The challenge

Athletics is an up and coming sport. With the Olympics coming in 2012, more children are getting involved. It is our job as a club to keep the young athletes safe and encourage their enthusiasm in the sport. We also have to grow our number of coaches and officials, all of whom are unpaid volunteers.

Key actions

All of our coaches are CRB checked and, with the financial help of the Club, can further their career by attending official courses. They all have a job description and know which athletes they are responsible for at each training session. This also means that the athletes know who their coach is and what they will be doing at each session. All of our athletes are encouraged to try different disciplines as it is not always obvious when they start what they will enjoy, or excel at, most. Our club has a management structure with a committee, head coach and coaches, with each person knowing what is expected of them by the Club. We have two child protection officers at each base, one female and one male, who also coach. We work regularly with most of the schools in both areas and frequently organise and help with events, as well as visiting schools to coach. The athletes now self register themselves at the start of every session. This is not just a health and safety benefit, as it also helps us identify athletes who train regularly and aids team managers in their selection process.

The solution

• All coaches, helpers, athletes and committee members who come to training sessions and events know what their job is.
• All coaches are able to further their career and interests.
• All athletes are able to train in the disciplines that interest them.
• Working alongside and having regular contact with local schools.

The future

The Club would like to:

• Not only maintain our current school contacts but expand this programme to others.
• Have a closer relationship with other athletic clubs.
• Increase our membership.
• Help our athletes be the best they can and exceed their goals at major championships as well as league matches.

Contact details

Sally Stevens - Herts Phoenix (Assistant Coach) Tel: 01920 413078
email: andy1808@hotmail.com