THE next Jessica Ennis-Hills or Mo Farahs need to be nurtured – so West London athletics clubs are calling on the sports enthusiasts of Ealing to help them.
There is currently a shortage of people to act as timekeepers, race starters and field judges which is making it increasingly difficult for clubs to put on track and field meetings.
These meetings are vital for the development of athletes of all ages and Paul Cuddihy, who chairs the West London Athletics Network, said that clubs across west London are keen to hear from volunteers.
“People don’t need any previous experience of judging – or even athletics - just commitment and enthusiasm for the sport,” he said.
“Training will be provided and beginners will act as assistants to more experienced officials, before they progress to higher levels of officiating.”
If you think you can help develop the next golden generation of Olympians, then the first step in training is a hands-on course organised by the sport’s governing body, England Athletics.
The multi-disciplinary course takes in timekeeping, measuring, judging and starting, which will qualify participants to assist at events.
After gaining experience at meetings, officials can go on to a further course to take a Level 2 qualification in a specific discipline and work towards becoming a senior official.
West London Athletics Network includes both track and field and road running clubs from across the area including Ealing, Southall and Middlesex Athletic Club, and Hillingdon Athletic Club.
The network was formed in 2010 to oversee the development of athletics and running clubs in the area.
It works closely alongside England Athletics to improve performances, lay the foundations for the next generations of gold medal hopefuls and establish a sustainable club environment.
Volunteers must be aged 14 or over and for more details, or to apply to become an official, contact Paul at paulcuddihy@hotmail.com.
To volunteer at Ealing, Southall and Middlesex AC, contact Bob Densley at bob@esm.org.uk or by calling 01895 675522.
For more details about officials courses, see: http://www.englandathletics.org/officials
Picture courtesy of John Connell, with thanks
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