This section has been put together to give examples of how to get involved in athletics.
We have produced a promotional video which will be posted here as soon as we are able to. This video shows an example of an event in the region and the fun everone has at this event as an athlete, official, coach, helper or parent. If you would like to know more - or get involved please read on or contact us (see contact details)
History
Athletics is a volunteer sport for anyone aged 8 -88! we cater for girls and boys, men and women and are proud that there are activities and events for any ability. Local activity is run through community clubs in most areas of the country.
Athletics is split into a number of areas:
Track and Field - events such as sprints, hurdles, middle distance, steeple chase, walks, high jump, long jump, pole vault, triple jump, shot put, discus, hammer, javelin, combined events (pentathlon, helptathlon, decathlon)
Cross Country - various distances
Road Running - from 1 mile, 5k, 10k, half marathon and full marathon and ultra distances
Trail running / multi terrain and fell running - various events across the country
Sportshall - especially for juniors (under 15s) - athletics that is held in a sportshall - its fun fast and exciting (but not a quiet activity!)
How to get involved
The best way to get involved it to find out where your local club is. Clubs are always looking for more poeple to help and are always welcoming to new members. Some clubs have waiting lists of juniors so it is best if you contact the club secretary or see the club website for further details.
For a full list of clubs seee the clubs section whch also has a link to each club website. Athletics is also taught in a lot of schools. Some schools run after school and extra curricular activities and also link with the community clubs in their area.
Clubs:
The majority of clubs are run by volunteers who dedicate their free time to support athletes of all ages to compete and train in a supprotive environment. Due to a lot of people leading busy lives we are always in need of more volunteers to be involved and there are many roles that people can come and do. The following are some examples of roles needed in our clubs. We are keen to see new people who would like to be involved and can offer support and courses /training if needed for some of the following roles.
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Coaches - from assistant level through to being a senior coach working with children or adults there are a wide variety of events and activities to suit any age or level.
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Officials- working as part of a team at competitions it is the officials that run these events and ensure the events run smoothly. From assisting to rake a pit, time a race, measure a distance or record the results, there are a variety of roles that help provide a quality and enjoyable event.
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Team managers - selecting and taking team of athletes to events either locally, within a county, region or around the country
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Volunteers - there are lots of roles that fall under this title, from membership secretary, chairman, secretary, treasurer, president, volunteer co-ordinator, welcome officer, junior co-ordinator, canteen helper, and much much more
What next
Find you nearest club - turn up at a training session or call the club secretary (see clubs section and clubs list)
If you are not sure or would like to discuss more call us in the office and we would be pleased to help.
Juniors (under 18's) - find out if your school or college has an after school club for athletics - if not find out who is in charge for PE and ask if one can be set up. If possible take details of the local club to see if there may be a coach available to help. If a parent we are also happy to support new satelite groups at schools or community centres and we can give advice and support if you would like to do this.
School teachers - we have teacher training available - more details to follow. Call the office for more details of training or other possibilities to develop athletics in your school.
Adults - all our clubs have senior members some are specialist clubs such as road runing that cater for more recreational activities. We also have clubs such as the Women's Running Network who offer specialist support for women joggers / runners. We are also about to launch 'Jog England' which will enable online membership and support of a virtual jogging club for those who do not feel the need to be part of an organised club (more details to follow).
The message we would like to send is - join the fun - athletics could be for you - why not come and try it.
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