sport.
Mark has run the Mark Stahl Swim School for nearly three decades and was instrumental in the establishment of Ballarat Gold Swimming Club, where he continues to lead and support swimmers across all squads and levels. His commitment to the club has been strongly supported by his family, who have been an integral part of the Ballarat Gold journey over many years.
A few quick facts
- Coaching focus: All squads and levels
- Favourite event: 200 IM (watching only!)
- Coaching philosophy: The 3 D’s — Dedication, Diligence and Desire
- Fun fact: Doesn’t enjoy swimming himself, but loves the art of coaching it
James Meddings
Coach – Belinda Walton Squads
Jack Bennetts
Coach – Rod Henwood Squad
James Bell
Coach – Rod Henwood, Ross Loader & Peter Pay Squads
Julia Howe
Coach – Pam Toom & Belinda Walton Squads
Jules is a junior squad coach who is especially loved by our younger swimmers. She brings great energy to the pool deck and has a natural ability to connect with kids, helping them feel comfortable, confident and excited to be at training.
Dayne Schnyder
Coach – Pam Toom Squads
Claudia Lanyon
Coach – Pam Toom Squads
She joined Ballarat Gold in 2020, has been involved in swimming since the age of 10, and is currently studying Nursing.
Interested in Coaching with Ballarat Gold?
Ballarat Gold Swimming Club is always interested in hearing from passionate and committed coaches who value athlete development, teamwork and a positive club culture.
If you’re an accredited coach (or working towards accreditation) and would like to be part of a supportive and established club, we’d love to hear from you.