Spotlight on Lynn Cooper - Regional Councillor

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 Lynn Cooper, who sits on the North East Regional Council.

Lynn – originally from Scotland – took up coaching after retiring from competing aged 40, and is currently also women’s team manager for the North East Cross Country teams. Of her Regional Councillor role, she explains:

"I retired from my role as a Chief Executive of a small professional body in the summer of 2022, and was then asked by two existing Regional Councillors to consider applying for the elections in 2023. I felt that I had the time and administrative skills to benefit a sport which has given me enormous pleasure."

"I see my role as a Regional Councillor as connecting local clubs with England Athletics, ensuring that they work together to improve athletes and athletics in our region and throughout the country. It’s a two-way process: understanding the needs of the athletes and clubs, conveying that to England Athletics, then delivering any ensuing policies."

As with the majority of Regional Councillors, Lynn has a strong and established background in the sport - vital in communicating with and understanding the needs and wants of those athletes and clubs. Lynn - who represented both Scotland and Great Britain in the marathon - believes that getting the right people into such roles is vital for the health of the sport.

"We need passionate, knowledgeable and committed people to serve on Regional Councils, if athletics is to succeed alongside the growing array of other sports," she explains.

"England Athletics has limited resources - both in terms of staff and funds - so Regional Councillors, with their local knowledge and contacts, can supplement these resources."

Other than competition from sports backed by greater financial resources, Lynn cites ‘degenerating’ facilities and an ageing network of coaches and officials as the biggest challenges facing the sport at the moment. She also highlights the opportunities within the sport, in particular the chances to capitalise on major events and international stars to drive interest and awareness towards club athletics.

On the role a Regional Councillor can play in helping the sport to address these challenges and maximise its opportunities, Lynn believes that applicants keen to play to their strengths and follow their passions within the sport can make a big difference.

"When I began my role as Regional Councillor, I asked about a Regional Plan and was quickly signed up to help to produce and deliver one,” she recalls.

"As a result, I have worked closely with our Chair, have taken on the role of Regional Council Coaching Representative, have helped set up a Regional Athlete Panel and am currently preparing for a Club Conference on the day of our Volunteer Awards."

"The minimum requirement is to attend and contribute to Regional meetings and attend online ‘Whole Council’ meetings, but I would encourage anyone to secure or carve out a specific role in an area close to their heart."