Call for support

A call has gone out to former athletes and coaches who might be able to assist with the Warkworth Athletics Club coaching programme this year.

The athletics season will start on Wednesday October 18, at 5.30pm, and run during the fourth and first school terms.

Secretary David Hay says that a number of long-standing organisers stepped aside last year because their children are no longer involved.

“Therefore, we are looking for a number of adults to help out with the week-to-week running of the club,” David says.

New club president Jared McGee says that the club is hoping to bring in a professional coach at the start of the season to help train the trainers.

“We would really like a few local residents, who have knowledge in any of the athletics disciplines, to attend and help coach the kids on a Wednesday evening,” Jared says.

The club normally has around 200 school-aged children, from the wider Mahurangi area, participating every Wednesday in running, sprints, long-jump, high jump, shot put, discus and fun events. Children are split into age groups and for those seven years and over, results are recorded each week so they can track their progress. This also goes towards the end of year awards.

Registration for this season will be held at the Shoesmith Domain on Wednesday September 20 and 27, from 5pm to 6.30pm.