Monthly News Letter

Chairman’s thoughts:
To all involved with Poole AC juniors and Track & Field Section wishing you a healthy and successful 2008. The excitement of this being an Olympic year, I hope will inspire us all to move to the next level in whatever role we play in the sport and from whatever base we currently find ourselves. I anticipate that there will be a growing number of opportunities available for the consideration of you our developing athletes and I know with the commitment of our coaches, team managers and officers you will be supported all the way as you look to achieving your potential.
We are really keen to encourage participation the social events we put on, attendance for which were somewhat disappointing in 2007. To this end, we would welcome ideas from our athletes as to what events you would be inclined to attend. (Our mentor team of Hannah Farmer, Jon Bridges, Lizzie Gourlay and Martyn Elkins are keen to hear your views to progress ideas, so please get your thinking caps on.)
I hope to produce additional newsletters as the year progresses, if you have topics you want covered please talk to Mark Pauley, as I am sure I have missed subjects.

Coaching.
We are delighted to welcome Becky Neal, Martyn Elkins, James Hawthorne, Alan Metcalfe and Mark Howie to our coaching team as new level 1 assistants, since our last newsletter. We also have Lizzie Gourlay and Hannah Farmer booked on a level 1 course this Spring & Jenny Sampson and Martyn are looking to become promoted to level 2 soon. This represents a huge boost to our capability.

Committee Members Required.
The need for new ideas and fresh blood to supplement both our main committee and junior sub committee is desperately required. We know there is a lot of talent and business knowledge out there, with your help we can ensure the club continues to progress and flourish. Please seriously consider volunteering as we try to the best possible service for the members of our club both young and not so young.

Team Management.
In order to effectively manage our track & field teams during a busy summer programme of league competition we need help with the team management for these leagues. We have lots of experience within the club so volunteers will not be dropped in the deep end. Please speak to Mark Pauley if you are able to help, without additional support we may need to re-assess the future.

Website improvements.
Our sincere thanks go to Daniel Freshwater who has done an excellent job of re-invigorating the Track and Field/Junior page of the Poole AC Website. The coaches and committee will try to ensure all our news, information and results are updated here. If you have any ideas new features please contact i.freshwater@ntlworld.com
Over time we get access to lots of excellent photos we would like to include on the website, however, under Child Protection Act we do need to ensure formal agreement is held by the club. Please can you ensure that if you are happy for a junior family member to have athletic photos taken and displayed please complete the template available from coaches or on the Website.

Club Kit .
Mark Courtney has done an excellent job of building up our stock of kit for our members, which now includes tracksuits, caps and key-rings. Please download a kit order form and hand to Mark who will aim process your order.

Club Annual General Meeting.
We would encourage all members and parents to join us on 25th March at Broadstone Sports Centre for the AGM. It is your chance to help move the club forward and decide on some important decisions required at this time.

Beta Inhalers (Asthma).
You are reminded that ALL athletes over 11 must register their inhalers or other prescription drugs as outlined in the therapeutic use exemption form on Website http://www.ukathletics.net/anti-doping/medical-advice--information/
The emphasis is on the athlete as apposed to the club, so please register.

Cross Country Round-up.
Our middle and long distance runners have again raised our club’s profile over a wide range of events this Winter. Shelby Haysom took the BMC U13 Cross Country title, and events such as the South West Championships saw a win for Richard Horton backed up by runner-up medals for Grace Howie and Milly Courtney. Our under 15 boys are also South West Club Team Champions. Richard consolidated on this performance by taking a magnificent 2nd in the Southern Champs.
Domestically Grace and Shelby are battling it out for top spot in both the Hampshire and Wessex Leagues with the U13 Girls and U15 Boys teams also in contention for medals. Milly and Richard will pick-up individual titles in the Hampshire League and are both on track similarly in the Wessex. With possible medals for Harriett Hughes & Becky Neal there is still much to play for, so look out for Martin’s XC newsletter.

Indoor Athletics round-up
Graeme and Phil have been instrumental in providing an opportunity for our track & field athletes to try the new challenge of competing indoors at various high performance centres in Southern England and Wales. The result has been some excellent results, development of team spirit, several medals in the SW Championships, a few national qualifying times and a number of enjoyable days out.

Sportshall Round-up
Simon and his team have encouraged a number of our younger athletes to take part in the sportshall league. Our Boys have taken the plaudits this time with team victories in both the Under 13 and 15 categories. Every one of our team that attended the county sportshall championships achieved at least one top 3 position and a significant number of our squad will have been selected for Dorset at the South West Championships, with 6 competing in the U11 regional event. The only downside was the limited number of female competitors, so to all our talented young ladies it’s a case of, come on girls, lets make next year your turn for glory!

Outreach update.
Our work in local middle schools in support of Active Dorset has been the most comprehensive yet. This is born out with the need for 3 competition finals for 29/2, 7/3 and 14/3. If you could help on any of those days from 3.30-6.00 we would be very grateful, please see Mark P for further details.

Help on Coaching sessions.
With the range of specialised sessions the club runs, the provision of parental help would be appreciated, particularly track sessions on Wednesdays and Sunday event specific and multi-event training. Your help with moving equipment and preparing of facilities from a health and safety perspective means more time for quality coaching.