WHAT IS GRASSROOTS ATHLETICS?

The term ‘grassroots’ refers to literally taking things back to the beginning. It’s about sport that’s open to all, regardless of income, beliefs, religion or where you live in the country. It’s the place where potential is nurtured and talent unearthed, but at the same time it exists for enjoyment, fun and fitness too.

With such a concern about rising rates of obesity in the UK, there has never been a better time to get involved in sport – it’s fun, healthy and a fantastic way of making new friends.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN GRASSROOTS ATHLETICS

There are many ways to get involved in grassroots athletics –the best way as an athlete is to join a local club. Here, young people will be encouraged to take part in one of the relevant British Athletics Academy programmes – find your nearest club and more information by following this  link.

The British Athletics Academy is where you’ll find all the information you need. It’s the home of many schemes – all designed to offer a fresh look at athletics whether it’s children just coming into sport, or those with disabilities, teachers looking for experience, parents wanting to be involved or those wishing to train as coaches.

From unearthing disability talent to providing teachers will the right coaching tools, the Academy provides a 360°/ 365 day approach to the development of grassroots athletics.

WHAT DO THEY OFFER?

The Academy has many schemes (lots of information on their website), including STARTRACK. In fact, 20,000 children a year take part in these schemes – including Jessica Ennis, who began her career by taking part in Startrack as a 10-year-old!

Startrack is the Academy’s flagship programme to help teachers, coaches and sports leaders to provide year-round coaching and training opportunities after school, during holiday periods and at weekends. It’s aimed at giving 8 to 15-year-olds real athletics experiences and help them to develop skills.

Startrack schemes can be run locally. Anyone can run a scheme – from clubs, schools, partnerships and local authority development units. Each scheme is led by UKA qualified coaches and they take place right across the UK, 365 days a year in the form of after-school clubs and holiday programmes.

It’s a fantastic way of helping young athletes in transition from school to club athletics, as all organisers are given excellent resources to enable the children to have the best start.

Athletics is hugely sociable as well as being competitive. By getting involved, it could be life-changing in a positive way. Why not give it a try? Take a look our athletic  trophy range for your local events.