There are many reasons why people choose to take up the sport of athletics. There are many roles that give the opportunity for people of all backgrounds to get involved in the sport. The opportunities include being actively involved in the sport as an
athlete,
a coach,
an official,
a volunteer, or
a supporter.
Information on each of these options is detailed below.
As an athlete…….
You may have enjoyed taking part in athletics at school or through a community scheme. If you would like to
Why join a club?
Besides the many social benefits of being involved with a club (including improving health, wellbeing, confidence, self esteem, quality of life, etc) athletics clubs also offer a number of further benefits of membership.
By becoming a member of a club you will be able to access competition (through league fixture to which the club is affiliated as well as access to championships and reduced entry fees for road races). Clubs also offer qualified, and in many cases, vastly experienced coaching staff to assist with your development regardless of age or ability.
Clubs can offer regular training sessions, usually based at a dedicated athletics facility that focus on athlete development in all areas.
Many clubs offer multi discipline competition opportunities. In winter months this usually includes; road, cross country, mountain, trail and indoor track and field competition and in the summer months focus shifts towards; outdoor track and field and road competition.
All clubs affiliated to Welsh Athletics carry a high level of public liability insurance for all activities.
Clubs in my regional set up of North South East West
How much does it cost to join a club?
Club membership usually costs around £20-40 per year.
For more information on clubs and details of membership, etc, please contact the development department or alternatively visit our FAQ’s section or clubs section of the website.
As a coach…… (top of page)
If you would like to get involved in coaching athletics you will need to take the relevant coaching course. For more information on coaching courses please click here.
Perhaps you are currently an existing coach and would like the opportunity to develop and progress with your coaching skills?
There are a number of ways you can achieve this either via formal CPD courses or informal ‘development’ opportunities.
Support can be offered from Welsh Athletics ‘National’ as well as ‘Regional’ coaches either through a simple profiling exercise or via a more specified support network.
For more information on coach education please visit the coaching section of this website or contact; Mr. Paul Jensen (Education and Training Manager) on 0870 1622 530
As an official…. (top of page)
There are a number of different roles and responsibilities available as an official within the sport of athletics.
More information relating to officials education can be found at www.ukathletics.net/officials
Details of officials education courses can be found here, or by contacting Mr. Paul Jensen (Education and Training Manager) on 0870 1622 530
As a volunteer…. (top of page)
There are a number of different roles and responsibilities that are available for volunteers entering the sport. In many cases clubs are desperate for help and assistance from new volunteers and welcome any amount of time and commitment that can be offered. Volunteers are essential for the running of the sport and provide the support network which enables the sport of athletics to function across the UK.
More details of the opportunities available to you as a volunteer please visit: http://www.ukathletics.net/volunteers/
This website will give you all of the relevant information about becoming a volunteer as well as the opportunities available. To find your nearest club please visit the clubs section of this website.
As a supporter….. (top of page)
From a supporters perspective athletics is lucky enough to have remained one of the few sports that is not only affordable but easily accessible for all of the family. Athletics events can be a fun, action packed, enjoyable day for all of the family.
If you wish to enjoy the excitement and the buzz of live athletics please visit the fixtures section of this website which will detail the fixtures that are coming up in the next few months. Here you will find information relating to events from grass roots and schools athletics to major international competitions.
Many clubs will welcome supporters to their league fixtures and all club events. To find your local club to support please visit the clubs section of this website.
Link: British Athletics Supporters Club
