Clive Holden Julie Hanks Ted Preston are the main coaches
The Juniors train at the St Georges School on Mondays at 7 pm and Wednesdays from Sleaford Town Football Club off Boston Road. Subs are £1-00 per session. Newcomers are welcome to attend.
The first event was the inter-county Sports hall championship for under 11s. Four members of Junior Striders had been selected to represent Lincolnshire, Tilly, IIanna, James and Connor took part in this indoor decathlon held at the Meres Stadium in Grantham. They all produced fantastic performances and helped Lincolnshire gain the Silver medal position in both the Female and Male teams. This was the first time Junior Striders have taken part in Sports hall athletics and the coaches and club are very proud of the achievement of our under 11s.
A week later the county trials for the under 13s and under 15s took place. Several members had worked hard in preparation learning new skills in anticipation of this event. The qualification took all day with all athletes having to demonstrate ability in all disciplines. All who took part were great ambassadors for the club however we will have to wait till late January to find out who will make the county squad.
Since the Club was founded in 1984 we had many Junior members who, after being referred by School P.E. Department staff and hearing about us from friends, produced performances around the County that made Sleaford Striders a formidable force; many of these went on to represent the Club at County level. In the mid-1990's the Junior Club folded when the Education system changed its priority for Sport and these members grew up and moved away.The new initiative by UK Athletics and Government have seen more opportunities for young people who want to participate in Sport, and from Sleaford Striders AC point of view, Athletics. 2004 saw members of the Club re-form the Junior Club.Meeting NightsThe Junior section of the Sleaford Striders Athletics Club is rapidly expanding thanks to the efforts of coaches Julie Hanks, Ted Preston and Clive Holden. An average number 50 youngsters turn up for the lively training sessions.
The Club can offer the opportunity to members of the general public and family of members to train and qualify as a Coach. The Club is actively seeking people with an interest in Coaching to gain at least a Level 1 qualification to be able to assist the other coaches on training nights; but the opportunity is there to progress to Level 2 and beyond.
Have you ever wondered what is involved in the training and workings of the Track and Field Oficials at the various events around the world. We always moan at the skill of the "amateur" referees and officials, but do you know what they are expected to do? Sleaford Striders are looking for people who would or are interested in becoming Officials at the various Athletic events. Obviously your starting point is County level but the opportunities are open to progress further if you desire. Anybody interested in this opportunity please contact Peter Nadin or Clive Holden.
Ona hot and sunny Wednesday 10th May 2006, a group ofseventeen Junior Sleaford Striders took part in their very first handicap race at Scredington. The course was marshaled by coaches and parents of the children taking part in the event. This even lead to some of the parents racing with the children on the night, without the support and encouragement given by all involved, the event would not havebeen able to take place. A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL !!!The athletes performed extremely well and even made some of the Senior Striders quake in their running shoes when the times were given out at the end of the race! Times are as follows for everyone that took part in order of finish : (1) - Simon Parr 21:11, (2) - Jake Miller 21:14, (3) - Callum Marshall 22:32, (4) - Samuel James 22:46, (5) - Adam Runacres and Jane James(parent) 22:58, (6) - Ashlee Reid 24:52, (7) - Tilly Ireland - first girl to finish 25:16, (8) - Jenny Cooke 26:40, (9) - Keeley McNiffe 26:41, (10) - James Marshall 27:28, (11) - Patrick James 28:33, (12) - Daniel Runacres and Steve Jackson (coach) 29:10, (13) - Alex Dickenson 30:38, (14) - Bethany Preston and Maureen Runacres (parent) 31:23, (15) - Joseph Preston 34:15, (16) - James Ward 34:28, (17) - Sam Ward and Tracey Dickenson (parent) 36:18.