Jo Stalley

Since lockdown started and the use of online platforms such as Zoom has increased, Swim England has issued advice and guidance to clubs and members on good practice.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has also issued another warning around serious safeguarding risks as a result of a growing trend on these platforms.

The charity has said a worrying pattern is emerging as public meetings via online platforms are being targeted by criminals sharing illegal and disturbing material, with police investigating a number of reports.

The NSPCC is urging parents to supervise their children when using Zoom and other video call platforms and to also take steps to secure meeting details and passwords.

Andy Burrows, Head of Child Safety Online Policy at the NSPCC, said: “While the responsibility for this lies with those uploading this terrible footage, it’s important to take precautions to lessen the risks posed to children and adults, including not sharing full meeting details and passwords on social media and only providing them to people you trust.”

We have also published guidance around virtual teaching and coaching as well as additional guidance on using Zoom. We strongly advise clubs and members adhere to this when hosting club related activities online.

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the Swim England Child Safeguarding Team on 01509 640252 or via [email protected].

Alternatively, you can call the NSPCC helpline for free and confidential advice on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. A dedicated O2/NSPCC online safety helpline is available on 0808 800 5002.

Children can contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk and speak to a counsellor about a worry or concern they may have.

Sport England has announced a £195 million package to help sport and physical activity through Coronavirus. This package consists of:

• A new £20 million Community Emergency Fund, which is open now for local club and community organisations to bid for grants between £300 and £10,000.
• A new £5 million fund for existing Sport England partners facing specific and immediate financial difficulty.
• £55 million put aside to support the sector during an ongoing period of restrictions; to fund new and innovative ways to keep people active and then, when it is over, to help organisations get back to business and adjust to a different environment.
• A £115 million rollover of current funding into 2021/22 to give certainty to over 100 well established partners who play a vital role in the delivery of sport and physical activity in England, and whose current funding agreements with Sport England run out in March 2021.

More information, eligibility criteria and application process can be found on the Sport England website. Swim England will be releasing further guidance on this funding over the next few days.

This £20 million fund is designed to complement other sources of funding from the government, such as funds targeted at small businesses. Please ensure that your clubs consider the funding support that the government has available before they apply to this fund.

Sport England has just a launched a new Club Matters Coronavirus page and will update this over the next few days! It provides guidance, toolkits and case studies for our clubs.