Young Athletes Track and Field League

The Track and Field season will soon be upon us!!!

Hallamshire have once more entered a team in the Young Athletes League (YAL). We will be competing again in Division N1E, having successfully fought off relegation last year. For those not fully familiar, YAL is a quality competition for athletes from ages 11 to 16. Competition is split into U13, U15 and U17 age groups - separately for boys and girls. There are five meetings, each one a match against 3 other teams… so we compete against 15 different clubs through the season.

Meetings are to be held:-

Date Host Team Venue

4^th May Doncaster AC Keepmoat Stadium

18^th May Houghton Harriers Monkton Stadium

1^st June Morpeth Monkton Stadium

22^nd June t.b.a. t.b.a.

20^th July Bingley Cleckheaton

This year the teams will be chosen by a selection committee, comprising:-

Mick Clift (Woodbourn - Tuesdays)

Helen Giorgi (Hillsborough)

Viv Granger (EIS - Tuesdays)

Andy Hogg (Don Valley - Tuesdays)

Dave Walker (Hillsborough)

Amy Wilks (EIS – Tuesdays / Woodbourn – Thursdays)

Their task will be made easier if all parents and coaches encourage their charges to participate and foster a team spirit. Whilst we hope to turn out the strongest possible team, made up of the best athletes, please be assured that once a selection for an event has been confirmed, it will not be rescinded. However, this works both ways, and we would ask that once a commitment to compete has been given by an athlete, this should not be taken lightly and withdrawn without strong reason.

We do not have the luxury of strength in every type of run, jump and throw across the spectrum: so there will be occasions when athletes are asked to try events which may not be their most familiar. This will not involve doing anything which puts the athlete at risk or causes anxiety. Athletes who show a willingness to embrace this to maximise team points will naturally make themselves more likely to be picked.

For the first time, we will this year be awarding a Club Campaign badge to athletes who turn out in 10 or more individual events over the five matches throughout the season. Additionally, a trophy will be awarded to the athlete in each of the age groups who wins the most points for the team. Relays will not be included in either count.

The above selection committee will shortly be asking for names. Please let them know first if you are able and willing to be a team member. The club can only be successful if everyone supports the competition by turning up and doing whatever they can.

And remember, it’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and compete against other athletes across the North of England. Don’t be afraid of the competition: they’re just as nervous – and often not as good!!

Steve Marshall