At Scottish Cycling we know clubs take massive value from hearing from others about the approach they are taking to all aspects of their development – but this is particularly true at this present time as we plan for the return of club cycling activity.
We want to capture club experiences in case studies so that we can share this learning across the club network, and hopefully provide opportunities for clubs to learn from others too. These case studies will make up the #wheelsinmotion series highlighting good practice across the country around getting riders back to action.
For the West instalment of our #WheelsinMotion club case study series, we’ll be getting to know the Clydesdale Colts (part of the Royal Albert CC) and what they’re doing to support their members’ back to activity post-pandemic.
The club based in the heart of Clydesdale were thrilled when restrictions allowed their mighty return and there is nothing but smiling faces and pure joy as the Colts are back on their bikes.
Speaking with members of the committee, the prime motivator to return to activity was the young people. They wanted to get back to action for the young riders, not only for their physical and mental health but also just for them to return to the friendly and fun environment that the club provides. There were some pre-session nerves for some Colts, parents, coaches and committee members, after such a lengthy pause in coaching activity, but these minor anxieties were soon forgotten about.
Prior to the return, although there were some considerations the committee and club had to take into account, they rose to the challenge to get back into the club activity. First and foremost, they had to consider the health risk to all involved, both internal and external to the club as their training is in a public park. This was fantastically overcome by clear and concise information from the committee to ensure everyone was clued up on the latest guidance and felt confident in the safety measures put in place. The innovative club adapted and made their sessions earlier to mitigate the risk of how busy Chatelherault Country Park may have been with members of the general public utilising the green spaces. Furthermore, the Colts spread out the meeting points so they could ride at safe distances and reassure the public with the social distancing occurring at sessions.
The young riders themselves were just absolutely delighted to be back, and the prior concerns of coaches of nerves of the riders were put at ease as within the first 5 minutes or so of being back in the session, it was like they had never been away from training with nothing but happy faces.
In preparation for the return, the club were raring to go. After the previous lockdowns, they have got the understanding of the procedure to ensure Covid safety is second to none. All the forms and registers have became a bit of a second nature for the membership. For the club themselves, all members are actively communicated with through email or the Facebook page, and now its really developed where parents/guardians are empowered to help one another out and answer some questions from fellow members. The club has also highlighted the great trusting relationship with South Lanarkshire Leisure and with this strong bond, it has enabled a smooth return to the home of the Colts sessions.
The clubs Wellbeing and Protection Officer and Covid-19 Coordinator, John Currie, has been working hard and supported by the committee to ensure for a well informed and continued active dialogue to instil confidence and provide up-to-date information to the riders and parent/guardians. His clear updated information has been integral to reassure all involved in activity is adhering to the latest guidance and carried out safely.
The Colts have been back in action for a few weeks now and there have been some many things enjoyed alongside the great engaging sessions back on the bikes. Coaches have highlighted the young riders leaving sessions with grins on their faces and saying a big thank you to their hard working coaches. Another highlight is that sense of community, what it is to be a Colt and that connection to others. This goes for everyone involved in the clubs activity, the riders, parents/guardians, coaches and volunteers, that social side of the Colt family is back and its truly something to be celebrated.
The Colts are back in action and absolutely loving every movement and are continuing with activity adhering to all government guidance and cultivating cyclists for life through their fun and friendly environment. After speaking to the club, it seems a dream to be a Colt and their hard efforts for a safe and great return to activity has been recognised and the description of the sessions are heart-warming with many happy riders.
