"An opportunity to further change and influence how athletics is carried out in your region" - Ian Martin on joining the Regional Council
England Athletics’ nine Regional Councils are inviting applications for a total of 38 roles at next year’s Regional Council elections.
The nomination process opens on 23 January, with applicants having the chance to help shape the sport for benefit of their clubs and members, both now and in the future. Ahead of that process beginning, we have collected thoughts and experiences of existing Regional Councillors, including England Council Chair, Matthew Dalton and Ian Martin, who chairs the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Council.
Hear from Ian
After being encouraged to take part in cross country by an inspirational coach as a schoolboy, Ian’s involvement with the sport came full circle as the effects of the COVID pandemic began to be felt.
Seeing the impact that numerous lockdowns and the withdrawal of facilities was having on the young people in his local area of Selby, Ian decided to take action.
“COVID affected a lot of children, in terms of curtailing their outdoor activity,” Ian explains. “That obviously affects them physically, but also has an impact on their mental health.
“In this area, we had some facilities that kids used that were repurposed for COVID testing and vaccinations, never to reopen. My daughter and her friends were affected, so I gave some thought to what I could do to help them and the other kids around here.
“I felt like they deserved something, so I drew upon my previous experience as a coach, and set up a club. Four years later, we’ve almost got a planning application across the line for our own track and field facility; we’ve grown to 150 members and 10 coaches; and we’ve given children opportunity to compete. It’s been great to see.”
With this experience added to time as an athlete, coach and official, Ian decided to apply for a Regional Councillor role within the England Athletics structure two years ago. He continues:
“I was looking at what other clubs were doing, at leagues and events, so I was looking very externally. One of the things I was drawn to was the Regional Councillor role. When I saw that, it seemed to fit with what I was trying to do, which was to change the nature of athletics in our region.
“Going onto the council was an opportunity to further change and influence how athletics is carried out and perceived in the region.”
Ahead of this coming round of recruitment, Ian believes the vacant roles should appeal to anyone with an equally positive, proactive outlook towards bringing change to the sport.
“I like to be visible to clubs in the local area, and I like to get out and speak to people. Primarily, I like to get things done. Sometimes it’s tempting for people to have a pop at people who are trying to get things done, but if you want to see change, you have to be part of it.
“To do something, you have to be an active participant. I’m a strong believer in getting involved and being part of that process. I would encourage anyone who does want to get involved, to change the sport, to move it on and be progressive, to get involved with the Regional Councils. That’s the only way they can make those changes and take the sport forward.”
Interested in applying to be a Regional Councillor?
Full details on the available roles, application process and deadlines are available here.
Lead image credit: Richard Ponter