A Cheltenham firm is making its mark on the sports world with its club management software.

The cloud-based software and app, Coacha, enforces NSPCC best practice guidelines when clubs email or text children. The aim is to protect young people in sport from people in a position of trust who may have sinister intentions.

Using the app means coaches don't have to carry printed folders of contact details around, that could otherwise fall in to the wrong hands. Whether at training or sporting events, this extra security is reassuring for children, parents and coaches alike.

It will also go along way towards helping clubs fulfil their GDPR obligations. GDPR, coming into force on 25th May next year, is the biggest shake-up in data protection for many years. Organisations that hold personal data need to ensure they have taken sufficient steps to make sure the information they hold on individuals is protected. The implications, and potential fines, for sports clubs are the same as they are for businesses.

Jason Ayers, Coacha co-founder says: "GDPR brings with it a shift in power from organisations that hold data on people, over to the individuals themselves. Although aimed at large organisations such as Google, Facebook and Microsoft, the change in regulation will mean sports clubs have to get to grips with GDPR too.

"Club members or parents will be able to demand a copy of any data held on them or their children by a sports club. We recognise this is a big worry for sports coaches, so Coacha V2.0 due for launch in the new year will have GDPR compliance tools built into it. This will vastly reduce the admin for sports coaches that GDPR will bring after May next year, as well as remove hassle and worry for the club owner."

And sports clubs can be in with a chance of winning £500 cash, a club website and a one-year Coacha subscription in #CoachasFirstChristmas competition. For more information and to be in with a chance of winning, go to www.coacha.co.uk/coachas-christmas