It has been over two years since Welsh Athletics has provided a National Squad for its athletes. On Saturday 6th October, 60 athletes and 40 Coaches descended upon the National Indoor Athletics Centres (NIAC) in Cardiff to participate in the first of a series of four National Squads.
The day composed of a brief introduction, outlining the rationale for National Squads and identifying the key outcomes for the day. Athletes were introduced to the Welsh Athletics National Event Coaches, who are charged with driving the event forward in the forth coming years.
Athletes and Coaches engaged into a challenging, yet very rewarding practical session lead by Commonwealth Games and European medallist Jared Deacon. The first of two practical based sessions identified the need for developing a foundation of fundamental movement skills that are essential for athletic development, regardless of event discipline. The sessions also provided an opportunity for coaches to interact with Jared gaining an understanding of these skills and to actively participate within the session.
After the Athletes had been put through their paces, World bronze medallist and multiple Olympian Javelin thrower, Mick Hill, lead an informative presentation looking at the factors of athletic development. This provided further opportunities for athletes and coaches to question Mick, who is currently working as UK:A Talent Development Manager.
The Javelin throwers were also treated to a practical based session lead by Mick and assisted by UWIC Performance Coach Nigel Bevan and National Event Coach John Davies. The athletes reviewed their current technique and identified several goals for winter training.
The final activity of the day witnessed athletes and their coaches meeting with their respective National Event Coaches to discuss their needs for winter preparation. The three back to back weekends of National Squads will hope to serve as a great base in establishing the key areas for development to facilitate our athletes continued development.
Welsh Athletics would like to thank Jared Deacon and Mick Hill for attending National Squad One, their input and interaction with Athletes and Coaches will serve to benefit their development over the coming years. We look forward to welcoming them back to Wales in the near future. 