ATHLETICS: East Coast AC announces expansion of its junior section

The local club already provides athletics coaching for children through its East Coast Cheetahs programme, and now the ambitious outfit is encouraging experienced and would-be runners between the ages of 11 and 16 to avail of the knowledge of numerous UK Athletics qualified coaches.

Justin Maxwell, club chairman of East Coast AC, said: “Since forming East Coast AC we have worked hard to progress local athletics - bringing through youth, the stars of tomorrow, has been at the forefront of what we do.

“For that reason, this is a very exciting time for our club as we can now welcome members of all ages to club training which will be specific for their age groups, meeting their development needs.”

Senior coach at East Coast AC, Mark McManus, spoke with enthusiasm at the launch of the new initiative.

“After starting the East Coast Cheetahs three years ago, we are now delighted to offer places within our new ‘East Coast AC Juniors’ to slightly older children – those between the ages of 11 and 16 years old,” he said.

“This is a big step for us and also for local athletics as we now provide a pathway for children from four years old right through to senior and veteran age groups. All will benefit from specific training geared towards their athletic needs.”

The new ‘East Coast AC Juniors’ programme will kick off on Tuesday, April 12 at the Town Park, Larne. Sessions will run from 6pm to 6.45pm and will be delivered by UKA qualified coaches and leaders.

All enquiries in relation to places within the East Coast AC ‘Juniors’ (aged 11-16 years old) should be directed to [email protected]

n INSIDE: Don’t miss our weekly round-up from the East Antrim running scene and catch up on the latest from Sunday’s Larne Junior parkrun.