Along with a 20% increase in residential places at both weeks and an additional 25 day places at both weeks, we are implementing a new approach to the booking process for Belfast Sports Plus. Once bookings open there will be a 24hr window for forms to be completed and we will not start allocating places until after this window. If the number of bookings received in this window exceeds the increased capacity we will split the bookings by age, sex and sport; with places for each group then being offered via a random selection process.

How long does the booking window remain open?
The booking window will be open for 24hrs. All bookings received by 7pm on Tuesday 31st Jan will be split into groups based on sport, age, sex and residential/day bookings. If bookings for each group exceed the number of places available for that group places will be offered via a random selection process.

How will the random selection process work?
Young people will be split into groups based on their sport, age, sex and residential/day. We will then select at random from each group to fill the places available. For example, if we have 14 senior boy football places and 18 have booked, we will select 14 names at random from this group of 18. The remaining four would be selected at random and put on the waiting list in the order they were selected.

If I submit my booking at 7pm on Monday 30th am I more likely to get a place than if I submit it the following day?
No – the time you submit the booking form within the 24hr window will have no bearing on the likelihood of your child securing a place. All bookings will be treated equally regardless of what time they were submitted.

I only want to apply for a day place for my child. Is this possible?
Yes – if your child would like to attend on a day place you can select this on the booking form and we will not then consider your child for a residential place.

Can I submit a form after the 24hr booking window?
Yes – forms can be submitted after the booking window closes. In this case places will be allocated on a first come first served basis for any remaining spaces or for the waiting list.

How will I know if I have a place?
Bookings will be confirmed via email within 2 weeks. This email will outline whether the young person has a residential place, a day place or is on the waiting list.

I have three children. What if two secure a place in the random select process but the third one doesn’t?
Families will be offered places as one entity, so if one child gets a place, then all siblings will too. However all the siblings’ forms must have been completed within the 24hr window.

My daughter is coming with a friend who won’t come if my daughter doesn’t. Can they be considered as one entity?
Unlike siblings, we are unable to view friendship groups as one entity and so cannot guarantee all friends will secure a place. This is also not something we could have guaranteed in the previous system.

If I don’t get a residential place how do I get a day place?
Those on the waiting list will be offered the option of a day place in the order they were selected in the random selection process until all day places have been filled. For example if we have 10 day places available the first 10 on the waiting list will be offered these. If any of these young people do not accept this option the day places will roll to those in number 11, 12 and so on until they are all filled.

If I don’t secure a residential or day place how will I know where I am on the waiting list?
The waiting list will be filled as part of the random selection process with young people being added to the waiting list in the order they were randomly selected. When you receive details that you are on the waiting list you will be informed as to what position you are.

I’ve been offered a residential place for my child but their friend hasn’t got one. Do I have to accept my place?
No – when you receive your confirmation email you have 10 days to either accept the place offered by paying the deposit or respond in writing to withdraw your booking.

My child is on the waiting list for a residential place but has secured a day place. Is there a chance a residential place may become available?
If another young person cancels their residential place then we would fill this from the waiting list. If a residential place therefore became available for your child we would be in touch directly and at this stage you could either accept the residential place or reject this and keep the day place.

My child has been offered a residential place and their friend a day place, can I swap my child’s residential space for a day one to match their friend?
Yes – any residential places can be switched to day places. However day places can only be switched to a residential one should a space become available due to a cancellation.

I’m serving at Sports Plus as a leader. What if my child doesn’t get a place?
The children of all those serving on the leaders’ team will be guaranteed a place in light of their parent/guardians’ involvement.

Does a day place cost less than a residential place?
Yes – there will be a lower price for day places. This will be to cover food and extras (e.g. t-shirts).

What are the drop off/pick up timings for day places?
The drop off time will be prior to the Morning Meeting at 9am and the pick-up time will be after the Evening Meeting; around 9.30pm.

Why are you implementing this new approach?
We’re aware that the demand for places at Belfast Sports Plus has outweighed the capacity over the last few years and this has lead to a stressful opening night experience for many, with some who log on to book at 7pm sharp still being unable to secure a place. The current first come first served system also disadvantages those who are booking on more than one young person as it takes longer to complete multiple forms.

Why is this only happening at Belfast Sports Plus?
There is not the same high demand at other venues and so the traditional first come first served process is currently sufficient for all other camps.

What time does Sports Plus start and finish?
Registration is usually between 4-5pm on the Sunday and we will finish at 4pm on the Friday. Parents/guardians are usually invited to come a little earlier on the Friday and watch the last Team Challenge, which begins at 2.45pm, to see a glimpse of what the young people have been doing throughout the week.

We cannot arrive/depart between the designated times?
If the young person needs to arrive/depart early/late please email
sportsplus​@christiansinsport.org.uk to notify Christians in Sport staff and to make suitable arrangements.

Can the young person be collected from the train station?
No. Christians in Sport are unable to arrange collection from stations to the Sports Plus site. Young people must make their own way to the school from the station. Please see below the list of closest train stations to each venue.

Belfast – Sydenham (2.5miles), Titanic Quarter (5miles)
Brecon – Abergavenny (23miles)
Perth – Perth (10miles)
Monkton – Bath Spa (2.8miles)
Repton – Willington (1.5miles), Burton-on-Trent (5miles), Derby (10miles)

Can the young person be collected from the airport?
We can in exceptional circumstances arrange transport from airports. If the young person is travelling by plane please contact the office to discuss the possibility of transport from the airport to the school site.

How do I know if there are places available on the Sports Plus of my choice?
The availability at each camp will be shown on both the Sports Plus page of the Christians in Sport website and on the booking site. If spaces are limited please submit your booking form as soon as possible as we cannot guarantee a place in this case.

What if there is no space on the Sports Plus of my choice?
If you complete the booking form we can add the young person to the waiting list for that Sports Plus and we will then be in touch should a space become available. We can also book them onto their second-choice camp, while they remain on the waiting list, and be in touch if a place becomes available on their first choice.

What if there is space at the Sports Plus of my choice but not for the sport of my choice?
Please contact the office to discuss whether another sport is an option for the young person. If this is possible then the young person can also be added to the waiting list for their preferred sport and switch across should a place become available. Please note young people must also be playing their second-choice sport for a club or team.

Why is there only space for certain sports at the Sports Plus of my choice?
We need to ensure that the number of young people booked for each sport enables the coaches to run quality coaching sessions to help the young people develop in their sport; if numbers are too high or too low this isn't possible. We set maximum limits on each sport, based on the facilities and number of coaches, and once the maximum is reached we are unable to accept any more bookings for that sport.

Why has the sport of my choice been cancelled?
As well as setting maximum numbers for each sport we set minimum numbers to ensure the coaches can run viable coaching sessions. For example, we cannot run a rugby/hockey/netball/football session for only eight young people, of differing ages and abilities. As a result if we do not receive sufficient bookings for a certain sport we may be required to cancel that sport and offer those booked an alternative option. If they do not wish to accept an alternative sport or camp a full refund will be given.

How do I book more than one young person onto Sports Plus?
On completion of the first booking form, a pop-up box will appear, to book another participant click 'Register another participant' and repeat the process again until you have completed the booking form for all the young people you wish to book. Once you have completed the final form click 'Checkout' to confirm and process the booking. For further information on the full bookings process please click here.

How will I know if my booking has been successful?
Once you have completed the online form you will receive an automated email confirming receipt of the form. We aim to be in touch within two weeks to confirm if the booking has been successful or if we require any further information.

I booked two young people onto Sports Plus but only received one confirmation email. Have you received both booking forms?
If you complete two or more bookings in the same order you will only receive one order confirmation email, but we will have received all the forms. To double check this the automated order confirmation will also indicate how many forms we received. Please note the order confirmation email will always be in the name of the account holder and not the young people who have been booked on.

What age must my young person be to come to Sports Plus?
Sports Plus is for young people in the following school years in January 2023:
Year 7 to Year 12 (England & Wales)
Year 8 to Year 13 (Northern Ireland)
P7 to S5 (Scotland)

If a young person falls within these school years in the country where they attend school, then they can attend any of the seven camps. For example - someone who attends school in England and is in year 7 can attend Sports Plus in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.

All young people must be aged 17 or under for the duration of the week. If they are 18 before the start of camp they must apply for the trainee programme. If they turn 18 during the week please contact the office to discussion options further.

Can I reserve a place for my young person?
No. Unfortunately we cannot reserve places for young people.

What if I need to cancel my young person’s booking?
More information on the cancellation policy for summer 2023 will be provided at the point of requesting payment.

When will I receive further details such as kit list and direction?
We will send out an information pack in May and this will include all the details you will need for Sports Plus, including a kit list and directions.

How do I access the Bursary Fund?
The Sports Plus Bursary Fund is available to anyone who needs avail of it. We do not have a set criteria for this and do not ask for proof of income/benefits. You simply select the rate you wish to pay on the booking form and this is all we will ask for when requesting payment. Payment in instalments can also be arranged by contacting the office.

Can I pay using childcare vouchers?
No. We are unable to accept childcare vouchers as payment for Sports Plus.

Do I need to pay when I complete the online form?
No. Payment is not required when making the booking. We will confirm the young person's place within two weeks of the booking being made and ask you to confirm you wish to accept the place.

Can I pay with a credit/debit card?
Payment can be made online via credit/debit card and details will be provided on how to do this when we request payment. Unfortunately, we cannot take payment over the phone.

How can I make a donation to the Sports Plus Bursary Fund?
If you have indicated you wish to donate to the Bursary Fund on the booking form this amount will automatically be added to your balance and you can pay this online. You can also make a separate payment via cheque (payable to ‘Christians in Sport’) or bank transfer. If you are making a separate donation, please mark this for the Bursary Fund.

Do I have an outstanding balance?
Please log into your account via our website and click the 'Pay for Sports Plus' button along the top and this will show your outstanding balance. Alternatively, email sportsplus​@christiansinsport.org.uk or contact the office on 01869 255630 to confirm any outstanding balance.

Who is Sports Plus aimed at?
Sports Plus is for young people who are serious about sport and play regularly in a club or school team. There is over five hours of sport a day and we want to ensure that young people have the stamina to meet the demands of the week, enabling them to progress in their sport.

What if the young person does not play for a club or team?
If the young person does not play regularly in a club or school team we will contact the parent/guardian to discuss whether Sports Plus is a suitable camp for the young person. In some cases we may request a reference from a coach/PE teacher to support their booking and assist us in making a decision on the suitability of Sports Plus for the young person.

My young person's main sport isn’t offered at Sports Plus, can they still attend?
Please contact the office to discuss if another sport would be a suitable option.

Can the young person change their sport after their booking has been confirmed?
This is usually possible but is dependent on the number of spaces remaining for the sport they would like to change to. If you would like to change sport please contact the office to discuss whether this is possible.

Will the young person get to try other sports outside of their main sport?
The young people will receive two hours coaching in their main sport each morning and another two hours coaching in a different sport each afternoon. There will be a wider range of afternoon sport choices and the young people choose these each day at Sports Plus.

My young person has selected rugby as his main sport. Should they bring other equipment such as a tennis racket or hockey stick?
The young people need to bring all their own equipment for their main sport and there will be a limited amount of equipment to borrow for any second sports the young person would like to do. However young people may wish to bring certain equipment, such as a tennis racket, to play with during free time.

How are the young people divided into teams?
Young people are divided into single sex teams, based on age, for accommodation, meals, small group Bible studies and Team Challenge. Generally junior teams are those who have just finished Y7-Y9 (Eng & Wal), Y8-10 (NI) or P7-S2 (Scot) and seniors those who have just finished Y10-12 (Eng & Wal), Y11-13 (NI) or S3-S5 (Scot). However please note this is subject to change depending on the breakdown of young people attending that camp.

Can my young person be in the same team as a friend?
On the booking form young people can request to be in the same team as a friend of the same sex and similar age. We try our best to accommodate young people in the team of their choice, with a maximum of three grouped together in the same team, however we cannot guarantee this in every case.

Do many young people come on their own?
There are a number of young people who attend Sports Plus without knowing anyone else. We try our best to ensure that those who attend on their own are in the same team as other young people who attend alone. Once in a team with others we find that young people settle and get to know others quite quickly.

Where are Sports Plus camps held?
All the camps are held at boarding schools. Accommodation is in school boarding houses with separate houses for boys and girls. All meals are provided in the school dining hall by the school catering staff.

What facilities will be used for sport?
Designated sports facilities will be used for all sport. Facilities are generally on the school site however some require off-site travel, such as athletics tracks or swimming pools. If off-site travel is necessary all drivers and vehicles are fully insured for this purpose.

My young person has specific dietary requirements. Can the school cater for him/her?
Any special dietary requirements included on the booking form will be passed onto the school catering staff who should be able to provide suitable alternatives for the young person as necessary. If in the unlikely event that they cannot cater for the young person, or they require further details, we will be in touch to discuss this further and in some cases request a photo of the young person.

Can young people share a room with their friends?
Young people are accommodated in rooms/corridors with young people from their team. Rooms range from single rooms to larger dorms depending on the school and boarding house. If young people are in the same team, they will either share a room or be along the same corridor as others in their teams. However, we will not know which boarding house each team will be accommodated in until much closer to the time so we cannot guarantee at this stage that they can be in a room together as the team may be in single rooms.

What does a typical day at Sports Plus look like?
Below is the typical timetable of a day at Sports Plus, however times may vary slightly between venues based on mealtimes set by the schools.

7.45am - Quiet Time
8.00am - Morning Jog (A short jog and an aerobics session to kick off the day)
8.15am - Breakfast
9.10am - Morning Meeting (A more laid-back whole camp meeting with a chance to look at the theme of the week)
10.00am - First Sport (2 hours of coaching in the young person's chosen sport)
12.15pm - Lunch
1.30pm - Team Meeting (A short time for teams to gather together and unpack the theme of the week as a small group)
2.00pm - Second Sport (2 hours of coaching in a sport of the young person's choice which varies day to day)
4.15pm - Team Challenge (Games where teams of a similar age compete against each other throughout the week)
5.15pm - Free Time
6.00pm - Dinner
6.45pm - Free Time
7.30pm - Evening Meeting (An energetic meeting of the whole camp with music, games, singing and a chance to further explore the theme of the week)
9.00pm - Team Time
9.45pm - Lights Out Juniors
10.30pm - Lights Out Seniors

Who leads at Sports Plus?
Each camp will be run by a team of leaders made up of Christians in Sport staff and volunteers. All leaders will undergo an application process, personal references, and criminal record checks before being accepted on the team. They will also complete safeguarding training provided by Christians in Sport.

Do I need to take out insurance to cover the young person at Sports Plus?
Christians in Sport is covered by Public Liability Insurance (£5m). However, you may also wish to take out individual sports insurance or holiday insurance.

Does the young person need to bring any extra money to Sports Plus?
Young people do not need to bring any additional money to Sports Plus. We run a cashless bank for the tuckshop and purchasing merchandise, resources or books. Merchandise such as water bottles, t-shirts and hoodies will be on sale and range from around £2 to £20. Parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to upload money onto their child's account prior to the start of Sports Plus for them to spend during the week.