Monthly Archives: March 2021

News & Events Update – 31 March 2021

Weekly Update from Metro Blind Sport 31 March
News, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

News & Events Update

It is good to share the positive news that some of our activity has restarted, and more is on the way.

Football

Yesterday evening our football training sessions returned at the Score Centre in Leyton. These sessions will now continue every week from 6.30 pm until 8.30 pm.

We will be following the same safety protocols as last year. It is essential to know numbers in advance of who is coming, so please visit the Metro Blind Sport website and book sessions to gain the relevant information needed for track and trace purposes.

Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance. The session was at capacity last night, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

If you are interested in playing, please contact Charlie
charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

Please read further details about the return to play for Football below.

Football Arrangements

Tennis

I mentioned last week that tennis was returning on Wednesday the 14th and Friday 16 April. These sessions are now confirmed from 6 pm – 8 pm, as are sessions every other week in the future at the same time.

We will be following the same safety protocols as last year. It is essential to know numbers in advance of who is coming, so please visit the Metro Blind Sport website and book sessions to gain the relevant information needed for track and trace purposes.

Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance. Booking links below:

14 April 2021: https://tinyurl.com/BTennis14April
16 April 2021: https://tinyurl.com/VITennis16April

Please read further details about the return to play for tennis below.

Download – Word: Tennis Arrangements

If you are interested in playing, please contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

Ride Side-by-Side with Bikeworks and Metro Blind Sport

We started these new sessions yesterday, and we are out on the bike again this morning in glorious weather for the start of this exciting new project. We are fully booked for this first week, but we have spaces throughout April.

We have sessions that will be running every week, so please do get in contact if you want to attend sessions in April. We would love to welcome you along. They will be on the following days:

  • Tuesday 6 April
  • Wednesday 7 April
  • Tuesday 13 April
  • Wednesday 14 April
  • Tuesday 20 April
  • Wednesday 21 April
  • Tuesday 27 April
  • Wednesday 28 April

There will be two time slots available on each of the days. Session 1 is from 9.30 am until 11 am, and session 2 is from 11.30 am until 1 pm. If you are keen to come along to one or more of the sessions, please email Martin martin.symcox@metroblindsport.org.

The Disability Sports Coach Virtual Activity Programme Easter 2021

This is the Anniversary of the launch of Disability Sport Coach at Home and will be a week of celebration and reflection and looking forward. The programme they run from Tuesday 13th to Saturday 17 April on Zoom will include dance, basketball, circus skills and baking, to name a few activities. It is free for all disabled people.

Please register here:  http://blindsport.uk/1YearOn via Eventbrite. On registration, you will receive your zoom code. This code will provide entry for all sessions during the week.

Dance Dosti

Did you see our latest news last week about an exciting new Dance project? Metro Blind Sport, in partnership with inclusive dance company Step Change Studios and British Blind Sport, will launch a new inclusive dance project, thanks to a grant from the Vision Foundation of nearly £44,000.
The ‘Dance Dosti’ project will engage blind and partially sighted young people and adults from the Asian community to be active through dance.
Read the full press release here: http://blindsport.uk/DanceD

Cricket

Following the ECB Roadmap for Return to Cricket and having analysed the Government’s Roadmap for the easing of lockdown. Blind Cricket England and Wales (BCEW) have decided that the 2021 Blind Cricket season will not start until the week beginning Monday 17 May.

Prior to 17 May, clubs are free to hold training sessions outdoors and may play local friendly matches outdoors. Metro Blind Sport will be seeking to arrange training and friendlies during this time. More details about the season will be released when we have them.

Would you like to play cricket? We are always happy to welcome enthusiastic new players, so if you are interested in playing this season or taking part in training sessions, please contact Hassan Khan at the Metro Devils h.khan25@googlemail.com 07792 004838 or contact Charlie charlie.raven@metroblindsport.org 07956 292046.

Shape up with Spurs

Sessions continue on Zoom on Wednesday’s at 2 pm. If you wish to register interest or find out more, please contact: Adam Millar  07392091327 Adam.millar@tottenhamhotspur.com

British Blind Sport

Along with their inclusive coaches, British Blind Sport have developed audio-led workouts, covering a wide range of activities such as Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, Boxercise and Strength Training as part of their Active at Home Programme.

Find out all of the details of the live session by clicking here https://britishblindsport.org.uk/the-active-at-home-programme/

Sense

Sense Active offer a range of inclusive sport and physical activities. They work with experienced instructors and providers who aim to make each session enjoyable, accessible, inclusive and fun. Please contact for booking sense.active@sense.org.uk, a link to the activities can be found here. https://tinyurl.com/SenseOnline

News

Sense Inclusive Art Club

Award-winning artist Tanya Raabe Webber is starting a new fortnightly arts group at Sense between 16 April and 25 June 2021.

If you are an art maker wishing to develop your skills, meet new people and extend your practice, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Led by Tanya, you’ll explore different ideas and techniques with an emphasis on developing work in your own time. No experience is necessary, but a passion for art is essential!
This opportunity is open to everyone Sense supports (ages 16+), free to join, and art materials will be sent out to your home.

For more info or to book a place, please email olivia.thiessen@sense.org.uk by Thursday, 1 April 2021 (deadline extended!).

Northern Ballet

Northern Ballet is delighted to share the news that they have created some audio described films for the first time. This is a pilot to creating further films and increasing their offer. There are two short films which you can find by using the link to the webpage here https://northernballet.com/digital-dance/audio-described-films.

Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council

On Wednesday 14 April (17:00-18:30) the Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council will be hosting a VI forum focusing on the benefits of sport and the arts.

Attendees will hear presentations from our expert panel and will be able to ask questions. There will also be a live poetry reading from award-winning poet Dave Steele and a low intensity breathing and chair yoga session from Claire Miller.

The panel

  • Paralympic world champion and food blogger Laura Fachie MBE
  • Actor and director Elizabeth Roney
  • Blind coach Sheraz Chohan
  • Performing arts graduate Ada Eravama

You can register your place here: https://tinyurl.com/CreativelyActive

London Vision

The London Vision team has produced their monthly London Scene newsletter, which informs people with sight loss about accessible activities and events happening around London, including local society events.

April’s newsletter is full of information so have a read here https://www.londonvision.org/Pages/Events/Category/all-events

Merton Sports and Social Club

Merton Sports and Social Club sent out their newsletter this week. It was full of opportunities and information, including information about when they hope to return to their fortnightly tandem rides. As things stand, they hope to start rides for couples and household bubbles from Saturday, 17 April. The first ride, open to all members, will be on Saturday 22 May. To register interest, please email cycling@mssc.org.uk and for further club news, visit http://www.mssc.org.uk/

Metro Blind Sport reaches the USA

Our sport lead for tennis, Odette Battarel, shared a website link for the “Focus” website which is a resource provided by a cooperative effort between the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It was amazing to find that there was a link to our Yoga videos on there. I have included the link here as there are links to other activities as well
https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/leisure-and-learning-at-home.html.

Facebook

Our numbers are growing on the Metro Blind Sport Facebook page. We encourage you to get involved with our new Facebook page, perhaps sharing your weekly challenge results!

The link below is to the latest exercise challenge Rolling Press-ups with Mark: https://youtu.be/84EMKt9vt5k or by sharing any other activity that you might be doing.

To visit the Facebook page, please follow the link below. https://www.facebook.com/metroblindsport

Stay safe and best wishes.

Martin and the Metro Blind Sport Team

 

Metro Blind Sports Links & Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!

Metro Blind Sport  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

 

 

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Rolling Push-ups is this weeks Challenge!

The Exercise Challenge this week is Rolling Push-ups
News, , , , ,

Rolling Push-ups is this weeks Exercise Challenge!

“How many Rolling Push-ups can you do in 30 seconds?”

Mark Bullock demonstrates this weeks challenge on our youtube Channel

Watch on Youtube:  Exercise Challenge  Week 8 – Rolling Push-ups
Video Transcript link: https://blindsport.uk/Week8

This week’s exercise challenge is Ball Taps – Video below

Video Transcript link: https://blindsport.uk/Week8

Please do visit our new Facebook page and add your scores in the comments on this weeks exercise challenge post as we would love to see them and if you like our page while your there, that would be great!

Or you could tweet your scores on Twitter and let us know by adding @MetroVISports to your tweet!

 

Metro Blind Sports Social Networks

Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!
Join us on  Facebook   |   Twitter   |  YouTube  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

 

 

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Football: LMFC Training 27 April

London Metro FC Training session - A London Metro Futsal Club Team photo all smiling in front of the goal
Events, , , , ,
Venue:
Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY
Time:
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Phone:
07966260089
Date:
27th April 2021
Cost:
Free * Booking Required *
Contact:
lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org


London Metro FC Training Sessions

Please check before travelling that this event is still taking place as events and dates can change.  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

I am delighted to confirm that Metro Blind Sport is returning to football at the Score Centre in Leyton. Listed below are the guidelines for our return and I would kindly ask that you read these carefully. Should you have any questions about the information or require support in booking the sessions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

COVID Arrangements: Score Centre Leyton

We are excited about restarting sessions at the Score Centre and want to make sure that players, volunteers and other helpers feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

There are some changes that are in place and we will follow rules and guidelines from the venue, these may be subject to change as we go along and we appreciate your patience and co-operation as we adapt to the situation.

New Football Arrangments – Please read

Download – Word: Football Arrangements

If you have any queries please let me know or speak to Lucy Simper before you attend or speak with Gareth Jones during the session.

Contact Details

Booking

It is essential to know the numbers in advance of who is coming. Please book your sessions so that we can gain relevant information for track and trace purposes. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

Event Details

London Metro FC Training Session

Booking Required

Date: 27 April 2021   Time: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Available places: 12

Venue: Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY

Booking form Link: https://tinyurl.com/Footie27April

 

Contact: Lucy Email  lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org or call 07966260089

 

Pre-screening

All participants and workforce should take the pre-screening questionnaire before leaving home –and keep the results for 21 days.

Members, coaches and volunteers must NOT attend if they:

Have Covid-19 symptoms. List of symptoms can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

Have someone in their household who does have symptoms and is in isolation

Have been asked to remain at home by the UK Government track and trace system, or those that are in the clinically vulnerable group. Government advice is detailed here.

 

Pre-screening questionnaire

Before leaving the house to participate in activity, please check you:

Do not have symptoms of a high temperature (feeling hot, feeling cold, shivers, feeling under the weather).

Do not have a new persistent cough.

You have not got a loss of taste or smell.

You have not been in contact with a person with suspected COVID-19 within the past 48 hours.

You have not been advised to self-isolate due to a third party from another setting (i.e. school) that has been infected with COVID-19.

No-one within your household has COVID-19 symptoms as outlined above, which would require the whole household to go into isolation as guided by UK Government.

Individuals must not attend a session if any of the above are true.

 

Meet and Greet

We have always offered a meet and greet service for members for our football sessions from Leyton Tube Station. The current situation makes offering this service a challenge in the short term. Therefore, we would advise players to safely make their own way to the Score Centre wherever possible. If this is not possible then arrangements can be made. We will discuss guiding requirements with those players that have booked in to play 24 hours before the session, via email or text.

If guiding does occur to and from the station, this may be completed at differing times and may include verbal guiding.

The Score Centre requires players to enter the facility as a group and depart from the facility as a group. We ask that players, coaches and volunteers wait safely outside the front doors. Please note, the Score Centre includes other services, including a nursery, and other people may be waiting outside. 

Toilets and changing rooms

Only the toilet areas are in use and the changing rooms are closed, therefore we recommend that you get changed before leaving home and have secondary clothing to wear once training has finished. Lockers are available if required.


Hand Sanitising

There are several hand sanitising stations around the venue, but we ask you to bring your own, and encourage you to take advantage of drink breaks for regular hand sanitising. There is a wall-attached hand sanitising station on the right hand side as you enter the building. You are likely to be instructed by the centre staff to use this on entry.

Centre Changes

There is a one way system onto the courts, and the Score Centre have been asking customers to leave via the fire exits on court. Please not that this is quite dark and therefore please take extra care.

Spectators are not allowed.

Face Covering

It is not a requirement to wear a face covering at the Score Centre and advice is not to wear one whilst playing football, please do however feel free to wear one where you feel that social distancing is not able to be maintained. Face coverings will be required if guiding occurs to and from the tube station.

 

Equipment

Please ensure you bring your own equipment to use. Please ensure that footballs and other equipment is sanitised regularly.

 

Opt-in notice

By attending football sessions, you are personally opting into the session on the basis that you have received relevant information to make an informed choice. If you feel you do not have all the information required, please request further information, or do not attend.

Any person found deliberately or consistently breaking the guidance at the discretion of the Sport Leads or Metro Blind Sport staff set out by Metro Blind Sport will be asked to leave the activity with immediate effect.

In this instance details will be passed onto Metro Blind Sport as the organisation responsible for the measures in line with Government advice.

Summary

We look forward to seeing you all again, we hope these measures will enable you to enjoy the sessions, if unsure about anything please ask using the contact details below.

Martin Symcox
October 2020

Contact Details

 

 

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Football: LMFC Training 20 April

London Metro FC Training session - A London Metro Futsal Club Team photo all smiling in front of the goal
Events, , , , ,
Venue:
Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY
Time:
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Phone:
07966260089
Date:
20th April 2021
Cost:
Free * Booking Required *
Contact:
lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org


London Metro FC Training Sessions

Please check before travelling that this event is still taking place as events and dates can change.  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

I am delighted to confirm that Metro Blind Sport is returning to football at the Score Centre in Leyton. Listed below are the guidelines for our return and I would kindly ask that you read these carefully. Should you have any questions about the information or require support in booking the sessions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

COVID Arrangements: Score Centre Leyton

We are excited about restarting sessions at the Score Centre and want to make sure that players, volunteers and other helpers feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

There are some changes that are in place and we will follow rules and guidelines from the venue, these may be subject to change as we go along and we appreciate your patience and co-operation as we adapt to the situation.

New Football Arrangments – Please read

Download – Word: Football Arrangements

If you have any queries please let me know or speak to Lucy Simper before you attend or speak with Gareth Jones during the session.

Contact Details

Booking

It is essential to know the numbers in advance of who is coming. Please book your sessions so that we can gain relevant information for track and trace purposes. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

Event Details

London Metro FC Training Session

Booking Required

Date: 20 April 2021   Time: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Available places: 12

Venue: Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY

Booking form Link: https://tinyurl.com/Footie20April

 

Contact: Lucy Email  lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org or call 07966260089

 

Pre-screening

All participants and workforce should take the pre-screening questionnaire before leaving home –and keep the results for 21 days.

Members, coaches and volunteers must NOT attend if they:

Have Covid-19 symptoms. List of symptoms can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

Have someone in their household who does have symptoms and is in isolation

Have been asked to remain at home by the UK Government track and trace system, or those that are in the clinically vulnerable group. Government advice is detailed here.

 

Pre-screening questionnaire

Before leaving the house to participate in activity, please check you:

Do not have symptoms of a high temperature (feeling hot, feeling cold, shivers, feeling under the weather).

Do not have a new persistent cough.

You have not got a loss of taste or smell.

You have not been in contact with a person with suspected COVID-19 within the past 48 hours.

You have not been advised to self-isolate due to a third party from another setting (i.e. school) that has been infected with COVID-19.

No-one within your household has COVID-19 symptoms as outlined above, which would require the whole household to go into isolation as guided by UK Government.

Individuals must not attend a session if any of the above are true.

 

Meet and Greet

We have always offered a meet and greet service for members for our football sessions from Leyton Tube Station. The current situation makes offering this service a challenge in the short term. Therefore, we would advise players to safely make their own way to the Score Centre wherever possible. If this is not possible then arrangements can be made. We will discuss guiding requirements with those players that have booked in to play 24 hours before the session, via email or text.

If guiding does occur to and from the station, this may be completed at differing times and may include verbal guiding.

The Score Centre requires players to enter the facility as a group and depart from the facility as a group. We ask that players, coaches and volunteers wait safely outside the front doors. Please note, the Score Centre includes other services, including a nursery, and other people may be waiting outside. 

Toilets and changing rooms

Only the toilet areas are in use and the changing rooms are closed, therefore we recommend that you get changed before leaving home and have secondary clothing to wear once training has finished. Lockers are available if required.


Hand Sanitising

There are several hand sanitising stations around the venue, but we ask you to bring your own, and encourage you to take advantage of drink breaks for regular hand sanitising. There is a wall-attached hand sanitising station on the right hand side as you enter the building. You are likely to be instructed by the centre staff to use this on entry.

Centre Changes

There is a one way system onto the courts, and the Score Centre have been asking customers to leave via the fire exits on court. Please not that this is quite dark and therefore please take extra care.

Spectators are not allowed.

Face Covering

It is not a requirement to wear a face covering at the Score Centre and advice is not to wear one whilst playing football, please do however feel free to wear one where you feel that social distancing is not able to be maintained. Face coverings will be required if guiding occurs to and from the tube station.

 

Equipment

Please ensure you bring your own equipment to use. Please ensure that footballs and other equipment is sanitised regularly.

 

Opt-in notice

By attending football sessions, you are personally opting into the session on the basis that you have received relevant information to make an informed choice. If you feel you do not have all the information required, please request further information, or do not attend.

Any person found deliberately or consistently breaking the guidance at the discretion of the Sport Leads or Metro Blind Sport staff set out by Metro Blind Sport will be asked to leave the activity with immediate effect.

In this instance details will be passed onto Metro Blind Sport as the organisation responsible for the measures in line with Government advice.

Summary

We look forward to seeing you all again, we hope these measures will enable you to enjoy the sessions, if unsure about anything please ask using the contact details below.

Martin Symcox
October 2020

Contact Details

 

 

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Football: LMFC Training 13 April

Two London Metro team players in black running for the ball against a player in yellow text says Tuesdays 6.30 to 8.30 pm Football training with the LMFC Team, Score Centre in Leyton
Events, , , , ,
Venue:
Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY
Time:
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
Phone:
07966260089
Date:
13th April 2021
Cost:
Free * Booking Required *
Contact:
lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org


London Metro FC Training Sessions

Please check before travelling that this event is still taking place as events and dates can change.  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

I am delighted to confirm that Metro Blind Sport is returning to football at the Score Centre in Leyton. Listed below are the guidelines for our return and I would kindly ask that you read these carefully. Should you have any questions about the information or require support in booking the sessions then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

COVID Arrangements: Score Centre Leyton

We are excited about restarting sessions at the Score Centre and want to make sure that players, volunteers and other helpers feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

There are some changes that are in place and we will follow rules and guidelines from the venue, these may be subject to change as we go along and we appreciate your patience and co-operation as we adapt to the situation.

New Football Arrangments – Please read

Download – Word: Football Arrangements

If you have any queries please let me know or speak to Lucy Simper before you attend or speak with Gareth Jones during the session.

Contact Details

Booking

It is essential to know the numbers in advance of who is coming. Please book your sessions so that we can gain relevant information for track and trace purposes. Players should not attend if they have not booked in advance.

Event Details

London Metro FC Training Session

Booking Required

Date: 13 April 2021   Time: 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Available places: 12

Venue: Score Centre, Oliver Road, London E10 5JY

Booking form Link:  https://tinyurl.com/Footie13April

 

Contact: Lucy Email  lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org or call 07966260089

 

Pre-screening

All participants and workforce should take the pre-screening questionnaire before leaving home –and keep the results for 21 days.

Members, coaches and volunteers must NOT attend if they:

Have Covid-19 symptoms. List of symptoms can be found here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/

Have someone in their household who does have symptoms and is in isolation

Have been asked to remain at home by the UK Government track and trace system, or those that are in the clinically vulnerable group. Government advice is detailed here.

 

Pre-screening questionnaire

Before leaving the house to participate in activity, please check you:

Do not have symptoms of a high temperature (feeling hot, feeling cold, shivers, feeling under the weather).

Do not have a new persistent cough.

You have not got a loss of taste or smell.

You have not been in contact with a person with suspected COVID-19 within the past 48 hours.

You have not been advised to self-isolate due to a third party from another setting (i.e. school) that has been infected with COVID-19.

No-one within your household has COVID-19 symptoms as outlined above, which would require the whole household to go into isolation as guided by UK Government.

Individuals must not attend a session if any of the above are true.

 

Meet and Greet

We have always offered a meet and greet service for members for our football sessions from Leyton Tube Station. The current situation makes offering this service a challenge in the short term. Therefore, we would advise players to safely make their own way to the Score Centre wherever possible. If this is not possible then arrangements can be made. We will discuss guiding requirements with those players that have booked in to play 24 hours before the session, via email or text.

If guiding does occur to and from the station, this may be completed at differing times and may include verbal guiding.

The Score Centre requires players to enter the facility as a group and depart from the facility as a group. We ask that players, coaches and volunteers wait safely outside the front doors. Please note, the Score Centre includes other services, including a nursery, and other people may be waiting outside. 

Toilets and changing rooms

Only the toilet areas are in use and the changing rooms are closed, therefore we recommend that you get changed before leaving home and have secondary clothing to wear once training has finished. Lockers are available if required.


Hand Sanitising

There are several hand sanitising stations around the venue, but we ask you to bring your own, and encourage you to take advantage of drink breaks for regular hand sanitising. There is a wall-attached hand sanitising station on the right hand side as you enter the building. You are likely to be instructed by the centre staff to use this on entry.

Centre Changes

There is a one way system onto the courts, and the Score Centre have been asking customers to leave via the fire exits on court. Please not that this is quite dark and therefore please take extra care.

Spectators are not allowed.

Face Covering

It is not a requirement to wear a face covering at the Score Centre and advice is not to wear one whilst playing football, please do however feel free to wear one where you feel that social distancing is not able to be maintained. Face coverings will be required if guiding occurs to and from the tube station.

 

Equipment

Please ensure you bring your own equipment to use. Please ensure that footballs and other equipment is sanitised regularly.

 

Opt-in notice

By attending football sessions, you are personally opting into the session on the basis that you have received relevant information to make an informed choice. If you feel you do not have all the information required, please request further information, or do not attend.

Any person found deliberately or consistently breaking the guidance at the discretion of the Sport Leads or Metro Blind Sport staff set out by Metro Blind Sport will be asked to leave the activity with immediate effect.

In this instance details will be passed onto Metro Blind Sport as the organisation responsible for the measures in line with Government advice.

Summary

We look forward to seeing you all again, we hope these measures will enable you to enjoy the sessions, if unsure about anything please ask using the contact details below.

Martin Symcox
October 2020

Contact Details

 

 

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