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, September – May. In June, July and August, the Gators swim outdoors at Island Park Pool. Practice schedules can be found 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.
| Levels | Dates | Prices |
| High School Athletes - Girls | Nov. 7 - Mar. 17 | Members: $356.25, Non-Members: $427.50 |
| High School Athletes - Boys | Sept. 26 - Nov. 23 | Members: $161, Non-Members: $193.50 |
| Senior - Full Season | Sept. 26 - Mar. 17 | Members: $450, Non-Members: $540 |
| Senior - Fall only | Sept. 26 - Dec. 30 | Members: $262.50, Non-Members: $315 |
| Age Group - Full Season | Sept. 26 - Mar. 17 | Members: $403.20, Non-Members: $484.80 |
| Age Group - Fall Only | Sept. 26 - Dec. 30 | Members: $235.20, Non-Members: $282.80 |
| Developmental - Full Season | Sept. 26 - Mar. 17 | Members: $342, Non-Members: $414 |
| Developmental - Fall Only | Sept. 26 - Dec. 30 | Members: $199.50, Non-Members: $241.50 |
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.
| Session | Days | Location | Price |
| Sept. 26 - Nov. 10 | Choose Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs | Fercho YMCA | Members: $112, Non-Members: $133 |
| Nov. 14 - Dec. 29 | Choose Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs | Fercho YMCA | Members: $104, Non-Members: $123.50 |
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!
| Dates | Days | Times - Grades 1 - 3 | Times - Grades 4 - 6 | Location | Price |
| Aug. 30 - Sept. 22 | Tues & Thurs | 6:00 - 6:45pm | 7:00 - 7:45pm | Fercho YMCA | Members: $60, Non-Members: $74 |
High School Prep Camp
High School Prep Camp is a seasonal offering - check back later for upcoming dates and details!