THE City of Chester Swimming and Water Polo Club has been able to purchase new equipment thanks to a £1,000 donation from a housing developer.

The club, whose home is Chester's Victorian City Baths on Union Street, will be buying a full set of new swimming caps, new balls and a storage basket with the money, which was provided by Anwyl Homes' 'Love from Anwyl' funding pot.

Ed Wild, water polo coach at the club, said: "As with every club, the Covid pandemic hit us hard with dip in members due to the break in training and competition. With this additional funding we can purchase new equipment, which means we have been able host a school’s water polo festival for primary pupils.

"Having new equipment and hosting events like this help us to attract new members and also give local school children the opportunity to take part in an activity which will improve their fitness and wellbeing."

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The swimming club depend on volunteers to coach, manage and officiate league fixtures and tournaments across the North West. The club has an exciting history of members successfully competing in Commonwealth Games and Olympics including Fiona McCann who played water polo for Team GB at the London Olympics in 2012, and who previously represented England along with club team mate Hannah Wild in the Australian Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Ed added: "We’re so grateful to Anwyl for their support and hope that, with the help of local businesses like Anwyl, many more members of our club will be representing their country in future Olympic Games."

Graeme Gibb, sales director for Anwyl Homes Cheshire and North Wales, said: "The swimming club is well known in Chester for its long and successful history. It plays a key role in the local community introducing youngsters to sport and we’re proud to be able to help them update their equipment."

For more information on the City of Chester Swimming and Water Polo Club or to enquire about membership visit http://cocsc.co.uk/water-polo.

Love From Anwyl is a voluntary scheme attached to the 142 homes Anwyl is building at Deva Green, off Clifton Drive, which will eventually feature a mix of two, three and four-bedroom designs. To find out more visit https://anwyl.co.uk/devagreen.