Sport England: Active Together has provided £2,500 of match funding
Support West Suffolk Swimming Club
Bury St. Edmunds, England, United Kingdom
Aim
Raising funds to keep WSSC open, allowing swimmers aged 8 and above the opportunity to reach their true potential in the sport.
Back in the pool
When swimming was released from lockdown back in August, it was a fantastic to witness the excitement of the swimmers returning to the pool. For many, swimming is a lifestyle due the dedicated time required to reach one’s potential. As swimmers progress through the squads training can increase up to 10hrs of pool time per week; with morning sessions starting at 5:30am. Not only is swimming an excellent sport for all ages and abilities for fitness, but the routine and self-discipline helps many with their well-being and future lifestyle skills. For these reasons, WSSC doesn't want pool time to be put at risk and is working to get the 350 swimmers back to their pre covid-19 programme and fitness levels.
Pool Time Costs
WSSC takes the safety of everyone involved very seriously and follows guidance provided by our sport’s governing body - Swim England. They work hard in providing the highest level of governance to keep the pool safe based on Government guidance. The club, having been back in the pool for a couple of months and following Swim England guidance has found the costs for delivering training sessions has increased, while the squad times in the water are currently reduced. During the next few months we aim to increase these sessions; which will further increase costs due to additional pool usage and coaching hours. Keeping both our swimmers and coaches safe is paramount; which does come with a financial cost. In order to keep up these high standards while increasing swim sessions times to pre-covid levels, we are looking to raise funds to minimise additional costs to members.
Why WSSC Needs Support In Raising Funds?
The club finances are managed such that with all expenditure carefully considered and evaluated based on number of members and baseline costs to be maintained . It is run as a not-for-profit organisation and so charges members conservatively. The cost of running the club is topped up from running two open meets per year; which without would see the club making considerable losses of around £14k. In previous years, our open meets would have funded these extraordinary circumstances to absorb increased costs. This year the club has been unable to host the two annual key open meets; with 2021 still looking very uncertain and it is this which we are principally looking to replace for the months ahead.
We are fearful that passing on additional costs to the members during these uncertain times, may force some into resigning; while also making the sport less attractive for the new generation wishing to join.
How Will WSSC Invest the Funds
- Increase the pool time for swimmers up to their pre-covid levels; while minimising membership fee increases.
- Maintain pre-covid swim levels by replacement of competition revenue in an attempt to minimise membership fee increases.
- Hold internal swim competitions to allow swimmer to measure progress from their training.
- Buy equipment to stream competitions. This will provide an extra revenue stream while allowing family and friends to watch swimmers while on-site spectating is prohibited or severely restricted. This will benefit both swimmers and family; while for WSSC this will be a new venture in a changing landscape.
This project successfully funded on 24th November 2020