Central role in the future of athletes
Published 1 Aug 2012 09:30
0 Comments
ONE of Scotland's most successful athletics clubs are preparing to take themselves to even bigger and better things.
Central Athletics Club are one of the largest clubs of its kind in the region and cater to over 300 members across a range of track and field sports, including throwing, jumping and running disciplines.
All age levels are catered for, from nine years old through the junior levels up to the senior rungs.
Much success has been enjoyed by the club recently, with the Senior Men and Under-20 Men's teams winning the Scottish Cross-Country Championships in the past two years, the junior athletes making the finals in most age groups in the Scottish Indoor League, and scores of individual championships being won across different age groups in a variety of
athletic disciplines.
The drive forward into even more exciting territory is being spearheaded by club chairman John McDonald and recent staff addition Laura McKenzie, who told Advertiser Sport that she absolutely loves her new role.
Laura said: "As Club Together Officer, I've been given three priorities: recruitment and retention of club volunteers; strengthening community links; and improving communication between our three training clubs, the 'hub' at University of Stirling and the two 'satellite' venues at Balfron High and Dollar Academy."
Central's members compete at independently organised competitions at both regional and national levels, but the club also holds time trial events at their own training facilities once a month.
These time trials are generally only open to club members, but for August's event John and Laura have decided to open the doors to the community and invite anyone along to get a taster of what their club is all about.
The event will be held on Thursday 30 August at 7pm at Gannochy Sports Centre and the only request is that participants are over the age of nine.
Laura was also keen to stress what athletics can give young people.
She said: "Athletics, like any sport, goes beyond extrinsic values, and promotes values such as discipline, communication, self-motivation, and social cohesion. There's also an element of fun involved that's got to be there to keep the youngsters keen and interested, and even better it is a chance to meet new friends."
Central Athletics Club meet at Stirling University and Dollar Academy on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7pm and at Balfron High on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm.
For more information on these events, or the upcoming public time trials, please contact Laura McKenzie by phone on 07989779937 or by email at lauraCTO@centralathletics.co.uk
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 01 Aug 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser Poll
Do you agree with the introduction of a 'Bedroom Tax'?
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (38.7%)
No (61.3%)
