Applications open for Swim England clubs to receive funding for membership boost

Swim England clubs are encouraged to apply for funding which aims to increase membership numbers.

The Swim England TRY and START Programmes are once again open for applications, with the goal to increase participation in all disciplines.

Clubs can apply for grants of £500 to help pay for equipment, coaching fees or even hiring additional pool space.

There are two aspects to the programme – TRY and START.

The Swim England START programmes are taster sessions aimed at individuals who are not currently members of Swim England.

From the one or two tasters sessions held, individuals can be directed to Learn to Swim programmes, Aquatic Skills Framework 8-10 sessions or Club Category 1/2 Membership.

Find the sport for you

Swim England TRY programmes are aimed at two categories of individuals:

1. Those who are already members of Swim England in an introductory programme
2. Those who are not members of Swim England but will be engaged in a block of activity to TRY discipline key skills over a number of weeks to really experience the sport.

An example of a TRY programme will be a swimming club encouraging existing members to TRY open water over four to 10 sessions.

Applications can now be made for TRY artistic swimming, water polo and open water.

A START Diving and Masters Programme will open on 1 April.

Funding will also be available to help clubs grow membership numbers.

The Swim England Club Growth Programme aims to engage those who are not currently members of Swim England or a club.

Grants of up to £500 will be available so clubs could put on a block of free taster sessions with those taking part eventually becoming club category 1 or 2 members.

START funding delayed

As all aquatic disciplines have all been impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Swim England has made the decision to postpone its START funding programme, which was scheduled to open on 1 April.

A Swim England spokesperson said: “We will continue to monitor the situation and when clubs are in a position to plan for future activity with a greater degree of certainty, we will look to launch the application process.”