Bromsgrove Swimming Club has received vital funding allowing to reopen at larger capacity after lockdown.

The club has been awarded a grant by the Swimathon Foundation as part of their COVID-19 relief fund.

Due to the grant, the club will be able to put safeguarding measures in place that allow reopening at a larger capacity.

Anthony Kendall OBE, chair of Swimathon Foundation said: “In these difficult times for all swimming organisations, Swimathon Foundation has been determined to play its part in supporting those smaller, local groups that are the foundation of swimming participation throughout the UK. We have been taken aback by the number of people who need help during these unprecedented times and that is why we have increased our overall donation to £50,000. Swimming is a vital community activity, and we are proud to play our part. Hopefully, this funding means Bromsgrove Swimming Club can continue their great work.”

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the club has been subsidising fees and offering fee holidays, with their head coach waiving his fee in recent months to help the club stay afloat.

Matthew Lowe, head coach at the club, said: “This funding is invaluable. We are not a ‘big’ club, so any money coming in or going out means so much to us. Our committee and coaching team are all volunteers, so we managed to keep costs down during lockdown, but the limit to capacity upon reopening is the biggest challenge. Pool time got a whole lot more expensive, and as a club, we decided that we would subsidise fees as much as possible for members.

“We’ve stayed in touch with our members on a daily basis, and our coaches have met regularly and done lots of CPD. We’ve learned so much about the sport, ourselves and our members this year, and now we just want to get back to what we do best – helping our members swim fast!”

Swimathon Foundation has awarded grants to 148 swimming and aquatic clubs, schools, and organisations from its 2021 COVID-19 relief fund.