Seventeen clubs from across Suffolk and North Essex have worked together to successfully form an Athletics Network, and have been awarded funding through England athletics and McCain’s to deliver its action plan over the next three years

Seventeen clubs from across Suffolk and North Essex have worked together to successfully form an Athletics Network, and have been awarded funding through England athletics and McCain’s to deliver its action plan over the next three years. McCain’s Athletics Networks are inspired by the proposal that clusters of clubs will work together to increase participation, improve retention, raise standards of performance, and support local needs.

The clubs assisting in the formation of the Suffolk Essex Athletics Network include Braintree & District AC, Ipswich Harriers, Stowmarket Striders, Colchester & Tendring AC, Colchester Harriers, West Suffolk AC, Bungay Black Dog Running Club, Ipswich Jaffa, Framlingham Flyers, Felixstowe Road Runners, Hadleigh Hares, Sudbury Joggers, Orwell Panthers, Holbrook Harriers, Ipswich Triathlon Club, Saint Edmund Pacers, and Sudbury Junior Athletics Club.

Also involved are a range of community partners including schools sports partnerships, competition managers, local authority sports development units, facility providers, and further education colleges as well as the two Universities in the area; University of Essex and University Campus Suffolk.

The network aims to focus on eight key areas to help clubs, athletes, coaches and local partners to develop athletics locally. These eight areas will include coach development, athlete development, club development, officials, disability athletics, competitive opportunities, participation, and athletics partnerships with education and schools.

The network would also like to congratulate six athletes, their clubs and coaches for a successful 2009 track and field season with each of these athletes being ranked number 1 in the UK for their age group; Harry Hughes (Javelin), Luke Finch (20k Walk), Montana Jackson (Triple Jump), Jonathan Adams (Discus, Shot Putt and Javelin), Sam Milner (Discus), and Matti Mortimore (Javelin). These are just some of many outstanding performances from across the network, highlighting the vast amount of talented athletes, coaches and clubs within the Suffolk Essex Athletics Network. With the winter season now well underway, similarly good achievements are already being shown, which bodes well for the rest of the season.

This proves to be an exciting time for athletics in Suffolk and North Essex and we would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to become involved in network as an athlete, coach, official or volunteer. For further information please contact Tania Spurling (Athletics Network Activator) on 07824414510 / tania.spurling@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk