VOTE FOR YATE AC – SOUTH WEST CLUB OF THE YEAR.

We have some great news to share…

We have once again been shortlisted for the England Athletics’ South West Club of the Year!

This time it’s a public vote – so we need everyone to get involved and cast your vote for us.

You can do this here: https://www.englandathletics.org/news/voting-for-our-volunteer-awards-have-your-say/

It’s really easy – will take less than a minute, and the only personal details you need is your email address.

Voting closes on 11th August – so please be quick.

And do share the link with friends and family.

If you need extra convincing, please read on for the full nomination that was submitted about what makes our club great, written within a strict word count. (There is only a couple of sentences on the voting page that was extracted from the nomination by England Athletics.)

How is the club welcoming and what has been done to ensure members have a great experience?

Yate AC is friendly, welcoming and inclusive club, open to all age groups and abilities. From 5 year olds having fun and keeping active, through to masters athletes competing on an international stage – and everyone in between.

Communication is excellent. The website and social media is current; info is relevant and accessible; emails and messages are responded to promptly. Members receive a glossy membership book with key information every year.

Athletes are well known by their coaches and new attendees (and their parents) are always looked out for. Coaches are contactable directly and often travel to support athletes at competitions. Training costs are kept low to ensure accessibility. Disability athletes receive specialist adaptive training sessions.

Competition opportunities are available at all levels; from Quadkids and local leagues through to national leagues, as well as support for school county teams and national championships. Teenage athletes have opportunities to progress in coaching or to train as officials. Volunteers are highly valued. The club always takes time to celebrate achievements.

What are the club’s key achievements over the last 12 months?

Yate AC is a progressive, forward thinking and competitive club that has just celebrated 40 years.

2023 division winners in Midland League and National Athletics League, securing promotion in both, and in the Lower YDL. Several athletes had GB&NI or England call-ups. Athletes competed and won medals at British Champs, BUCS, English Schools, European Champs, Age Group Champs and more.

Club Membership and academy has grown and the club have trained eight new officials and had more parent volunteers over the last 12 months.

Yate AC members help run the Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, securing the future of sports facilities beyond athletics.

Yate adaptive coaches have secured para competition at English Schools Combined Events and the club has a growing number of competitive para athletes.

Yate officials are involved in supporting athletics in the county and across the South West.

Athletes had 50 performances in top 10 2023 UK rankings, with 10 athletes in the top 50 world rankings and 41 performances at PB Awards level 9. The club ran three well attended events, such as a Masters Open attended by 200 athletes, and took a key role in organising/running the Avon County Champs.

Tell us what makes the club special: the main achievements and how Club Standards have helped the Club during the last 12 months

Yate AC is run by fantastic volunteers in wide variety of roles e.g. committee, coaches, officials, team managers and general helping around the site/club house. The club has 400 members of all ages, a significant growth, with a thriving academy, and lots of parents who are very much part of the club.

The club has approximately 20 experienced and dedicated coaches and teenage athletes often help out with the younger ones. The club has 40 qualified officials who support throughout the season and are valued members of the team.

Yate AC has achieved all seven club standards, with particular growth in inclusion and diversity with the growing adaptive athletics both for training and competition. Facilities are monitored to ensure accessibility and funding raised to purchase disability equipment e.g. race chairs and seated throws.

All policies are updated and accessible. Safety is high, strict protocols are in place and coaches/officials ensure athletes know track etiquette.

Two welfare officers are present, approachable and their contact details are widely available.