Communication is key for Forres sports organisations

THE latest meeting of Forres Community Sports Hub at Forres Academy was attended by 11 local organisations.

Representatives from Forres Area Soccer 7s, Forres Harriers, Fitness League, Forres St Lawrence Cricket Club, Forres Area Community Trust, Forres Mechanics, Forres Thistle, Findhorn Tennis Club, Badminton Moray, Moray Gig and Forres Academy discussed attracting new clubs, social media, coaching, the hub constitution and an outdoor gym for the town.

“It was a good meeting with a good turn-out,” said development officer, Dimitris Chrysanthakopoulos. “They all look very dynamic and willing to progress and I feel optimistic about the future.”

The hHub wants to target “inactive” members and those who have dropped off through improved communication, while encouraging new membership.

“We decided to maximisze the utility of social media and have created a Facebook group for hHub members,” said Dimitris. “Facebook is easy to use and the communication is more direct. “However, we will keep using emails for those who do not use it.

“Networking, funding, and free communication for members are basic things FCSH offers to local clubs and activity groups.”

Dimitris announced that the ‘Sport in Moray’ Facebook page has been integrated with Moray Council’s ‘Sport Development’ page.

“Both have more or less the same content so it makes more sense to keep only one,” he said. “We decided to keep Sport in Moray.”

Soccer 7s were at their first hHub meeting. Chairman Shaun Moat agreed to administrate the new Forres Hub page and contribute to a social media action plan.

“Former hHub development officer, Craig Barron did it before,” explained Dimitris. “But it is part of the sustainability process for the hHub members to take over their social media accounts.”

The meeting also agreed to organisze a social media course for members. Three members of St Lawrence Cricket Club will complete it using part of the hHub’s remaining £6,30033.65 budget.

“It is very important that hub members familiarise themselves with social media,” said Dimitris. “It is a great marketing tool.”

Dimitris encouraged the meeting to consider establishing a basic constitution instead of a becoming part of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, as suggested in a previous meeting by Moray Council community support officer, Sylvia Jamieson.

“It is much easier and faster to establish a basic constitution and you can always take the time and become an SVCO at a later stage,” said Dimitris.

“The hHub members will decide how they want to proceed with that.”

Maintenance of a potential outdoor gym for Forres was discussed again by the attending members.

“The outdoor gym is just an idea at the moment,” said Dimitris. “The main issue to consider is its sustainability and who will be responsible for it.”

Finally, it was agreed that Dimitris and Sylvia will work on an action plan for discussion at the next meeting.

“It will consist of all the members’ and the steps they need to take to achieve particular goals,” said Dimitris. “For example, the outdoor gym or the SVCO will be included.”

The next Forres Community Sports Hub meeting is on Monday, December 14, at Forres Academy. New members welcome.