Toowoomba’s Turbo Jets Swim Club is paving the way for the next generation of swimmers with the help of new grant-funded upgrades.

Club secretary Paul Maher said the club would use their $35,000 Gambling Community Benefit Fund grant to purchase a trailer for their weekend competitions and gym equipment.

“We have been looking forward to buying some gym equipment, under the guidance of our PT, to give our swimmers the opportunity to improve their core strength on dry land,” Mr Maher said.

“If we can incorporate land-based training as well as swimming, it will help the kids achieve their goals and become the best they can be,” he said.

Three generations of the Maher family have been competitive swimmers.

The passion for club swimming began with Mr Maher’s father and has since passed down through the generations with Mr Maher’s children beginning club swimming seven years ago.

Mr Maher’s daughter is now a life member of Turbo Jets and a swim coach.

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP congratulated Turbo Jets on their grant.

“Grassroots sporting clubs, such as Turbo Jets, play an important role in our community, keeping people healthy, active and socially connected,” Mr Janetzki said.

“This grant will allow the club to expand and provide improved facilities for its members,” he said.

Mr Maher volunteers as a technical official at the weekend swim meets around the region.

“Many people think swimming is an individual sport, but I personally enjoy the comradery and team environment of club swimming,” Mr Maher said.

“Everyone trains together during the week, and on weekends everyone sits together during meets and has fun,” he said.

“I love seeing how our club kids interact and the joy they get from beating their personal best time.”

Turbo Jets Swim Club trains on Friday evenings at the Concordia Aquatic Centre.