Bridgnorth sports clubs come together through pandemic thanks to umbrella organisation

Sports clubs throughout Bridgnorth are continuing to thrive despite the coronavirus pandemic thanks to an organisation bringing groups together.

Four-year-old Phoebe Paterson of Bridgnorth Rugby Club

Sporting Bridgnorth has allowed the town's various clubs to share facilities, contacts and advice on how best to operate and support children, young people and adults throughout lockdown.

Since the start of restrictions, Sporting Bridgnorth, which is made up of clubs throughout the town, has worked closely with government departments and their governing bodies to find Covid-safe ways of getting members safely back into sport, with some managing to continue training using online classes or small, restricted sessions when guidelines allow.

Councillor Geoff Davies, chairman of Sporting Bridgnorth, said: "Our sports clubs are implementing new rules, keeping people safe and working really hard to get their members back playing and despite all the difficulties, they've done it.

"I've been really impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm our clubs have shown and almost all are up and running."

One of the clubs that is still keeping its members active is Excalibur Martial Arts and the Junior Dragons.

Seamus McGinley, 5th Dan, Chief Instructor at Junior Dragons Bridgnorth and Excalibur Martial Arts getting ready to teach online Zoom classes

Cathy McGinley, of the club, said: "We have been very fortunate to be able to continue training throughout 2020 and 2021, working in line with restrictions on sporting activities, but still providing structured training for our students in a safe and Covid-compliant way.

"The day after we went into lockdown at the end of March 2020, we launched Zoom classes three times a week and extra on-demand classes and activities via our Facebook group.

"As summer restrictions lifted, we restarted in-person classes in groups of five students and one instructor at Severn Park.

"Excalibur is very fortunate to have a team of 10 qualified instructors who could take groups of students for classes while ensuring appropriate social distancing and group ratios when we couldn't train at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre.

"Plus, we still offer a one-month free trial for all new students."

For more information on Sporting Bridgnorth and the town's clubs, visit sportingbridgnorth.co.uk