BRISTOL & West Athletics Club has linked up with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College to launch an exciting and innovative scheme to find new talent for the sport.
With the Tokyo Olympics set to focus a spotlight on track and field and bring it into the homes of a wider audience the decision to hold an athletics taster day – under the banner of ‘Hidden Talent’ – is a timely one.
So, the two organisations have come together to stage this taster day on Saturday (July 17th) at the SGS College, WISE Campus track where top local athletics coaches will be on hand to give youngsters an introduction to the sport.
“We are asking schools across the South West to flag this opportunity to children from Years 6-11 that they might think have what it takes to excel in athletics,” said Bristol & West AC Development Advisor Paul Filer.
“But the invitation to attend this athletics taster day is only open to children who are not currently with an athletic club or coach.
“That’s the only criteria – we are looking for hidden talent.”
The mission to broaden the net for ‘hidden talent’ is significant as so many youngsters slip through the net and don’t get the opportunity to fulfil their talent.
With that in mind Filer explained around 100 schools across the west country, from Bristol down to Devon and across to Wiltshire, have already been contacted offering them the chance to engage.
Everyone who attends the event will receive an ‘Achievement Certificate’ which records their time, height or distance.
More importantly, if the youngster enjoys the experience and wants to take it further then they will be put in touch with a club closest to where they live so that they can get expert coaching and develop their skills.
Events that will be offered at the ‘Hidden Talent’ day will comprise 100m, 150m, 200m, 300m, 800m and 1500m on the track while the field events include the shot, javelin, high jump and long jump.
“In every school across the country there is hidden athletic talent – children who don’t even know how good they are,” added Filer.
“This approach is all about giving them a chance to find out.
“As far as I know it is the first time this been tried locally and if it is successful the hope is other geographical areas will follow suit to help lift the standard across the country.”
The session will start at 12.30pm and interested youngsters can apply on-line at: www.sgscol.ac.uk/athletics. There will be free parking for parents.