In Deep Water Together: Supporting Our Families Through the Cost of Living Crisis

At Morley Swimming and Water Polo Club, we have always been more than just a sports team. We are a family. And families look after each other when times get tough.

We know that right now, the financial pressure on households is immense. The cost of living crisis is affecting everyone, from the grocery shop to the gas bill, and we understand that for some of our members, finding the money for training fees and club subscriptions is becoming increasingly difficult.

We want to make one thing very clear: We do not want financial hardship to be the reason anyone stops playing the sport they love.

The Battle to Keep Costs Down

As a committee, we are fighting tooth and nail to keep our fees as low as possible. You may have heard about our ongoing dispute with Leeds City Council. We are currently battling an appalling 109% increase in our pool hire fees, which is set to rise to a staggering 125% increase over 5 years.

We believe these hikes are unjust, especially when the Council is failing to support community clubs like ours. While the Council seems intent on treating Morley residents as a "cash cow," we are taking the opposite approach. We are committed to absorbing as much of that pressure as we can and ensuring that our club remains accessible to everyone.

Confidential Support is Available

Despite the Council’s lack of support, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping those in need within our own ranks.

If you are struggling to pay your monthly subs or cover the costs of training, please do not suffer in silence. We have put a mechanism in place to provide assistance discreetly and with dignity.

We are creating a Confidential Assistance Contact Form.

• This form is strictly private.

• Only our Treasurer, Carl Smith, has access to the submissions.

• No coaches, no other committee members, and certainly no other players will know about your application.

Whether you need a temporary reduction in fees, a payment plan, or a pause on payments while you get back on your feet, Carl will review your situation in complete confidence and work with you to find a solution.

We Are Morley

We have survived for over 130 years because we stick together. We don’t want a single junior, senior, or family to feel they have to walk away from the pool because of money.

Please, if you need help, reach out. Let us worry about the Council; you just worry about playing the game.