Wow, the season has come and gone in a flash, and now, with the cross country season already underway, and the indoor season creeping up on us, there’s lots and lots to catch you all up on, including what’s going on with the track, the launch of our new Masters training session and our forthcoming Celebration of the Season evening.

But first, here’s a very brief round-up of the season – more details, including club records and individual performances can be found at https://yateac.co.uk/2018-results/

YDL Lower Age Group (U13 & U15)

Once again, Sam and the team have secured our position in the Premier Division. This season was really hard fought with athletes competing in new events left right and centre. So a massive thank you and well done to all of our competing athletes and parents and in particular to our officials that provided us the additional points to keep us up at the Relegation match in Swindon (“ I say we are staying up – I say we are staying up!!!!”)

YDL Upper Age Group (U17 & U20 Composite Team Avon)

A massive congratulations to Sandra, Jim and the team who went one step further than last year, qualifying for the YDL NATIONAL FINAL, held at the prestigious Bedford Track in September, finishing in 4th position (in the entire country!). This was a massive achievement for everyone involved, with lots of Yate athletes (and officials) taking part. Well done to everyone!

Midland League (U20s & Seniors Composite Team with Bristol & West)

Matt and Steve lead the team to some really creditable results in difficult circumstances again, this time finishing in 2nd position, losing out to Birchfield Harriers in the last match of the season. Once again, B&W women have been in involved in clashing British League fixtures, and so Yate athletes have been really important in fielding a full team, and we have had some great performances from our U17s and Masters competing up with the Seniors.

Avon League

We were just pipped to the post at the last match, with North Somerset finishing just 1 league point ahead of us overall. But, we did win three age group categories: Quad Kids Girls, U13 Girls and U15 Girls. We had lots of fun filling relay teams with throwers and throwing events with sprinters to make up for matches clashing with holidays, and Upper Age Group YDL meetings, including the National Final.

Celebrate the Season at our Annual Awards Night 8th December – everybody welcome!

This year we’re combining our Awards evening with a Christmas party. And, to add to the excitement, this year, for the first time, we’re going to be extending voting for some of the awards to all members. Right now the coaches and team managers are busy reviewing the season’s performances and coming up with nominations for their athletes of the season. So watch out for more details on how to vote for the athletes nominated in your age category, and make sure you get your ticket to the event of the festive season!

New Track and Winter Training

You’ll have noticed that work on our new track has not yet completed, and with the weather deteriorating, the contractors are now stopping work until next year. However, they’ve handed the track back to us for winter training with complete long jump and triple jump areas, pole vault and two new throws cages plus our new indoor weights facility. Training for most groups are now back to normal under the floodlights. That’s:

Junior Academy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm – 7pm (prices will return to £3 per session)
Tuesday and Thursday club nights from 7pm – 8:30pm (prices will return to £2 per session – coaches give their time voluntarily for these sessions)
Competition Academy Wednesday from 7pm – 8pm (prices will return to £3 per session)
Saturday morning Junior Academy from 10am (with some club sessions too – talk to your coach) (prices will return to £3 per session)
We will be adding a new Masters training group for anyone over 35 who fancies having a go at athletics. Sessions will be focussed on having fun and learning something new while keeping fit in a friendly non-threatening environment (ie away from the kids!), and will take place from 9:45 on Sunday mornings from 18th November. More details will follow – but all parents and members over 35, (no matter how able!) are welcome.