From UK:Athletics Website
Norwich Union star:track participants and coaches alike were welcomed by glorious sunshine at Tamworth last week. The scheme, which attracted more than double the amount of participants than last year, also attracted a flurry of new coaching talent.
Two young athletes who were only taking part in star:track a year ago themselves, have now progressed to a role of shadowing the star:track coaches and learning how it is done. Simon and Nathan, both aged 15 are two of these youngsters.
“I really enjoyed taking part in Norwich Union star:track last year after which I went on to represent Tamworth AC in the Steeplechase,” Simon said.
“I completed my JSLA award in school this year and I want to become a coach when I am older. I am really enjoying learning from the experience of the coaches this week.”
Nathan, who won a silver medal in the 400mH at this year’s English Schools Championships, is enjoying the opportunity of watching and learning from the coaches this year:
“I want to take my Level 1 and Children in Athletics Course this autumn so I can work on the next scheme that Tamworth run,” he said.
And it isn’t just the boys who are relishing the chance to coach; also coaching for the first time on star:track is 16 year old Claire. Explaining how she sees coaching as a way of “giving back to the club,” she said:
“Norwich Union star:track is great for developing coaching skills across a range of events. The coaches on the scheme share their knowledge and experience in their specialised events so we can all improve our delivery.
“I had such good coaches and opportunities as an athlete and I want to ensure that these opportunities are available for the children coming through the schemes and into the club,” she said.
Tamworth organiser Chris Graves was delighted with the turn out and the system they have in place for developing the young coaches.
“The young coaches are learning so much from the more experienced coaches on the scheme,” she said.
“We have a mentoring system in place where the younger coaches can work with the more experienced coaches. It is great to see the scheme benefiting both the children and coaches alike.”
The good atmosphere and rapport between the coaches was also evident in the enthusiasm of the children.
“I enjoy athletics and joined the club a few months ago. I was given a flyer about Norwich Union star:track and thought it sounded fun,” Aliyah, aged 10, said.
'I am really enjoying the scheme and like the chance to practice and getting better at different events. I really enjoy it”
Eleven-year-old James echoed Aliyah’s sentiments:
“It is better than I expected! I have really enjoyed practicing my sprinting and have made lots of new friends.
“The coaches are great because they listen to you and let you try lots of different things. They make it fun and run lots of fun competitions. I am now looking forward to the relays at the end of the week,” he said.
Up to date stories and photographs from the scheme can be found on Tamworth AC’s website www.tamworthac.co.uk/
