Top tips to engage your club in the Games

As excitement builds ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, we thought we'd share some ideas for ways that clubs can make the most of the increased interest around athletics and running. These are our top tips for how clubs can engage their members and athletes in the Games.

Host events or activities

Putting on events open to existing and potential new members can be a good opportunity to showcase all that your club has to offer. Here are some ideas for activities to engage your club in the Games:

• Offer taster sessions aimed at attracting new members and getting new volunteers involved.
• Invite people to an open night outside of your club's normal schedule, which could combine with a BBQ and watch party to cheer on Team GB.
• Arrange a 'Have a Go at Athletics Day' to encourage beginners to get involved in friendly competition.
• Organise holiday camps to give young athletes a chance to experience a variety of different activities. Affiliated clubs can also apply to become delivery partners for our funetics holiday camps. These camps provide a fun and inclusive environment for children aged 4-11 to develop the fundamental movement skills of running, jumping and throwing.
• Put on try the track sessions for road running members.
• Set up fundraising events to raise vital funds for the club, while also raising the club's profile.

Get involved in community activities in your local area

With the Olympics and Paralympics set to spark an interest in running and athletics across the nation, it's worth checking out what’s going on in your local area. Perhaps there are community events where your club can hold a demo or community hubs where you can add club flyers.

Promote your club through local media

Gaining some local publicity through local newspapers, radio or TV can be a great way to show people your club is open to new members looking to give athletics and running a go. If you have plans for something newsworthy to take place or a club member has a connection to the Games, local and regional media may be the place to tell the story.

Enhance your online presence

Once the Games are underway this summer, thousands of potential new members will be in search of an athletics and running club after being inspired by Team GB. Here are some steps your club can take to improve its online presence and appeal to those looking to join a club:

• Make sure your club details are up-to-date on England Athletics' Find a Club. This can be done by contacting us via email at enquiries@englandathletics.org
• Look over your website to make sure it's accessible and easy to navigate for someone looking to join.
• Use social media to promote your club and share information about how to get involved.
• Showcase stories from club members across your website and social media.
• Make use of free resources like the CIMSPA Digital Marketing Hub to engage, gain and retain more members. The Digital Marketing Hub was created by the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) and is a free-to-use service.

Join the Path to Paris

Get Set has organised the Path to Paris, which uses the Games as inspiration to challenge children across the country to virtually travel to Paris by getting active. Sports clubs, schools, community groups and families can set up teams for children to take part – and everyone can join in with the fun alongside them, completely for free!