Help Keep Soundwell Swimming Club Afloat!

Aim

This fund is designed to help Soundwell Swimming Club sustain our return to the pool while continuing to deliver a quality swim programme.

Who are we?

Established in 1962 Soundwell Swimming Club is South Gloucestershire’s premier competitive swimming club predominantly based at Kingswood Leisure Centre, Bristol.  We are affiliated to the ASA South West and Gloucester County ASA.  We hold Swim Mark accreditation and are recognised as a safe, effective and child-friendly sports club. 

Our role is to create well rounded young athletes through a stimulating, competitive and challenging environment, in which swimmers are encouraged to thrive and reach their individual potential whilst being supported every step of the way.

We currently have approximately 160 swimmers ranging from 4 years old, in our Learn to Swim programme to early 20s in our Performance Squad.  We have had many County, Regional and National competitors, with many achieving podium success across several age groups.

Why are we raising funds?

This fund is designed to help Soundwell Swimming Club sustain our return to the pool while continuing to deliver a quality swim programme designed to allow our swimmers to train as safely as possible within the Government and Swim England guidelines.

Sadly as a sign of the times our operating costs have increased due to social distancing measures meaning less swimmers can train at the same time, reduced pool time available and increased running costs.  We had to cancel our Open Meet in March 2020 and we will not be able to run our December meet this year meaning we are losing in excess of £10,000 expected income.

From March until September our swimmers were unable to swim due to the Covid-19 crisis. For our young people who train with their friends up to 6 days per week this has been a truly difficult time.  We admire their resilience and determination, continuing land-based activities where they could and showing an enthusiasm to return to the water as soon as they were able.  

To our young people swimming is more than a sport, it's a way of life.  Being part of a team is crucial to both their physical and mental health, the friendship, camaraderie and team spirit they share is unique.  Being part of a competitive swim team means our young people need to be disciplined, well organised, resilient, and determined, all skills they will need throughout their lives.

Its no secret that any form of exercise is essential for the health and well being of children but learning to swim from a young age is crucial as it not only teaches them essential life saving skills but also provides huge health benefits such as keeping the heart and lungs healthy, improving strength and flexibility as well as improving stamina, balance and posture. 

How will we use the money raised?

We don’t know what 2021 will bring but as all our usual fundraising activities have also been put on hold, we are looking at alternative ways to generate much needed funds to see us through this difficult time.

We are looking to bridge the gap between the fees our parents pay and the increased costs of pool hire, to retain the services of our professional Head Coach, and to continue to train our volunteer coaches and swimming instructors.

Our swimmers' safety is our top priority and we are committed to following all guidance laid down by the Government and by Swim England. Social distancing measures mean that squad numbers are limited while our hire charges and operating costs have increased.

Match Funding

Once we have raised 25% of our initial target, we can apply for Sport England 'Active Together' match funding. If successful and we then raise 100% of our target Sport England will match the funds we raise to make our total even bigger…..so please, please help us if you can!

We hope that our extended swimming family, supporters, ex-swimmers and the local community will all feel able to donate to our cause helping our current swimmers stay in the pool and providing opportunities for young athletes for years to come.

Rewards and Incentives

We’ve got some great rewards and incentives for members and non-members to help us get to our target - please see the section to the right for the exciting rewards on offer in exchange for your donations.  Or if you prefer, please donate an amount you are comfortable with, every little helps and we could not be more grateful for your support.

We also have the opportunity for our swimmers to enter some fantastic prize draws:

For Squad Swimmers

1 Available - Donate £50 and enter the draw to receive a 45 min one-to-one session with Head Coach Jon Wills (to be arranged at a mutually suitable time within 6 months or when guidelines allow)

1 Available - Donate £25 and the enter draw to receive a training kit bundle 

1 Available - Donate £20 and enter the draw to receive £20 reduction on 1 months fees

 For Academy Swimmers

1 Available - Donate £20 and enter the draw to receive a 45 min one-to-one lesson with Active Swim Teacher Clare Brewer (to be arranged at a mutually suitable time within 6 months or when guidelines allow)

1 Available - Donate £15 and enter the draw to receive £15 reduction on 1 months fees

1 Available - Donate £10 and enter the draw to receive a Soundwell Hat & Water Bottle

Draw Terms and Conditions:

• All Soundwell SC active members are eligible to enter any of the draws, including committee members.
• Winning entries will be drawn at random by Soundwell SC Chair
• Winners must be current members of Soundwell SC to collect the prize
• No cash prize equivalent
• Reduction in fees can not be used against past fees or arears.
• Prizes will be drawn once the fund target has been achieved.

   "A little support really

   does go a long way and

    now, more than ever

    your club needs you"

This project successfully funded on 8th December 2020