Chairmans Report on 2003
In 2003 the track and field teams have been very demanding on all the team managers and athletes (who compete) alike. The ladies team have struggled most of the season, partially due to lack of senior numbers, but also trying to fill the gaps in the younger age groups at times. The men’s A team survived the drop on the final day, again having problems covering some of the events in specific disciplines.
The newly amalgamated young athletes’ team proved themselves with solid performances and a healthy mid-table finish at the end. It has been left to the ‘old stagers’ to keep the victories going, with the ladies vets team winning the Sussex league and the men coming second,. Looking at the younger end of the scale this has been an interesting year. The newly formed under 13 league got off the ground, but we had to host our ‘home’ match at Eastbourne, something we are looking to change this coming season. Due to the numbers of athletes now training we have had to give the younger athletes their own training times at 5.30 on Tuesday and Thursday nights and this has proved worthwhile, and I hope you all enjoy yourselves and continue to support the club for years to come
Whilst it is pleasing to see so many at the track on training nights, which is one of the reasons why we have had to split these nights in two. Whilst the numbers seen at training nights are pleasing, it is a double edged sword as the club are still short in the coaching department. We have not been able to produce the number of coaches we would like to have, or need to have, and this could start to cause problems in future.
More worrying, in some respects, is the number of athletes turning out and competing for the club. As mentioned earlier two of the main teams for the club have had difficulty filling spaces, and with 350 members I find this a little difficult to comprehend. When this is looked at further it has been identified, that in the region of one third, that is 120 or so, club members have yet to compete for the club, bringing the competing level in numbers to what it was before the new track was laid.
As it can be seen we are desperate for help in all areas. Please if you have any time to spare contact me, or any committee member at the track
Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank all athletes, coaches, managers, committee members and supporters who continue to make the club one of the best in the south
Steve Roberts |
