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The Club
Gloucester Athletic Club provides training, coaching and competition in all forms of athletics (track & field, cross-country and road running) for anyone aged 11 upwards, at all levels from beginner to international standard, within a supportive and friendly environment. We cannot take on people under 11 due to insurance limitations, although we occasionally accept 10-year-olds if they show exceptional talent. Our Club Development Plan includes a section for developing training for under 11s, but this is not yet implemented. We are in the process of applying for ‘Clubmark’ status.
We welcome people of all abilities, whether you just fancy ‘having a go’, want to compete at local level, have aspirations to compete in major championships, or would like to get involved in coaching or officiating.
We have a large and very successful junior section who all receive structured coaching in a number of different training groups. Several of our juniors have gained international recognition, won national championships and set national all-time records. In 1999, the club received an award from the Amateur Athletic Association of England in recognition of the Under 15s, who scored more points in track and field league competition than any other club in the country during the 1999 season. In 2003, based on the performances of the juniors, the club received a grant from the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund to assist in junior development. Only twenty six clubs out of 1700+ clubs in the UK received the award.
The Club organizes a range of track, road and multi-terrain races, and competes successfully in various leagues, including the Midlands Men’s Track & Field League, the Midlands Women’s Track & Field League, the Avon Track & Field League, the National Young Athletes League, the Birmingham & District Cross-Country League and the Gloucestershire Cross-Country League, as well as various local, regional and national championships. The club is also home to the Gloucester Hammer School, run by Lorraine Shaw. As from 1st September 2006, Lorraine has been appointed by UK Athletics as the UK Event Lead Coach for the hammer, with the responsibility of leading the delivery of UK squads and contributing towards the drive to raise standards in the event, regions and age groups.
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