The Young Athletes Track & Field Season Report 2007

A GAME OF TWO HALVES

The UK Athletics Young Athletes League provides Track & Field competition through the Summer, for male and female athletes, in three distinct ages groups: U13 Girls, U13 Boys, U15 Girls, U15 Boys, U17 Women, U17 Men. The competition is based on a “round robin” style, with each team playing every other team once in a series of five matches.

HHS started the season in Division 1 North East, having been relegated from the Premiership last year. This league comprises of 16 teams; so each match would be a contest of 4 teams. There is little room for complacency, with a mere two teams qualifying for promotion, but SIX teams facing relegation!

And so it was that, in early May, an optimistic bunch of youngsters followed their new team manager, Rachel Roper, onto the coach to Cleckheaton for their first test against Spenborough, Lincoln and Scarborough.

A total of 41 athletes spread as follows :-

8 x U17M to fill 42 spaces, 8 x U15B to fill 34 spaces, 2 x U13B to fill 20 spaces,

8 x U17W to fill 40 spaces, 8 x U15G to fill 24 spaces, 7 x U13G to fill 20 spaces,

set the scene for the season – too few athletes, many valiantly attempting unfamiliar events. Points were lost in events where a “harrier” club should be traditionally strong, through lack of interest or other priorities. This was compounded by a shortage of specialists in technical events such as hurdles, hammer, pole vault.

The result was, despite some impressive individual performances, a disappointing 3^rd place, beating only Scarborough – who could only muster 8 boys and 9 girls for their entire team.

The second match was an intriguing excursion to Blackburn, for a “double header” which involved 10 teams trying to compete simultaneously in two separate matches – and all on a six lane track. It appears that this was a match searching for a venue – and Blackburn was the place it came to rest. Despite some more inspired performances, the long trip gave us nothing more than a single point, as we finished an even more disappointing last. The shortage of athletics prepared to compete was beginning to take its toll.

Match three was at home. Surely this would generate a better turnout: especially with the prospect of City of Sheffield as opposition! But a combination of exams and other activities contrived to give us only 38 athletes this time. This, added to the strength of our local rivals, paired with the second strongest team in the division (Wakefield), gave us another bottom placing.

With 3 of the 5 meetings over, and a sum total of 4 points to show – relegation was hanging over us, like a black rain cloud. By contrast, City of Sheffield was running away with things at the top of the division.

The trip to Jarrow was “make or break.” A concerted effort to persuade athletes to run for the club was embarked on. Helped by the end of exams, we managed to field more U17s than previous meetings, which had major impact. With everyone running, jumping, throwing their socks off – a fantastic reversal of fortunes saw us winning the match. A glimmer of light at long last.

Everything came down to the final match. Frantic rallying calls for athletes were met with mixed reception. The usual reliable nucleus stood up to the line, one or two usual suspects turned their traditional “deaf ear” and a number of young athletes demonstrated their fantastic spirit by being prepared to do whatever was required of them to ensure the right result was achieved – which was first or second place!

And despite a few nervous moments, peppered with a smidgeon of self-interest, the day was saved by another first place. We were safe!!!!!

We live to fight on in Division 1, and must now look forward to ensure the Young Athletes Track and Field Team makes a positive impact next year.

If this aspect of the club is to thrive, the level of participation has to improve. There were a number of athletes whose contribution was immeasurable. Many of “the few” were present at all five meetings, and participated in a maximum allowed four events at each. In applauding their team spirit, it is easy to overlook the massive gaps that were left by many who were not prepared to join in – for reasons ranging from general disinterest from the athlete (or their coach) right through to a fear of failure in competition.

There is much to be done through the winter, and a great deal will depend on the attitude of many. A large number of the higher age group leave the Young Athletes this year. If we fail to recruit or encourage the existing membership to join in, we will surely face a further year of struggle.

SO with that cautionary note, a HUGE well done to all the young men and women who kept the club in Division 1. And a big COME ON to those who didn’t – find out for yourself how enjoyable it can be to take part of the team. Don’t just take someone else’s word for it!!!