Port Macquarie Swimming Club will receive a $15,000 state government grant for a permanent shade structure to be setback from the 50-metre pool at the starting block end.

The club’s president, Warren Phillips, said the permanent shade structure would provide sun protection for competitors, volunteers and all pool users.

He said the club applied for the grant but the result would benefit all pool users.

The shade structure will be installed before the start of the next swimming season.

Port Macquarie Swimming Club is one of seven sporting groups across the Port Macquarie electorate to share in almost $50,000 through the state government’s Local Sport Grant Program.

Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the program was unique and easy to apply for.

“It gives the grassroots sporting organisations an opportunity to fund small programs or small infrastructure,” she said.

Mrs Williams said the shade structure, for example, would benefit a whole range of people.

“Even though it’s the swimming club that made the successful application, a lot of different groups use the swimming facilities,” she said.

The Local Sport Grant Program aims to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport and active recreation.

The grant recipients are Port Macquarie Australian Rules Football Club ($5000); Port Macquarie Golf Club ($5000); Port Macquarie Longboard Club ($1140); Port Macquarie Tennis Club ($2246); Port Macquarie Rowing Club ($2400), Moorland Soccer Club ($18,540); and Port Macquarie Swimming Club ($15,000).

Mrs Williams said the projects were some of the 831 to receive funding as part of the program.

“The program provides grants of up to $20,000 towards projects to assist regions with rallying the community together and ensuring ongoing involvement in sport,” she said.