SWINDON Amateur Swimming Club have received a funding boost from Anglian Home Improvements.

The club has been named as a winner of Anglian’s Support for Sport campaign and will now see their junior squad kitted out ahead of the new season.

Backed by Rio 2016 Olympic hockey gold medalist Sam Quek, Support for Sport was launched by the home improvement firm to put the spotlight on all those who play a sport at a grassroots level.

Anglian appealed for community clubs to apply for one of 20 kit sponsorships worth £300, with Quek helping to select Swindon ASC as one of the lucky winners.

With 140 years of experience in swimming coaching, Swindon ASC plays a major role in the town’s community, with around 250 local families regularly swimming with the club.

A not-for-profit organisation, the club is run by volunteers and the funds received from swimming fees are invested in pool hire or training staff, so it can maintain a high coach to swimmer ratio.

The club consists of five groups, Beginners, Improvers, Junior Squad, Senior Squad and Land Training, who represent the club at local, regional, national and even international level.

With a group for every ability and age, the club encourages progression through the teams without adding pressure, letting each member enjoy the sport at their own pace in a high quality, fun environment.

Everyone is given a chance to realise their competitive side as the club competes in a range of competitions, from Club Championships, County Championships, Wiltshire Leagues and Southern Junior League.

Louise Cotton, treasurer of Swindon ASC, said: “We are all so thankful to Anglian for this generous donation.

“We found out about the Support for Sport campaign and decided to submit an application, but it was a complete surprise to hear we’d been successful. We are all very excited.

“With the new kit, our teams will not only look the part, but this gesture of support will help to foster an even greater sense of team spirit and positivity among the swimmers, coaches and all those who help out at the club.”

Quek added: “It was incredibly tough to make a decision on the Support for Sport winners as there are some amazing teams out there making a difference to the lives of people – young and old – through participation in sport.

“Support from businesses such as Anglian can really help to boost morale and passion; and my congratulations go to Swindon ASC for securing one of the 20 sponsorships – I’m sure they will enjoy wearing their new kit with pride.”

Rachael Munby, marketing director for Anglian Home Improvements, said: “We are delighted so many teams across the country got behind Support for Sport.

“We received many fantastic entries which all highlighted the vital role grassroots sports teams play in our local communities.

“Swindon ASC is a very deserving winner, and it is brilliant to see its swimmers sporting the Anglian logo on their kit. We wish them the best of luck for their season ahead.”