Kettering Town Harriers 2018
We’d like to take the opportunity to wish all our members, parents, volunteers and supporters the very best for 2018 and let you know about some of the things we hope to achieve at the club this year.
Open Events 2018
Over the past few years, we’ve introduced new activities and events to the club including evening open meetings with electronic timing and photo-finish, a night of 5000m running at the track, and two throws events per year. Our evening and throws events have grown in popularity to such an extent that we’ve been over-subscribed, and we’ve had to turn people away.
We have a great programme of open events again for 2018 and plan to build on the success of last year by introducing long jump, high jump, discus, shot, hammer and javelin to our evening open events; online pre-entry for all events to help planning and reduce administration; and host the final throws event of the year over 2 days to meet demand.
KTH Bolts & Young Leaders 2018
In 2017 we introduced our KTHBolts programme giving the opportunity for younger, 7&8-year-old athletes to get involved in the sport. We also introduced our Young Leader development programme in association with Sports Leader UK and Pacesetter Sports for 13-15-year-old KTH athletes. The plan was to train and accredit Young Leaders to lead KTHBolts sessions with support from Pacesetter Sports and some parent helpers. Both activities have proved very successful.
In 2018 we plan to reduce the age of entry for KTHBolts down to 6yrs; introduce a Saturday morning session for KTHBolts and Junior Athletes; and start a new wave of Young Leaders after Easter.
We’d also like to introduce assessment/competition weeks for the KTHBolts and junior athletes to measure and recognise progress in our young athletes.
Coaching at KTH 2018
In 2017 we introduced a new Development Squad for U13 and upwards. An area we are keen to grow is multi-event coaching for those who progress from Amanda & Alison’s junior group. Whilst our Middle Distance, Sprinting, Throws, Jumps, Road Running and Jogging groups continue to go from strength to strength, we recognise there is a need to improve the provision of multi-event coaching for junior athletes.
In 2018 we hope to continue to develop our coaching provision in all areas, but particularly with the Development Squad. We are privileged to have direct support from UK Athletics Coach Assessor & Mentor Phil Fleetwood. Phil is working with us for 6 months to develop coaching sessions and plans as well as supporting in developing parent helpers, coaching assistants and coaches.
Social Events 2018
We’re keen to provide more social events for members and have established a social events team for 2018. We hope to build on the Family Day and Christmas Party we held last year, but also allow the take responsibility for our Annual Awards evening in November.
Volunteering at KTH 2018
All the above activity requires the effort of volunteers, coaches and committee members. As we grow and provide more as a club to more athletes, we’re keen to recruit new members to the great team of volunteers we have at Kettering Town Harriers. There are many areas we require support and lots of opportunities to get involved…
Parent helpers to support the KTHBolts and our Young Leader programme; assistant coaches and leaders in running fitness; trainee event officials and event volunteers; volunteers to help run the shop on a day to day basis; volunteers to help maintain equipment & facilities; a webmaster to help maintain the website; committee members to help run the club and ensure we meet our obligations.
Sponsorship at KTH 2018
We know giving time is difficult for some people but there are other ways to contribute. The club received generous donations from a number of individuals and organisations connected with the club in 2017 and hope to increase sponsorship in 2018.
Without support from volunteers and sponsors, we will struggle to achieve what we’d like to as a club.
If you’re interested and think you can help us to maintain and grow the club, we’d love to hear from you, just speak to one of the team at KTH.
Matt Brown, Chairman
On behalf of the team at Kettering Town Harriers