The need for sun cream was far from everybody’s mind during the third Leicestershire Running and Athletics Network summer running camp held at New College; however, the unseasonal weather didn’t stop the two days of running, running games, running drills and a great deal of fun being a huge success.
The group of 35 runners ranging from age 8 to 13 were admirably looked after by network coach John Skevington and assisted on day one by Will Goodbourn; a young up-and-coming coach being supported by the network through his qualifications to become a fully licensed coach. Will took the lead throughout the second day, under John’s supervision, and everyone declared him a great success. The days were also ably supported by a variety of athletes who had attended in previous years and enjoyed it so much that they wanted to continue their involvement in the event.
Everyone looked resplendent in the branded T-shirt individually printed with their name; something that made each of the young athletes feel especially important!
Highlights of the two days were definitely John Skevington’s famous games “Spring the pack”, “the 1-5 game” and “rats and rabbits” which were repeatedly requested throughout both days!
The summer camp has now become a firm fixture in the network calendar as part of its programme to develop young athletes in a fun atmosphere and will be on doubt be back again next year, hopefully in more seasonal weather!
Network coordinator and coach John Skevington explained “the days that the network host are an important part of our development of young runners, many whom will inevitably become club runners and will be competing on the track and over cross-country in just a few short years. Combine this with our initiative to progress our up-and-coming athletes through primary school to secondary competition and we believe we have created a true pathway from having fun with running to proper competition in later years” He also went on to add “the other real positives are that we were able to recruit the services of an apprentice coach to help him experience working with a large group of young people and also to be able to call on willing helpers in their teenage years who were already keen to give something back to the sport”
Coach and athlete development are key priorities for the network, as is bringing clubs together to share ideas. Tuesday’s Oregon Circuit, hosted by Huncote Harriers, was a success on all these fronts. About 60 athletes and coaches from network clubs attended the session, which was led by Nicki Nealon.