FM GATOR SWIM TEAM
The FM Gator Swim Team is a competitive swim program that has been a part of the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties since 1959. Swimmers of all ages are welcome to participate, improving their skills while learning to value hard work, reach for excellence, and enjoy spirited competition. This premier swim team has helped to develop numerous state and national champions, and has been an integral part of our community for decades.
The Gators have five training groups for ages five and up to accommodate all levels and ages of competitive swimmers – Developmental, Age Group I & II, and Senior Group I & II. Practice schedules vary by season and level. Stroke clinics, summer camps, and special events are also important parts of the FM Gators program.
Our professional YMCA coaching staff provides high quality instruction for all ages and abilities to improve swimming and diving skills, boost confidence, and achieve success while making new friends and having fun.
Level Descriptions
Developmental Group: Developmental swimmers are new and experienced 5+ year olds who can swim 25 yards of freestyle (front crawl) and 25 yards of backstroke without stopping or needing assistance. They also learn the skills necessary to compete such as working with teammates, following directions, and advanced drills.
Age Group: Age Group levels are designed to give swimmers who have gone through our Developmental group a positive and technically sound experience on a swim team. These levels are designed to challenge your child depending on their experience in the sport as well as develop more advanced competitive skills.
Senior Group: The Senior Group levels are designed for advanced, experienced, competitive swimmers. Necessary training will be given to excel in competitive swimming events.
New to the team? Please contact Erich Richardson for a Stroke Evaluation to find out which Group would be the best fit for you!
Sessions and Prices
The Gators swim team utilizes the Fercho Pool, Davies High School Pool, and North High School Pools during the school year from September - May. Due to construction at Island Park in summer 2023, the gators will be practicing in different locations in June and July.
April and May 2023 Schedule:
| Days and time | Location | Address |
| Monday evenings | North High School | 801 17th Ave. N. Fargo |
| Wednesday evenings | Davies High School | 7150 25th St. S. Fargo |
| Tuesday/Thursday/Friday evenings | Fercho YMCA | 400 1st Ave. S. Fargo |
June and July 2023 Schedule:
| Days and time | Location | Address |
| Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings | North High School | 801 17th Ave. N. Fargo |
| Tuesday/Thursday mornings | South High School | 1840 15th Ave. S. Fargo |
| Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday evenings | Hulbert Aquatic Center | 620 7th Ave. E. West Fargo |
You can find more information about practice schedules at fmgators.com. There are two required registration fees, including the YMCA fee (see below) and the FM Gators/USA Swimming fees, which can be paid at fmgators.com.
Financial Assistance is available, based on need and availability, to help cover both the YMCA fee and the USA Swimming fee. To learn more or to apply, please contact Gators Head Coach Erich Richardson at 701.364.4151 or erich.richardson@ymcacassclay.org.
Registration for Spring and Summer is now open!
| Levels | Dates | Prices |
| Developmental - Spring | April 24 - June 2 | Members: $97.50, Non-Members: $117.00 |
| Age Group - Spring | April 24 - June 2 | Members: $120.00, Non-Members: $144.00 |
| Senior - Spring | April 24 - June 2 | Members: $137.50, Non-Members: $165.00 |
| Developmental - Summer | June 5 - July 23 | Members: $113.75, Non-Members: $136.50 |
| Age Group 1 - Summer | June 5 - July 23 | Members: $140.00, Non-Members: $168.00 |
| Age Group 2 - Summer (Option 1 - practices five days per week) | June 5 - July 23 | Members: $156.80, Non-Members: $189.00 |
| Age Group 2 - Summer (Option 2 - practices seven days per week) | June 5 - July 23 | Members: $173.60, Non-Members: $210.00 |
| Senior Summer Group | June 5 - July 23 | Members: $202.43, Non-Members: $245.00 |
Pre-Swim Team
Curious about Gators? Want to join a swim team, but don’t quite feel ready yet? Pre-Swim Team will help you improve your skills, learn what it’s like to be on a swim team, learn strokes and lap swimming, and gain comfort in the pool! Participants must be able to swim 25 yards freestyle without stopping or needing assistance. Ages 4 - 18.
Spring and Summer Session Registration open!
| Session | Days | Location | Price |
| April 24 - June 2 | Choose Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs | Fercho YMCA | Members: $108, Non-Members: $132 |
| June 5 - July 20* | Choose Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs | Fercho YMCA | Members: $108, Non-Members: $132 |
*No practice the week of the 4th of July (July 3rd - 9th)
Stroke Clinics
Improve your swim techniques with the Gators swim team coaches! Clinic is open to youth not currently on a swim team, who can swim 25 yards freestyle and 25 yards backstroke without stopping. Participants will improve their skills, learn what it’s like to be on a swim team, meet new friends, and get comfortable in the pool!
Check back for more information and dates about registering for our September stroke clinic!
High School Prep Camp
High School Prep Camp is a seasonal offering - check back later for upcoming dates and details!