Clubs can apply for TRY artistic swimming funding to help boost participation

Applications are now open for artistic swimming clubs to apply for Swim England funding to help encourage new members into the sport.

The TRY Artistic Swimming Programme is designed to increase participation and offers grants of up to £500 to clubs who join the scheme to pay for equipment, coaching fees or hire additional pool space.

Aimed at primary school age youngsters, the TRY sessions are fun, engaging and look to develop basic artistic swimming skills before individuals join the novice section of the club.

Eight clubs took part in the 2019 programme, with 150 individuals trying artistic swimming for the first time.

Around half of those joined the club that hosted the TRY session.

Halifax Synchro Club were one to take part in the 2019 TRY sessions and head coach Charlotte Hughes said they had seen a positive response.

She said: The beginners’ course was a great success and we had to create another beginners’ group to cope with the increase.”

Programme a real success

A parent of one youngster who took part in the TRY programme at Trafford Synchronised Swimming Club said: “My daughter is a good swimmer and like gymnastics.

“Synchro combines the two and she loves it.”

Telford Aqua SC were another club to stage the sessions and another parent said: “My daughter is loving the synchronised swimming. I can’t believe how much they have learned in a couple of weeks.”

Sarah Darragh, Swim England National Development Officer, said: “The TRY programme has been a real success in linking clubs with local operators, swim schools and swimming clubs to create a pathway from Learn to Swim programmes to artistic swimming.

“I’d encourage clubs to consider applying for the scheme – it’s a fantastic way of helping to encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.”

Clubs must show evidence of a link with local partners or groups when applying and all projects should be completed by September 2020.

Application forms need to be submitted to Swim England by 5pm on Monday 24 February and anyone requiring further information should email sarah.darragh@swimming.org