Following a successful run of taster sessions organised by Suffolk Coastal a new athletics club, Coastal AC, has been formed to give youngsters interested in athletics the chance to develop their skills.

Following a successful run of taster sessions organised by Suffolk Coastal a new athletics club, Coastal AC, has been formed to give youngsters interested in athletics the chance to develop their skills.

The club will meet at Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge between 4.30pm and 6pm on Mondays. The first confirmed sessions are taking place on Monday, January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22 and March 8.

“The formation of the new athletics club is great news for keen youngsters wanting to keep active, take advantage of the coaching and facilities on offer and get the chance to try sports they may not have tried before,” said Cllr Mary Neale, Cabinet Member for Countryside and Leisure.

The sessions will be lead by qualified National Governing Bodies (NGB) coaches able to offer expert instruction in many of the different track and field events on offer at the club.

Each session will cost £2 to cover costs and there is no need to book, young people aged 8 and over can come along on the day and take part in the activities.

Local support from volunteers will be very important in helping the club to become established and is needed to ensure the club continues to help children and young people in the district. Anyone that has experience of athletics or coaching or is interested in learning new skills while supporting the new club is welcome to get involved and help out.

“It would be a great boost to the district to see young people getting together and enjoying keeping active and picking up new skills. It will hopefully start a life long interest in keeping active and may even match talented youngsters with their sporting strengths leading to a successful future in sport especially important with the 2012 London Olympics fast approaching,” added Cllr Neale.

After the success of the taster sessions the new club will hopefully attract a regular group of youngsters wanting to have fun while training for their events. The skills and advice of the NGB coaches will be immensely beneficial to the young people taking part and they should soon be able to see an improvement in their fitness, stamina and technique over the course of the club sessions.

To find out more information about the athletics club or how to get involved with volunteering residents can contact, Daniel King, arts and sports development officer on 01394 444318 or email daniel.king@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk.