On Tuesday 9 March, club chairs from across the region came together virtually to link together and receive regional and national updates from Triathlon England.

In total, 14 chairs came together with the regional chair and regional manager for the first of what will become a regular fixture within the region. Already a common practice in other regions within Triathlon England, the forum aims to provide opportunity for the region’s chair to come together and discuss relevant topics, share ideas and receive timely updates.

Claire Jenkinson was elected as regional chair at October’s regional AGM with increasing communication and connection within the region a key part of what she wants to achieve during her time in the role.

During the first meeting, Covid-19 and the challenges that clubs are facing, as well as return to play opportunities were discussed within the forum.

There were also updates on coaching and coaching course plans within the region from Lizzy Campbell (Regional Manager for the East of England) and from Will Evans (Head of Clubs and Regions at Triathlon England) about The Big Reboot campaign and The Big Reboot Club Support Fund.

The Big Reboot campaign is a joint initiative between British Triathlon, the Home Nations and the Triathlon Trust to support all aspects of the sport in the return to play this year, with the support fund being a £40,000 fund that clubs can apply to for grants of up to £400 to support them in getting back to safe swim, bike, run activity.

For more information about The Big Reboot campaign, including the fund, please click here.

With the UK Government roadmap allowing for gradual increasing of swim, bike, run activity over the coming weeks and months, collaboration of ideas, good practice and opportunities was discussed for the safe return to organised sport and how clubs can work together.

The next forum will take place in early May, for more information and to get involved please email Lizzy Campbell at lizzycampbell@britishtriathlon.org.