January - March 2008
Amber Valley athletes involved with 'On Camp With Kelly' event.
The 'On Camp With Kelly' (OCWK) scheme has been ongoing now for 4 years and Amber Valleys Alex Turner and coach Jim Feeney have been involved for the past year.
Saturday 5th April, as part of a Loughborough based training camp, a
number of races
were staged and Amber Valley AC were invited to nominate athletes to
take part.
This was a great opportunity for a few of our best young middle distance athletes to meet Kelly (everyone went away with a photo and autograph) and experience racing against some of the best young athletes in the country in a simulation of an international competition.
Despite the cold blustery conditions there were some excellent
performances.
The following were involved :-
Alex and Jess Turner
Tamara Armoush
Lori Marshall
Andrew Szarkowski
Rob Love
Jack Elliot
Zach Hooper
Michael Bosworth
EASTER MINI OLYMPICS
On Saturday 22nd March the children who train in the recreation group (aged 8-11 years) participated in an Easter Mini Olympics event at Rutland Sports Park.
A total of 28 children took part in the activities, which included
standing long jump, a 1 lap hurdle race and a 3 lap sprint race.
Children also had fun taking part in an egg and spoon race and other fun
relays.
The emphasis was on fun and enjoyment and gave the coaches a chance to
see how much the group had improved over the last few months.
The points from the events were added up. The 2 girls and the 2 boys with the highest points received a medal and a chocolate rabbit. In the girl's competition Phillipa Wright finished runner up with 10 points and Mica Jones winning with 7 points. In the boys competition Oliver Brooks finished runner up with 7 points and Joe Reeve taking the top spot with 3 points.
All the children got a certificate for participating as well as an Easter treat. It is hope that the competition will become an annual event, with another possible competition near Christmas.
Also a big thank you to Sarah, Janette, Lauren, Dina and Anita, because without them we wouldn't have been able to put the competition on, SO THANKYOU (Judy).
Geoff and Gary Record Breakers
Seniors Gary Bostock and Geoff Lowry were in excellent form in the most recent Derby Midweek Races series (19th March).
Competing in the 1 mile race Gary was first runner home in the time of 4 min 30 which was a Senior Mens course record. Geoff was the third runner home and his time of 4 min 50 was a Veteran Mens (V40) course record.
Full results on www.runningwithdavid.com
New to Athletics?
Our competition grid (download here) and Q & A to some of the most FAQ's may help (download here).
Club coaches are also always happy to help with other queries.
New Trackline available
The latest edition of the club newsletter is now available for download here.
Trials Day at Training
On Saturday 5th April an informal trials day will take the place of training for all those in the U11, U13 and U15 age groups. 10am to 12.30pm at the track (please register at the tennis centre first).
Every child will have the opportunity to do a sprint, middle distance, high jump, long jump and shot, the idea being to introduce novices to events on the track, for coaches to talent ID, and for more experienced athletes to have a run out to see how they’ve over-wintered.
There will also be the opportunity to purchase or order club kit such as vests, crop tops, jackets in club colours, and second-hand spikes, in preparation for the track and field season.
Older athletes should check with their regular coach to see if this affects their session.
Membership Renewals
An early reminder that
membership renewals are due for all
members on 1st April. Membership forms are available from
training and to download from the website
here.
Athletes also need to read, sign and return the Athlete Code of Conduct form here. Don’t leave it too late; those not re-newed by 1st May will be considered lapsed and will be ineligible for competition and will be charged the non-member training fee every session.
Please understand that the club is not able to contact every member by post with a reminder and it is up to each athlete or parent to pick up a renewal form, complete and return with payment.
Inter Counties Cross Country championships - Saturday 15th March at Wollaton Park, Nottingham
Amber Valley were well represented in the Derbyshire teams for the final
event of the cross country season with the Inter County Cross Country
championships in Nottingham. Always a great event and covered by Sky
Sports this year was no exception.
Tamara Armoush had probably her best run all season by finishing 13th in
the U17 women's. To cap that she pulled up from 6th to 2nd in the Reebok
Cross Challenge series with that run and received a trophy on the day.
Lori Marshall finished off her season with improving runs every race
since Xmas and finished a very respectable 67th in the U15 girls (first
Derbyshire girl home). Also first Derbys home was Josh Rae U13B coming
home in 53rd.
Well done to all of those other Amber Valley athletes who took part
including Jack Elliot, Rob Love, Leila Armoush, Alex Turner, Cassie
Blount, Rosie Blount, Emily Allsopp, Jess Turner, Andrew Fenwick and
David Narborough,
Full results are available here
Star:track comes to Ilkeston
The highly successful Norwich Union-sponsored athletics scheme 'Star:track' is being held this Easter holiday for the first time in our area. The 2-day course is for kids aged 8 - 14 being held at AVAC's training base, the Rutland Sports Park, Ilkeston on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th April.
Encompassing athletics coaching, games and competitions, it's also a chance for kids to try new activities, make new friends and have lots of fun during the school holiday. They'll even know the coaches as being familiar faces from club sessions.
Star:track is for all abilities - complete beginners to those already enjoying athletics regularly. The course costs £17 for 2 full days (10am - 3.30pm) and this includes a Star:track goodie bag containing a T-shirt amongst other items.
Download an application form here and more local information here. Booking is essential. See www.ukazone.net for more information about the Star:track scheme.
Road Relay
Amber Valley AC men ran in the Ed Prickett Memorial Road Relays 2.6k
at Nottingham University on Saturday 8th March.
On a very windy day the team of Gary Bostock (leg 1 10min 36), Geoff
Lowry (leg2 11.07), James Barker (leg 3 12.04) and Geoff Slyzs (leg 4
12.05) ran the 2.6 k leg course and finished in 28th place out of 50
teams. Well done lads!
County Championships
The entry form for this years Derbyshire County Championships is now available to download here or from the county website www.dcaa.org.uk or from training.
The weekend fixture on 10th and 11th May at Harvey Hadden Stadium, Nottingham, is one of the early season track and field focuses and has a full programme of events for all age groups U13 through to Vets. County titles and possible Championship Best Performances are up for grabs as well as selection for County representative matches later in the season.
Entry to these Championships is highly recommended and encouraged. Take note of the closing date of 18th April as no late entries will be accepted and there is no entry on the day.
Sportshall Success
Club youngsters made up part of the Amber Valley District team who
successfully defended their title of Derbyshire U11's Sportshall
Athletics champions.
The County Final on 11th March at Moorways Leisure Centre attracted teams from 9 county School Sport Partnership districts. The teams ran, threw and bounced their way through an exciting and fast-paced programme. Commonwealth gold medallist Lisa Dobriskey was a very popular guest of honour and she presented certificates and the winners trophy at the end of the competition.
Well done to AVAC members who were part of the team - Robyn Allan,
Imogen Cresswell, Katie Rawlings, Hannah Blount, Molly Mee, Annie Utting,
Sophie Gale, George Rains, Jethro McGraw, and James Bowers.
The Erewash team finished in equal 4th place and included AVAC athletes
Rory McColgan, Dannielle Waddingham, Megan Bruce and Joe Reeve.
The full results were: 1st Amber Valley 682 pts, 2nd Derby West 592pts,
3rd NE Derbyshire 578pts, 4th= Erewash and Chesterfield 550pts, 6th
Derby East 542 pts, 7th Bolsover 490 pts, 8th Rural Derbyshire 426 pts,
9th South Derbyshire 382 pts.
Early Season Openers
The track and field season kicks off soon with the first batch of Opens
to whet the appetite, see how winter training has gone and prepare for
those important leagues and championships. Entry forms for some of these
are available from training (details are on the trackside noticeboard),
or check the host club website.
An 'Open' competition means that anyone can enter (check age
restrictions - most cover all age groups, check the events on offer).
You enter yourself, not via the club, and you do not have to be selected
to take part.
Scunthorpe Open 30th March
Nott's AC Spring Spruce 6th April
Rotherham Harriers Open 6th April (includes women and men's (low barrier)
steeplechase with cash prizes for the women's race)
Mansfield Harriers Open Graded 12th April
Sheffield Open 19th April (AVAC athletes in the U15 age group and below
must give their priority to the Derbyshire Mini League match on the same
day).
Sporting Futures - help required
Sporting Futures are the organizers of the Derbyshire Building
Society 10K and Fun Run. The race is now in its 7th year and has grown
to a capacity of 3500 runners in 2008. This unique race combines the
historical route of Derby City centre and the modern setting of Pride
Park and is one of only 3 street races to finish inside a stadium.
To enable the event to run smoothly and efficiently they are looking for
200 volunteers to help running up to the event and on the day in a
variety of roles.
Plan and Build – Banners and Signs team
Entries and Registration
Logistics
Car Parking
Route Marshals
Results and Prizes
Benefits include:
ü Full training
ü Certificate of voluntary hours
ü Event experience
ü Being part of a large successful team
ü Event uniform
ü Refreshments
You can find out more by
downloading
this poster or contact Richard Kay, on 01332 613158 or via
email at
richardk@sporting-futures.org.uk.
www.sporting-futures.org.uk
Could you become an Official?
AVAC always needs willing volunteers to join our small band of qualified track and field officials. Without track judges, timekeepers, and field officials no competition could take place for us, or our children. The club has to provide qualified officials at the majority of it's competitions and looses match points if we do not, regardless of how well our athletes have done.
Parents - if you are going to be with your child at competitions why not offer to help with officiating - it's interesting and sociable, and would really help the club effort.
The next Level 2 course is at Moorways Stadium on Saturday 12th April
and is for those who wish to become a timekeeper or track judge.
Applicants must be 16 years and over. AVAC will pay the course fee in
return for the intention to officiate on a regular (though not
necessarily frequent) basis.
Take a look at www.englandathletics.org/east-midlands/officials for information on the course or email here with any queries.
Livingston Relays
AVAC runners interested in entering or getting a team together for the Livingston Relays are requested to contact Trevor Jolly. The Relays, incorporating the East Midlands Relays Championships, are on Easter Sunday 23rd March at Loughborough University, 10.30am start. Teams are 4 x 3 miles for men and 3 x 3 miles for women. You can find more details here and here.
Congratulations to Sam Stone
Sam Stone competed in the England Athletics Indoor Championships held at the NIA Birmingham. Sam made the final of the U20 mens 60m Hurdles and finished 6th, smashing his pb for the event and breaking the existing club record held by David Feeney. His time of 8.25 ranks him 9th in the UK and 1st in the East Midlands Power of 10 ranking
Senior League update
We have now received the lastest update on the Senior League progress.
Click here for the latest standings.
National Cross Country Championships – Alton Towers, 23rd February
The English Cross Country Association championships – known as ‘The
Nationals’ are always a highlight of the cross-country season where you
see Club athletes of all ages from U13 to vets rubbing shoulders with
the countries top distance runners and competing over the same course.
This years event was on a dramatic hillside next to Alton Towers overlooking Staffordshire Mooreland. Weathers conditions were ideal – dry and mild and a little soft underfoot. Given the location it was clear that the course would take full advantage of the terrain and it would best be described as a ‘traditional cross country course’ with plenty of undulations and a whopping great hill 2/3 of the way round which steepened towards the summit – a real tester!
The under15 boys were first off with Michael Bosworth, Chris Dawe and
Aiden Smith representing Amber Valley – all ran well finishing 259th,
274th and 295th respectively out of 347 finishers.
The U17 women’s race was combined with the U20’s with the overall winner
being the impressive looking Steph Twell (European Junior Cross Country
Champion). Tamara Armoush was hoping for a good showing in her first
‘National’ as an U17 but it was not to be – being spiked at the start
didn’t help nor did partly losing a shoe at the top of the main hill –
but finishing in 43rd place was a disappointment for her. Based on
training performance a top 10 place had been a realistic hope but the
focus will now be on the English Schools champs and Inter Counties event
over the next few weeks. Kim Jenner had a solid run to finish 168th
followed by Cassie Blount (176) and Emilly Cotteril (188) in the U17’s.
Leila Armoush finished 108th in the U20 event.
In the U13 girls race Jess Turner and Rosie Blount finished 116th and
161st out of 367 finishers.
In the U15 girls an excellent performance by Lori Marshall to finish in
69th place followed by Emilly Allsop (107th) out of 300.
The best Amber Valley performances were in the U13 boys with Josh Rae
and Andrew Fenwick both getting top 50 placings with 37th and 38th
respectively and only 1 second separating them – nothing like a little
local rivalry! This race also featured David Narborough (112) and Jerome
Richards (274).
Our sole U17 and U20 men were Aron Smith (281) and Fred Maier (188).
Disappointingly we only had two runners in the senior men’s race with
Gary Bostock 482nd and Trevor Jolly 1081st out of a massive field of
1244 finishers.
The senior ladies and particularly the senior mens events were real
spectacles with the number of runners involved and the quality of the
front runners many of whom were established internationals. There was
aparticularly large crowd gathered on the slope of the ‘killer hill’
which the senior men had to tackle 3 times with a rather vocal group of
younger Amber Valley runners. It was all good fun and hopefully Trevor
appreciated the amount of ‘encouragement’ he received – particularly as
he got lapped by the leaders on the hill just in front of his AVAC
supporters.
Full results are available here.
Donation to Heart Charity
AVAC recognises the importance of maintaining a healthy heart and the role exercise plays in this, for all ages.
Feeney's Indoor Success
David Feeney, ones of the clubs longest serving and most successful athletes continued his excellent indoor season by taking the Scottish Indoor Senior Mens Heptathlon, staged at Kelvin Hall, Glasgow.
Of particular note were his highly respectable pbs in shot 13.09m and 60m hurdles 8.24. His overall pb score ranks him 5th GB U23 at indoor heptathlon.
An increase on the hurdles time to 8.23 representing Loughborough University three days later takes him to 8th U23 in the Power of 10 rankings, against specialist hurdlers.
Amber Valley retain Derbyshire mini league cross country title - Saturday 9th February.
On a bright sunny spring-like morning around 100 runners competed in the final event of the 3 race series held at Rutland Sports Park. Amber Valley were particularly strong in the younger age groups (winning every age group except for U15 boys) and emerged as overall league champions to retain our unbeaten record in this event. .
There were excellent individual victories for Molly Mee (U11 girls), Jethro McGraw (U11 boys), Andrew Fenwick (U13 boys) and Emily Alsop (U15 girls) with Andrew, Jethrow and Emily taking overall League titles as well.
The following Amber Valley runners also received individual League medals:-
Molly Mee (3rd overall U11 girls), Jason Fenwick (2nd U11 boys), Jess Turner and Jennie Lockwood (equal 2nd U13 girls), Josie Lockwood (3rd U15 girls) and Michael Bosworth (3rd U15 boys).
Well done as well to Niamh Emerson who won all three U9 races - one to watch out for.
Full results can be seen on the DCAA website here.
Red Alert at Regional Sportshall!
Nineteen AVAC athletes were part of a 34 -strong team representing Derbyshire at the East Midlands Regional U13 and U15 Sportshall Athletics Final at Grantham on 3rd February. As has become a tradition now, our team were resplendent not only in the red team T-shirts but also with every team member getting into the team spirit with red 'war paint', hair spray and accessories.
The appearance of the colourful and noisy Derbyshire team at the Regional Final now has something of a reputation!
At stake is a place in the National Sportshall Finals, representing the East Midlands. As usual, Derbyshire were up against teams from Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire.
Medals go to the top 3 in each individual event, plus the winners in each relay. At U13 the athletes can do up to 3 events each, whilst the U15's do up to 4 events for individual and team places, plus the added bonus of winning the All-Rounder Champion title.
U15 Girls
This was the only catagory this year where the Derbyshire team won through to the National Final, beating the team from Notts. Part of that team of 7 girls was AVAC's own Jodie Wills who finished 9th overall out of 26 competitors. J
odie has been a club member since her primary school days and always excels at sportshall. On this occasion it was her best event, the vertical high jump, that earnt her a silver medal, and just missed out on bronze in the 4 lap sprint. Good luck to Jodie in the Final in April.
U15 Boys
The team of 6 boys were beaten into 2nd place overall by a strong Lincs team. The AVAC trio of Michael Bosworth, Ryan Newton and Charlie Waterhouse finished 3rd equal, 10th and 11th respectively overall, out of 24 competitors. Michael bagged gold for his 8 lap parlaaf with Derbys AC's Ashwin Kang, a silver for his 4 lap sprint and a bronze in the shot putt.
Sportshall veteran Charlie won a silver in the speed bounce, whilst Ryan in only his second sportshall competition also took silver in the 2 lap sprint. All three lads still have another season in this age group.
U13 Girls
This team were made up almost entirely with AVAC athletes and finished a creditable 2nd behind a strong Notts team. It was also the team that gave team selectors / managers the most difficulty with several girls unavailable and last minute replacements needing to be brought in. To their credit they rose to the occasion and were without doubt the driving force behind the teams colourful appearance and team spirit!
Rosie Blount bagged gold in the speed bounce and silver in the gruelling 6 lap, Jessica Turner won the 4 lap with a rapid turn on the last reversaboard and Kiera Gee took bronze in the standing long jump. The quartet of Rosie, Rhiannon Barr, Molly Mee and Hannah Blount took gold in an exciting obstacle relay. Just missing out on bronze medals were Lorna Glenn (standing triple jump), Kelly-Jay Payling (shot) and Rhiannon Barr (standing long jump). Also in this team were Maddy Cusack and Emily Heappey.
Special mention should go to Molly and Hannah who have both competed as U11's this sportshall season, and as both are 11 are allowed to take part in the regional festival as U13's. Both won their place in the team on merit and were competing against girls two years older.
U13 Boys
Another overall 2nd place for this team, with Notts proving too strong this year. Powerhouse, Tom Bridge had a successful day winning the shot, 2 lap sprint and anchored home the 4 x 2 relay in a nail-biting finish.
James Morley collected a silver in the vertical jump. Other AVAC athletes playing their important part in this team were Jerome Richards, David Narborough and Jack Newton.
Thank you to Margaret Blount, Janette Glenn and Trevor Jolly for officiating and to Julie Feeney, Judy Payling and Nigel Smith for team managing.
Remember that all selections for the county team are based on performances at the Mini League competitions. The Regional Final is a fantastic event with appreciate support from a packed audience.
Sportshall Athletics at this level is extremely competetive and of a very high standard, and as such, should be seen as part of a young athletes overall competetive season.
The sportshall season is nearly over for another year (the last Derbyshire fixture is on Sunday 17th Febrary at QPLC, Chesterfield) but if you want to have a fantastic day of competition and fun make sure you get involved next season (winter 08 - 09) to be in with a chance of making the team.
Final Sportshall event of the season
The final sportshall competition of the season will be on the 17th February - lets try and get as many athletes there as possible, if you are u11-u15 you need to be there.
Its fun and friendly, letters will be given out this week at training, or email us for details.
Annual General Meeting
Notice is given that the club Annual General Meeting will take place on Monday 3rd March 2008 at the Golf Clubhouse, West End Drive, Ilkeston, starting at 7pm. All are welcome to attend. The purpose of the Meeting is:
1. To receive the Annual Report and Accounts for the year February 2007 to January 2008.
2. To elect the Officers.
Changes to the Constitution, any nominations for Office and any other appropriate business must be received by the Secretary, Julie Feeney, in writing by 10th February 2008.
Mini League Cross Country
The third and final fixture in the Derbyshire Mini League is on Saturday 9th February. The course will be run on grounds including Ilkeston School playing fields and the Ilkeston golf course. All teams should meet at the golf clubhouse at the bottom of West End Drive, Ilkeston (venue of match 2, a little way along from the Rutland Sports Park athletics track). Races include U11, U13 and U15 boys and girls, starting at 11am.
Presentations of the overall trophy and medals for the individuals in each age group will be made at the golf clubhouse as soon after the last race as possible (around 12.30pm).
All AVAC members aged 9 to 15 (school year 10) can run. £1 payable on the day to team managers. Club vest or T-shirt must be worn.
This is the last club cross country competition of the season for most young athletes so make the most of it! AVAC look likely to win the overall trophy again so come along and be part of a winning team.
Senior Grand Prix
You can view the latest standings in the Senior Grand Prix here.
Northern Athletics U15/17 Indoor Championships at the Sheffield EIS Indoor athletics stadium - Sunday 27th Jan.
Amber
Valley were well represented in the Northern Athletics indoor
championships at the superb English Institute of Sport facility in
Sheffield on Sunday. Four of our athletes won a total of 5 medals
between them> Pride of place goes to Zach Hooper taking the U17 men's
400m gold in the final event of the day. Alex Turner took silver in a
highly competitive U17 women's 800m and Michael Feeney won a bronze in
the U17 men's 60m hurdles. Michael Bosworth showed what a potential
multi-event talent he could be by winning silver in the shot and bronze
in a very fiercely contested 800m as well as competing in the 60m
hurdles.
Claudia Rogers dominated her qualifying heat in the U17 women's 300m but just missed out on a medal with 4th place in the final.
Well done to Jessica Turner (U15 girls 800m), Ryan Blore (U17 men 60m hurdles), Robert Jogela (U17 men's 60m) and Keira Gee (U15 girls 60m and 200m) who all competed well at this level.
In summary, an excellent event and a good day for Amber Valley.
Full results can be viewed at http://www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk/FileUploads/under17_results.rtf
Photo shows AVAC medalists Michael Feeney, Zach Hooper, Alex Turner and Michael Bosworth.
Northern Cross Country Championships - Roundhey Park, Leeds 26th Jan
17 Amber Valley runners took part in the Northern Cross Country Championships on Saturday 26th January at Roundhey Park in Leeds.
In the U13 girls 3km event we had Jennie Lockwood and Kennady O'Brien in her U13 debut for the Club. The two girls ran together for most of the course until Kennady decided to sprint up what all other runners thought was the tough final hill about 300 from the finish line to finish in a very creditable 86th position out of 223 finishers. Jennie was 148th.
In the U13 boys Andrew Fenwick race a very determined race to finish an impressive 19th followed by David Narborough (64th), Luke Turner (115th) and Jerome Richards (140th).
Emily Allsop ran strongly in the U15 girls to finish 41st with Aiden Smith 182nd in the boys event.
Tamara Armoush mixed it with the race
leaders in the early stages of the U17 women's race but dropped back
from the leading bunch in the mid stages before finishing strongly in
18th place. Cassie Blount was our only other U17 women in 85th.
Rob Love and Fred Maier 66th and 97th in the U20 men's race.
Our senior ladies were represented by Jane Poole and Wendy Ray (228th and 231st) with Andy Marriot, Geoff Slysz and Trevor Jolly (394th, 412th and 567th - out of 665 finishers) in the senior men's 12km grueller.
SPORTSHALL MATCH 5
We didn't have many athletes there, but the one's we did had a great time, and we had some excellent performances!
U11 girls Mollie Mee won 1lap and 2lap , Megan Bruce came second in triple jump and the U11girls won the 4x1 relay. U11 boys Rory McColgen won the triple jump. U13 girls Kiera Gee came second in the 2lap , Kelly-Jay came second in the shot which gave her a massive new PB of 8m11.
U13 boys Tom Bridge won and broke the record for the 2lap and won and broke the record in shot with a massive throw of 11m93. James Morley won and equalled the record for vertical jump and the u13 boys won the 4x2 relay. Sadly we only had one u15 girl Jodie Wills she came second in 2lap and vertical jump.
We had two U15 boys Ryan Newton who came second in the 2lap , Michael Bosworth got second in shot and between them they won the 8lap parrlauf.
SO WELL DONE TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK PART!!!!!!!!!!!
On Monday 21st January there was a meeting to select the athletes who would be representing Derbyshire in the East Midlands Sportshall competition at Grantham. These athletes are selected on their performances in the mini league sportshalls at Chesterfield.
We have got 14 athletes going though from our club they are:
U13 Girls
Mollie Mee, Kiera Gee, Kelly-Jay Paling, Jessica Turner, Rosie Blount, Lorna Glenn, Emily Heappey.
U13 Boys
Tom Bridge, James Morley, Jerome Richirds, Jack Newton .
U15 Girls
Jodie Wills
U15 Boys
Michael Bosworth, Ryan Newton , Charlie Waterhouse.
SO CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
Urgent - latest travel info for Northern XC champs - Leeds 26th Jan
Due to the limited take up of places the minibus for Saturday has been cancelled. Options include taking a place on the Derby AC bus (see Jim for details) or getting a lift with those who are making their own way.
Derby 10K
The popular Derbyshire Building Society Derby 10K and Fun Run is on 20th April 2008. Details and on-line entry is available on www.sporting-futures.org.uk and entry forms are also available at some club nights.
The 10K course is still being finalised and a map will be available on their website at a later date (finish inside Pride Park Stadium). If you don't want to run but would like to be involved in some other way eg marshalling, then please contact organisers, Sporting Futures
Northern Cross Country Champs
Details for the Northern Cross Country Champs at Leeds on Saturday 26th Jan can be found at www.northernathletics.org.uk
Jim Feeney is planning to take a minibus leaving Belper at 9:00 but anyone wishing to make use of this must make sure they have e-mailed Jim at feeney@mailbox60.freeserve.co.uk.
At the moment there are plenty of places but these may go very quickly.
There is also the possibility of places on the Derby AC coach - again, if you want details please ask Jim.
Sportshall Athletics
A reminder that the 5th Mini League Sportshall match is on Sunday 20th January at the Queens Park Leisure Centre, 1pm. All club members aged 9 to 15 years (up to school year 10) can take part.
The selections for the Derbyshire team take place shortly after and this is your last chance to impress the selectors (U13 and U15's only).
Selected athletes (from all participating clubs) for the East Midlands Regional Final at Grantham on 3rd February will be notified in the following week.
Let Us Know What You Think!
The Members Survey is available from every training session over the next few weeks. We want to know if you enjoy being part of the club, what we we do well, and what could be better.
It's quick and easy to fill in and we'd like responses from parents, and athletes of all ages. Look out for then at the payment desk and you can leave your completed forms there too.
U20 Indoor Combined Events, Sheffield, Sunday 13th Jan 08
Chloe Smith won her 1st North of England Medal, winning Bronze at the U20 Indoor Combined Eventsat Sheffield on Sunday 13th Jan 08.
Twenty four athletes entered the competition, but only 18 turned up on the day, very poor turn out.
Chloe finished overall 16th, but only 3 of the 18 were from the North of England, so Chloe won a Bronze Medal.
Performances:
Total 2154 points
60M Hurdles 11.18 secs 507 points
H Jump 1.38M 491 points
Shot 8.24M * 415 points *new club record for U20 Women
L Jump 4.55M 441 points
800M 3.11mins 300 points
North Midlands Cross Country
Please note that the last North Midlands Cross Country has been moved from Ashfield School, Kirkby in Ashfield, to Wollaton Park in Nottingham.
If you have any questions please let us know via email.
Senior Points League
Please note there is a new fixture list for the Senior Points League, available here.
Amber Valley cross country runners shine at Derbyshire Championships.
On Saturday 5th Jan around 30 Amber Valley athletes of all ages competed in the annual Derbyshire cross country championships at Derby's Markeaton Park. Weather was perfect for this first event of the new year, cool but dry with clear skies and bright sunshine.
In the U13 boys 3km event Josh Rae stole the show in his first cross country race for the Club by taking the gold medal just ahead of Amber Valley team mate Andrew Fenwick. David Narborough finished in 4th place to secure a team win with Luke Turner finishing in 14th position.
Amber Valley's U13 girls team of Jess Turner (3rd place individually), Rosie Blount (4th) and Jess Thorpe (10th) also came away with the team gold making it an U13 'double' for Amber Valley. Good to see Jess Thorpe running again after a spell of injury problems.
In the combined U17/U20 Women's 5km race 15 year old Tamara Armoush was a class above the rest of the field over this distance with a comfortable victory followed by Alex Turner (4th), and Leila Armoush (6th overall but 2nd U20). These 3 girls secured another team win for Amber Valley with Cassie Blount, Emily Cotteril and Rebecca Herring combining as a second Amber Valley team to win the bronze medal.
In the U20/senior/vet men's 10km combined race Amber Valley secured team bronze with Rob Love, Fred Maier, Gary Bostock, Andy Marriott and Geoff Lowry.
Other notable performances were Emily Allsop and Lori Marshal (3rd and 4th in U15 girls), Jack Elliot, Nick Rowton and Aran Smith (7th, 12th and 13th in U17 men) and Michael Bosworth and Aiden Smith (9th and 12th in U15 boys).
Congratulations to the following who have won selection to represent Derbyshire in the televised Inter Counties event in March :-
Jess and Alex Turner, Tamara and Leila Armoush, Rosie Blount, Josh Rae, Andrew Fenwick, David Narborough, Jack Elliot, Cassie Blount, Rebecca Herring, Emily Allsop, Lori Marshall with Michael Bosworth, Nick Rowton, Emil Cotterill, Aiden Smith and Jess Thorpe selected as reserves.
Full results will be available on the DCAA website http://www.dcaa.org.uk
Indoor Track and Field Reminder
Athletes planning an Indoor season should be aware of the following competitions and their closing dates. Entry details are available from training, on the club noticeboards and the relevant website. Some entries can be made online.
* 19th and 20th Jan Senior and U20 Northern Championships, EIS, Sheffield, Closing date 7th Jan www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk
* 27th Jan U15 and U17 Northern Championships, EIS, Sheffield, closing date 21st Jan www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk
* 2nd and 3rd Feb Birmingham Games, National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, closing date 11th Jan www.midlandathletics.org.uk
* 17th Feb Midland Open Meeting Senior, U20, U17 and U15, National Indoor Arean, Birmingham, closing date 25th Jan www.midlandathletics.org.uk
* 23rd and 24th Feb England Athletics Championships, U20, U17 and U15 (Qualifying standard needed). Closing date 28th Jan www.englandathletics.org
* 8th and 9th March, U17 and U15 Combined Events Championships (Northern and England Championships), EIS, Sheffield, closing date 11th Feb www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk or www.englandathletics.org
Cross Country Reminder
* 5th Jan Derbyshire County Championships, Markeaton Park (for those pre-entered, no entry on the day). Details www.dcaa.org.uk
* 12th Jan North Midlands League. Final match in league. Ashfield School, Kirkby-in-Ashfield. Details www.northmidsxcleague.co.uk. All runners Senior to U11's.
* 26th Jan Northern Championships, Roundhay Park, Leeds. www.noeaa-athletics.org.uk Entries now closed.
* 2nd Feb County Schools Championships (for those qualifiers from senior school district trials)
* 9th Feb Derbyshire Mini League. U15, U13 and U11's. Final race in league. Ilkeston. Details on www.avac.org.uk nearer the day.
Festive Training
Please note there will be no training at the Rutland Sports Park on the following dates:
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Tuesday 25th December
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Wednesday 26th December
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Thursday 27th December
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Saturday 29th December
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Tuesday 1st January
Have a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you refreshed in the New Year!
New edition of Trackline
The latest issue of Trackline, the AVAC Club newsletter is now available for download here.
Can You Help?
The Derbyshire Athletics website www.dcaa.org.uk is one of the most used local athletics sites. It promotes the sport and local clubs and athletes, informs athletes of all ages, parents, officials, coaches, clubs, and the media and offers an excellent results service. The present web manager is calling it a day, and the search is on for a replacement.
A knowledge of web design and or maintenance is of obvious benefit as is some knowledge or interest in the local athletics scene. Some of the website content is written by others which makes the role less demanding.
In addition there is also an urgent need for someone to take over the computerised results service that the County Association provides. In the short term this means that there could be no computerised results at the Mini League Sportshall matches in January and February if no-one offers their services.
For more information on these roles please see the 'job vacancy' on the Derbyshire website.