Athletics
The advent of the 2012 Olympics will focus the nation's attention on "talent identification" of future Olympians. Here in Walsall, much vital progress has already been made since Athletics Development was first started back in May 2005.
The successful establishment of a regular school term time athletics club at the University of Wolverhampton (Walsall Campus), linked to local clubs, has seen the identification and development of many promising young athletes who just needed the opportunity to display their talents.
Already an original member; Tom Hinton achieved National (Indoor) U17 400m Champion status and a National top six ranking. He has since been introduced to Birchfield Harriers. Other local clubs, Tipton Harriers, Royal Sutton Coldfield AC and Cannock & Staffs AC have also had athletes from Walsall JAC referred. Many of whom now compete in local competitions.
The Club has also been recognised by England Athletics for its outstanding work and has been awarded regional funding accordingly.
Walsall Junior Athletics Club
Ever wanted to run like Paula Radcliffe or sprint like Usain Bolt? Do you want to learn to throw a javelin? Fancy running over hurdles? Are you a good jumper?
If the answer is “yes” to any or all of these questions then why not join Walsall’s fastest growing club; Walsall Junior Athletics Club (JAC) which meets regularly on Saturdays at Wolverhampton University (Walsall Campus Gorway Road) between 10am and 12pm. Staffed by fully qualified UK Athletics Coaches, the club is a 'satellite' for local athletics clubs whilst catering for all abilities. Walsall JAC also offers fun and fitness indoor sessions specialising in Sports Hall athletics activities. We also offer cross-country training and some track and field events outdoors during the winter months. Primary aged children will receive indoor training from November through to April at our indoor facility.
Where is it based?
In Walsall at the Walsall Campus (Gorway Road) of Wolverhampton University. Sessions take place at the athletics track (next door to Walsall Rugby Club).
- View directions of how to get there on the University of Wolverhampton's website
- View a map of the area on the University of Wolverhampton's website
When does it take place?
Saturday mornings (except bank holidays and ‘Star track’ weeks), track availability permitting. We do have indoor provision for the Primary School session from 10am - 11am from November to April each year.
What time does it start?
- 10am – 11am (Primary School Years 4, 5 and 6 pupils)
- 11am – 12am (Secondary School Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 pupils)
(Please note: children under Year 4 should not participate due to UK Athletics licensing procedures).
What is the cost?
£2.70 per session outdoors and in the winter it is £3.70 for indoors (indoor sessions are from November to April for Primary School aged pupils only).
Dates for your diary
Session dates for JAC in the Spring and Summer Terms are as follows:
January 2010
Saturday: 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th
February 2010
Saturday: 6th and 27th (no sessions during half-term weekends)
March 2010
Saturday: 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
April 2010
No sessions during Easter Holidays
Saturday 24th
May 2010
No sessions May Day Bank Holiday Weekend
Saturday: 8th, 15th and 22nd
No sessions during Whitsun/Spring Bank Holidays
June 2010
Saturday: 12th, 19th and 26th
July 2010
Saturday 3rd, 10th and 17th (no sessions during summer holidays)
Startrack Athletics in August 2010
Details to follow shortly. Watch this space....
Qualified coaches
Four UK Athletics qualified coaches currently attend the 2 x 1 hour sessions from 10am - 12pm.
- Steve Walton – UK Athletics level 3
- Tony Ashford – UK Athletics level 3
- Nick Wignall – UK Athletics level 2
- Liz Bonner - UK Athletics Level 1
All UK Athletics coaches are CRB and list 99 checked.
UK Athletics: "Power of 10"
West Midlands / UK Rankings
Walsall Junior Athletics Club has coached and developed numerous athletes who have joined local clubs and who have subsequently been ranked in UKA's regional and National "Power of 10" rankings list. These include:
- Tom Hinton (Birchfield Harriers)
- Manzu-lyn Cain (Tipton Harriers)
- Luke Horobin (Birchfield Harriers)
- Sophie Lote (Tipton Harriers)W
- Hannah Leighton (Royal Sutton Coldfield AC)
- Adam Phillips (Cannock & Staffs AC)
- James Sloan (Tipton Harriers)
- Amy Bonner (Royal Sutton Coldfield AC)
- Will Bonner (Royal Sutton Coldfield AC)
- Shrule Rolinson (Tipton Harriers)
Contact us
Steve Walton (UK Athletics Coach Level 3)
Black Country Athletics Network Development Officer (England Athletics)
Walsall Sport and Leisure Development Services
Library Building
Walsall Street
Willenhall
West Midlands
WV13 2EX
Telephone 01902 605500
Mobile 07963413437
Fax 01902 605752
Email waltons@walsall.gov.uk
For further information on activities.in Walsall visit 'Whats on Walsall'
This page was last updated on 02 March 2010