Due to the coronavirus pandemic, swimming clubs across the country are shutting once again. In these unprecedented times, they face significant hardships due to the repeated closure of leisure centres.
Epping Forest District Swimming Club (EFDSC), a local club based at Loughton Leisure Centre is one of many, facing the difficulties COVID-19 has caused. Even when leisure centres are open, there is still less pool time available than there was before. The club is consequently unable to accommodate as many swimmers as before. This is a further cause of their financial struggles.
Like many clubs, EFDSC is struggling financially to recover from the lockdown implemented in March. This has led the club to set up fundraising pages and make fundraising videos about what the club means to swimmers in a desperate plea for help and continued support.
Swimming clubs are unquestionably beneficial for the community. Some of their benefits are that they provide a place to better your physical and mental health. Importantly, they provide a safe environment for all ages to flourish in their sport.
Rachel Ha, a swimmer who trains and competes with EFDSC, talked to me about what the club meant to her, and why she thinks swimming clubs are of so much value: “EFDSC has given me several opportunities throughout my time at the club. For me, swimming is mainly an opportunity to exercise and socialise. Most importantly, it gives me goals to work towards that are not school-related. Not swimming due to the pandemic has personally made it incredibly hard to be motivated again after losing my fitness over lockdown.”
Despite the financial troubles clubs are experiencing, Swim England is working to maintain the motivation of swimmers. Recently, they have introduced Level X Racing. This is a great initiative and idea to help swimmers get back into competing and racing again. Most importantly, it gives swimmers a goal to work towards, an essential component for staying motivated to train and work hard. Although it will not be possible to commence the competition due to the impending lockdown, it is evident that they are determined for swimmers to race again.
It is indisputable that swimming clubs are valuable assets to the community and that they should be supported, during this time.
Holly Timmis
