Training Timings: Tuesdays 6.45 – 8pm Under 12’s.  6.45 – 8.30 Over 12’s

Thu 6.45 – 8 all age groups at Vandyke School.

New Members, inductions days: Due to the fantastic take up of memberships we are now experiencing Coach to athlete ratio problems. We are at capacity, subject to more parents taking on a coaching role. Therefore we have had to change the way we accept new members to the Junior section of the club. We will only register new potential members on the first Tuesday and Thursday of the month to cut down the administrative work involved. Can you please advise parents your children speak with about the club, as it is awkward sending them home when they turn up out of the blue.

 

Bedfordshire Network Quadskids 12^th May Biggleswade

17 Under 11 athletes took part in our clubs first experience of Quadkids, put on by Biggleswade AC. Other county teams let the side down by not sending teams but our athletes had a great time running 75m sprints, 600m run, throwing a howler (were talking about the soft javelin trainer not the weather) and longjump. Results are not available as we go to print but thanks to James Bell for photographs that are all on our facebook page just use the link above and like the page to access.

  On all accounts speaking with parents and organisers afterwards, there were some excellent individual and team results. Thanks to Fi and Warren for managing the teams, all the parental help getting them there. Finishing earlier than expected those athletes then attending the EAL fixture had a good rest before competing again. Zara Butler won her 80m but due to timekeeping issues (more on this later) at Luton on the day times were not recorded.

The next Quadkids is on 9^th June at Redbourne School Ampthill- Ampthill and flitwick flyers are hosting.

 

 

East Anglain League (EAL) 12^th May Luton

A good turnout in most age groups saw us put in some good challenges to the much larger clubs we compete against in this league. A strong under 13 and 15 girls team ensured we earned good team points especially where we were able to field an A and B string athlete. Well done to all that competed and those gaining extra points for the team competing in events that are not their specialty. There were some excellent examples of 1500 meter racing by first time club representation by Shae Minty with 5.05.4 winning his event and inspiring Jordan to run just outside his PB to also win his race. Chloe May backed Melissa Chapman in the Shot putt earning extra points for the club with both throwing PB’s and throwing a meter better than last season. The under 13 girls had the best result of the day finishing 4^th team in their age group. Harry Gillions and Jake Robinson also having their first league meeting with us put in good performances in all the events they competed. We look forward to 23^rd Jun when we compete at Braintree, Exams will be over for the Under 17’s and we hope to improve on our 6^th overall team place.

 

East Anglain League (EAL) Officials

Thanks to all that stepped up to help on Sunday with track officiating.

We are obliged as a club to have track and field judges including timekeepers. We do not currently have anyone qualified as officials.

The club through Bedfordshire athletics network will pay for courses that are only a couple of hours long to learn and qualify for these roles. The club needs some new volunteers for these roles

Those at the event on Sunday will have heard the continuous plea for help in these areas. Event organisers are in the right to cancel a meeting or disqualify a team if they do not fulfil their commitments.

Most event organisers will accept help from untrained volunteers on the day and I call on you all to consider volunteering in the future to help the events run smoothly and finish on time as well as allowing all athletes to have their times recorded.

The first event at any meeting is the Hurdles, Parents please also provide help in setting the hurdles out and adjusting them between races. Many hands make light work and keep the programme on time.

I will be adding the below additional roles to the events we officiate to stagger the helpers, so individuals are not on the steps checking off numbers all day.

Hurdles   – Time Keeper, Placement team (spot number on vest of finisher, record order. It is that easy! Ask Terry and Lee)

All track races 80m,  100m – 1500m       Time Keeper, Placement team

LBAC Kit Ordering:

Thank you to Michelle Plummer for taking on the kit ordering role.

There are two routes for ordering kit now either individuals do it themselves online or if a number of people want to place an order then Michelle will place the order on bulk. Individual online ordering incurs postage and packing costs per item.

All Athletes have to compete in Club Vests – Our old stock are diminishing and we will be Hiring vests @ £2 a time to those that need them going forward. Please purchase as soon as possible.

Parent Help:

All the below admin tasks are still vacant! In order to assist with the on-going admin we are looking for volunteers to cover a number of admin tasks for the club:

· Co-ordinate entries for the summer track and field events (Training and support will be given and there will be a team of helpers at each event).

· Summer events coach (transport) coordinator (only two coaches to book and co-ord who is traveling by coach and collect monies on the day)

· Coaching Assistants – Those that have not wanted to help because they don’t know how, undergo training to learn.

· Membership secretary –(this task is nearly complete for this year, just new members and those still to join this year to take on)

· Sportshall/Quad Kids event reports (A parent of an under 11 year old would be suitable for this task)

 

Training and support will be given for all positions. Please talk to Nick to discuss the task you would like to take on.

Dates for your diary: Returns on separate attached proforma’s need to know numbers for size of coach booking asap and no later than 15^th June.

 

Track and Field

Sunday 9^th Jun QuadKids Under 11’s Ampthill

 

Sunday 23^rd June East Anglian League Braintree (Coach)

 

Sunday 14^th July East Anglian League Cambridge (Self Drive)

*Sunday 14^th July QuadKids Biggleswade (LBAC Hosting this fixture) (Self Drive) Parent Volunteers needed

 

Sunday 1^st September East Anglian League Bury St Edmunds (Coach)

 

Quad Kids (Under 11’s only)  Held from 9.30 – 11.30 allows time to travel to EAL* meetings afterwards

Further details will be published nearer the dates.

 

Youth Development League

We are also competing in the Youth development league (YDL) for our U17 and U20 athletes in a composite Bedfordshire team meeting dates are:

·       Sunday 2^nd June Welwyn Garden City – Those attending please let Nick know by 28^th May

·       Sunday 30^th June Sutcliffe Park

·      Sunday 28^th July Sandy Sports Centre

 

Good Luck to all taking part in the Bedfordshire County Championships at Luton on Sunday 26^th May