Clubs creating welcoming environments: Wigan Harriers and Guildford & Godalming AC

Whether you choose to get involved in a track and field club, or venture into road running, joining your local club is the perfect place to start. Throughout England, there is a network of over 1880 affiliated clubs covering all disciplines and distances.

We recently caught up with two clubs at opposite ends of the country, who have not only created a welcoming community, but also established exemplary governance and achieved all seven of their Club Standards - let's hear from Wigan Harriers and Guildford and Godalming AC!

A warm welcome in Wigan

North West Club Support Manager, Sarah Friday, recently paid a visit to Wigan and District Harriers on one of their busy club nights. Using their club venue like a Tetris puzzle, the club proudly welcome athletes of all levels from young people just getting started to Olympians such as Emily Borthwick. Sarah caught up with Emily to find out more about what makes Wigan so great.

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Cherished volunteers at Guildford and Godalming AC

Coaches, officials and other volunteers are the lifeblood of athletics and running clubs. From first introducing the children to the different athletics events to creating a family unit amongst training groups, volunteers make the participant experience amazing.

East and South East Club Support Manager, Kirsty Fardell, spoke to two coaches at different stages in their journey to see what they love the most - from Sophie who came back to the sport after being an athlete, to Marilyn who only ventured down to the club to support her daughter, who is now still coaching 30 years later!

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Creating a fantastic club community with Club Standards

We all want to have fun whilst attending training and competitions with our local athletics or running clubs, but it is important that they are safe and welcoming environments for all. In order to ensure that athletes can expect the very best from their clubs, we support committee members to work towards achieving their seven Club Standards - something which Wigan Harriers have been prioritising.

Over the past 12 months Wigan Harriers have followed the checklist for Club Standards reviewing our procedures and guidelines.

"We have updated the club constitution, reviewed all our Club Policies, defined key committee roles and used the free legal advice from Muckle LLP. Currently we are reviewing our legal structure before drafting a recommendation for our members.

"We are fortunate in having experienced Welfare Officers who have ensured we are fully compliant with England Athletics Safeguarding requirements. This means we are able to provide a safe, inclusive training environment for all our members."
Carl Foster, Wigan Harriers Club Chair

Guildford and Godalming want to reassure their members:

"The Club Standards show that our athletic club is serious about offering athletes and volunteers a safe and protected environment for them to enjoy their sport. We feel that this is reassuring to our parents and athletes who choose our club."

This year Club Standards are even more important, with all clubs needing to achieve their Club Standard Six in Safeguarding before they can reaffiliate on 1 April 2025. You can find out more about this below: