Three months on since the Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy held its last face-to-face class meant re-opening its doors on 29^th March as part of the UK Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, was a big deal. So, we made a splash to announce its return.

From the series of national lockdowns and disruption to schools and their activity programmes, to the cancellation of grassroots sport, children seemingly have had less opportunities to keep active over the last year. In fact, more than two-thirds (78%) of UK parents believe their children have become less active during the pandemic, and to compound the issue, it’s been reported that up to 25% of grassroots sports clubs may not return after lockdown restrictions are eased.

Lockdown has forced a decline in the number of children participating in sport across the UK, impacting not just their physical fitness, but mental health as well. Therefore, it’s crucial for the wellbeing of our children to ensure a healthy return and prosperous future for grassroots sports post-Covid.

The Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy, which was co-founded by triple Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy OBE and Graham Briggs, aims to ensure children have fun learning to ride whilst acquiring new skills and abilities. It hopes to move a generation of children, putting the bicycle back at the heart of childhood play, forming lifelong habits that deliver health and environmental benefits for years to come.

The highly-anticipated return of outdoor sports was a key milestone for the Academy and for grassroots sports as a whole. Despite the popularity of its new virtual offering introduced last year to support kids across the UK during lockdown, the Academy’s face-to-face sessions allow children to thrive in a more social and interactive environment with like-minded peers as well as provide more exposure to routine exercise – something which had been a concern shared by many over the past year.

Commenting on how the Academy’s first physical session went following the easing of lockdown restrictions, Ed Clancy OBE, said: “Our first session back was terrific. The kids loved it and you could see just how excited they were to be back in the great outdoors on a beautiful sunny British day. For a coach, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do – giving back to the next generation and watching them thrive in a fun, group environment.”

We supported the Academy as it set its wheels in motion with a healthy spread of national and regional coverage secured in Daily Mail, MailOnline, Yorkshire Post and Doncaster Free Press.

And the result?

• 282K – online coverage views
• 217 – social shares
• 1m – print circulation

To find out more about our extensive sport expertise and how we can help you, please email Craig.Ling@grayling.com