Olympic Legacy Fund has provided £29,971 of match funding
Larne Swimming Club - Equipment Upgrade
Larne, Mid and East Antrim, United Kingdom
Aim
We’re crowdfunding to upgrade our training equipment, competition diving blocks, wave breakers and training towers across 2 training venues
Who are we?
Larne Swimming Club is a high-performance swim club with 150 members, proudly training across two key locations: Belfast Royal Academy and Larne Leisure Centre. Our members span a wide area from Moira to Glenarm with many coming from areas of high social deprivation. Our club provides unparalleled access to elite swimming opportunities, and for our athletes, the club is more than a training ground it’s a launchpad for potential, resilience, and excellence.
Why are we crowdfunding?
Our current training equipment, including diving blocks that are over 20 years old, has served us well through countless training sessions and galas. However, much of it is now outdated and no longer meets the standards set by World Aquatics or the needs of a modern, high-performing swim club. It is time to invest in new, competition-grade diving blocks and advanced training equipment to support our swimmers at every level, no matter their background, age, or ability.
We are looking to upgrade to competition-grade diving blocks and cutting-edge training equipment that will:
• Improve safety and performance
• Support technical development across all squads, including para swimmers and masters
• Boost swimmer confidence
• Support transitions from Learn to Swim to competitive squads
• Better prepare athletes for regional, national, and international competitions
• Enable coaches to deliver more effective, targeted training
• Encourage wider participation by making training more accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for new and returning swimmers
This project is part of our application to the Olympic Legacy Fund, delivered by Sport NI and Crowdfunder UK. The fund aims to leave a lasting legacy from the success of Northern Ireland athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games by helping clubs like ours modernise facilities and increase opportunities for participation.
By upgrading to modern blocks and equipment, we can offer a safer, more welcoming environment that reflects the standards of top-level competition, helping every swimmer, from beginners to masters and para athletes, train with confidence and pride. This investment will not only raise performance but also remove barriers to entry, encouraging more people to get involved in swimming and stay active for life.
How This Aligns with the Olympic Legacy Fund
This project embodies the core values of the Olympic Legacy Fund. It will increase participation by giving more people, from young beginners to masters athletes, and including para swimmers of all abilities, the chance to train in safe, supportive environments. It promotes inclusion through equipment that meets the needs of every swimmer, regardless of age, background, or ability. The impact will extend beyond our current members, benefiting future swimmers from across East Antrim and North Belfast. By creating more opportunities for fitness, friendship, and mental wellbeing through sport, we are investing in healthier, more connected communities. And with durable, high-quality equipment, we’re ensuring sustainability and long-term growth. From grassroots to Olympic podiums, this is about building a legacy, and we are proud to be part of it.
How we’ll spend the money raised
Every penny pledged will go directly into upgrading our equipment so that more swimmers in Larne and across North Belfast, can enjoy safe, modern, and inclusive training environments.
We are aiming high – and together we can make it happen!
Our Crowdfunding Target is an ambitious £46,110, and every pound you give has the power to go further. Thanks to the Sport NI Oympic Legacy Fund, a portion of what we raise will be matched, multiplying the impact of your support for Larne and communities across North Belfast.
Here is the exciting part: if our community can raise £16,138.50, Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund will add an incredible £29,971.50 on top. That means your generosity does not just help, it unlocks the funding that will turn this project into reality.
Here is how our fundraising breaks down:
Diving Blocks – £28,600
To support safe, powerful starts and race preparation for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Backstroke Ledges – £5,750
To support safe, powerful starts and race preparation for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Wave Breakers – £4.160
To reduce turbulence and improve lane stability, creating a better training environment for all squads.
Training Towers – £5,100
To support resistance work, strength development, and advanced technique training across both venues.
Installation and Setup – £2,500
To ensure safe installation, secure storage, and long-term usability of all new equipment in both facilities.
Total Project Cost: £46,110
These upgrades will be in regular weekly use at our training in Larne and Belfast Royal Academy, supporting Learn to Swim programmes, club squads, para swimmers, and masters swimmers. Each facility will have equipment fitted appropriately to meet the needs of its swimmers. Importantly, when the equipment is not in active use, it will be carefully stored in the designated equipment storage areas at both sites. This ensures that the upgrades are kept safe, secure, and well-maintained, while also keeping poolside spaces clear and organised. The storage arrangements mirror current practice at both facilities, providing continuity and reassurance that the equipment will be managed responsibly and efficiently.
Together, we can create a stronger, safer, and more inclusive future for swimming in Larne and North Belfast.
Community impact
Upgrading our training equipment will have a lasting impact on the wider community. By creating a safer, more inclusive environment, we will open the door to increased participation across all ages and backgrounds, from young beginners to para swimmers and masters athletes. This investment will promote physical and mental wellbeing, offering more opportunities for fitness, friendship, and emotional support through sport. It will also strengthen community pride and identity, inspiring future generations across East Antrim and North Belfast to get involved. With durable, high-quality equipment, we will support sustainable growth and ensure that our facilities continue to serve the community for years to come, building a legacy that reaches far beyond the pool.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 23rd March 2026