Greater Latrobe Aqua Club (GLAC)

GLAC was organized in 1990 for the purpose of instruction and training in the sport of swimming. GLAC is a member of the Chestnut Ridge League and experienced swimmers may also register for Allegheny Mountain Swimming (AMS), the Local Swim Committee of USA Swimming. 

FAQs and How to Join

Q: Is there an age limit to join GLAC?

A: Yes, the athlete must be at least 5 years old.  The swimmer also must be capable of swimming one length freestyle of a 25 yard pool and be comfortable standing in the 3 ft shallow end.

Q: When can new swimmers join GLAC?

A: New swimmers may join GLAC at anytime during the season.  A new swimmer MUST attend a practice before completing online registration.  Contact us to setup a FREE 3 day trial period.  This will help your swimmer decide if he/she likes the sport. During the trial the swimmer will be tested and placed into the appropriate practice group.  If you complete registration prior to the free three day trial,  a refund may not be provided.  Please set up the FREE 3 day trial first. (See below.)

Q:  Where does the team practice? 

A:   GLAC's home is at the Greater Latrobe Senior High School pool.

Q: How will you determine the group in which my child should practice?

A: The primary determining factor is swimming ability.  It is not good for swimmers to participate in groups for which they are not yet ready.  We also try to avoid large age differences in the practice groups.  Placement is wholly determined by the GLAC coaching staff.

Q:  What equipment does the swimmer need?

A:  Each swimmer needs their own cap, goggles, kick board and fins. Swimmers in older groups will also need a pull buoy and possibly a snorkel (white group only). This equipment may purchased at team Partner store.  

Q: Does the swimmer need to attend every practice?

A: Practice attendance is not required.  We encourage our swimmer to swimmers to have multiple interests and understand there will occasionally be conflicts.  That being said, it is important to remember that your child will get out of swimming what they put into it.

Q: What is a swim meet like?

A:  Swimmers are assigned  2 or 3 individual events to swim and a relay or two.  Coaches prepare new swimmers for the first meet with a mock meet during practice. Swimmers compete within age groups (8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, etc.) A typical swim meet lasts 2 -3 hours depending on the number of swimmers.  GLAC is part of the Chestnut Ridge League, which includes clubs such as Derry, Hempfield, Norwin, Mt. Pleasant, etc. There are both Home and Away meets.

Q: Does the swimmer need to attend every meet?

A: No, you are able to signup for the meets you are able to attend.  However, meet attendance is strongly encouraged as means to measure the swimmer's progress.  Every time a swimmer races, they have an opportunity to perform a personal best time.  We measure progress by comparing your child to what they previously have done.

Q: Is there a separate swim team at the high school level?

A: The Greater Latrobe School District sponsors a high school swim team.  Most high school swimmers are members of GLAC, but one does not need to be a club member in order to swim for the high school swim team.  The club provides valuable training in preparation for the high school team and during off season. 

Q: Do I have to go to Greater Latrobe School District to participate?

A: No, our club welcomes swimmers from any school district.

Q: Will my child know other swimmers?

A: Many GLAC members are from Greater Latrobe and surrounding school districts.  The swimmers practice together several times a week which allows swimmers to make excellent and long-lasting friendships outside of the school which they attend.

READY TO SIGN UP?

1. Print and fill out the 3 Day Trial Form

2. Let us know what days your swimmer will attend. A GLAC Board parent will meet you at the pool to answer any questions.   Contact.

3. Complete online registration only AFTER the trial period. 

4. Your swimmer will be assigned to a practice group and will need cap, goggles, kick board, etc. as needed depending on practice group.