Wellingborough swimmers appeal for support to boost club hit by pandemic

A Wellingborough sports club facing financial hardship after the Covid crisis has appealed to the town which it has served for more than 50 years for support.

Wellingborough Amateur Swimming Club (WASC) has launched a Crowdfunder and has also asked local companies and businesses for support to help the fundraising push.

Unable to celebrate itsgolden anniversary in 2020, the club's members are appealing for financial support to help them survive and recover from the pandemic.

Due to Covid-19 more than 40 swimmers of the 130 registered members have left, resulting in fewer people to cover the cost and less income at its Waendel Lesuire Centre base.

Sara Phillips, fundraising team and committee member for WASC, said: "WASC has been a prominent club in the town for many years and over these years has given children from the area a place where they can learn to swim, make lifelong friendships and be part of a safe environment.

"The club is proud to be part of the local community and we are calling on the help of local businesses and people who might have been part of WASC in the past to help us raise funds for the club.

"The past year and a half has been a difficult time for the club with the swimming pools closed and the members not able to take part in an activity they love. The funds would help the club buy new equipment which is needed for swimming galas and the kids training. Any donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated.”

The non-profit competitive swimming club has swimmers from Wellingborough, Higham Ferrers, Rushden, Northampton, Raunds, Irthlingborough and surrounding areas.

As well as a very strong competitive swimming section, the club caters for athletes of all ages and abilities who wish to develop and improve their performances. Ranging from development squads for those fresh out of lessons, to swimming for fitness and improvers the club also helps those who wish to become the next Olympic champions.

Ms Philips said: "We have not been able to celebrate our golden anniversary, fundraise or hold our annual championships. All of these things are vital to our club and as there is still uncertainty around restrictions going forward.

"We are in a very delicate situation as we will incur increased costs of returning to training and we will need to ensure our swimmers are safe whilst taking part in the sport they love - Covid has certainly put a huge strain on the club and its members.

“It would be so fantastic to see the local community to come together and help support this wonderful club.

"We are run by volunteers, so rely heavily on our members - many of whom come from local families that have represented the club for generations.

"At WASC, we are proud to have created a culture that encourages a growth mind set where members can embrace challenge, master skills, have a focus on hard work and learn from feedback, building invaluable life skills and friendships along the way.

"Let's get together and make sure we emerge from the Covid pandemic unscathed and continue to build towards future success - please help if you can.”

Other items the club are in desperate need to purchase are portable poolside pace clocks, iPads, stopwatches, underwater cameras and we need to update their championship trophies. The club also needs to train more volunteers to become officials.

Anyone with donations of money or raffle prizes can email [email protected]/[email protected] and our Community.

To help Wellingborough Amateur Swimming Club reach their fundraising goal click here for their Crowdfunding page