newsletter

Holland Sports AC Newsletter - July 2008

Alf Martin

Much to report since the last newsletter but first of all I was very upset to hear from Sandra, his daughter, the sad news that the founder of Holland Sports Athletics Club, Alf Martin, passed away in June.

I have very fond memories of the good times we had at Holland Sports Athletic Club, in no small part due to Alf’s leadership. Alf was a great motivator and, although he was a disciplinarian, he made the training fun and there was always a lot of laughter – he always had a twinkle in his eye.

I have to thank Alf for persuading or rather inspiring me to take up coaching not long after I bought my daughter Ellie down to the club 23 years ago, as it has given me much enjoyment and fulfilment.

Alf was an inspiration to many including me and if my achievements as a coach approach anywhere near Alf’s standard then I will be more than pleased and thankful for his guidance. The club went through a difficult period but is currently flourishing again and I know that Alf would be proud – our efforts now will be tribute to Alf. I am glad to report that his granddaughter Shannon is now a member of the club.

Track Improvements

Many of you will have read in the local newspapers publicity about the club. This helps to raise our profile and obtain support for funding to make improvements to the track. We have persuaded the Council to lay more redgra on the track so shortly it will look much better.

New Coaches

Last issue I mentioned that a number of parents and helpers were going on coaching courses. I am pleased to report that the following are now qualified.

Ian Miles (Liam’s Dad)
Arnold Rady
Anne Rady
Gaynor Thurbin
Tanya Shaw

Let us know if you are interested in becoming a coach & talk to those who have been on courses to see what it entails. There are a number of others who will shortly be doing the course.

New Times for Throwing Training

In view of the dangers when javelins, hammers & discuses are being thrown, throwing training will be from 8.00 – 8.30pm.

Track Discipline

Whilst mentioning dangers I must emphasise track discipline. Athletes must pay attention particularly when crossing the track as if someone is running at speed they can not stop. Also when athletes are hurdling do not walk across their path or shout at them – it is important for the athlete to be focused when hurdling. Finally if you are on the track and someone behind you yells track it means move out of your lane.

Warming Up

I can not emphasise enough the importance of ALL athletes warming up which includes the seniors who should set an example to the others. If your muscles are not warm before you start serious training, then you stand a good chance of straining or pulling a muscle. Going back to Alf’s day if an athlete messed around in warm up there was not training for him/her that day – guess what everyone warmed up properly!

Club Records

Take a look at the club records. It is about time that some of these records were beaten so come on everyone turn up at the competitions.

Congratulations to Zach Leveridge for breaking the U13 200 metre record by 3/10ths of a second on 20th July in the NYAL – this was a record which had stood for 15 years!

Congratulations also to Roisin Jackson for breaking the U11 Girls 60m and 150m records.

Star Athlete Profile: Roisin Jackson (in her own words)

Full Name:

Roisin Sorcha Jackson

Date of Birth:

16^th October 1997

Personal Bests

60m	25.0s	16-07-08
150m	10.0secs	16-07-08
Long Jump	3m 45cm	16-07-08

Most pleasing performance

When I all most over took the fastest runner at Holland Sports. It was very exciting for me to be cheered on by everyone.

What I enjoy most about training

It is great fun and every time I go I think I get better and better. I also like to meet up with good friends and friends who I don't see every day.

What I like least about training

I don't like to use the small hurdles, it is too easy for me. But the small people need to practise on them so we have to use them too.

Aims

To qualify for the Olympics.

Hobbies

Ice skating, collecting Hello Kitty items and watching funny videos on you-tube. Ho yes and running.

Favourite Food

That's easy, Indian - Popadoms with mango chutney, Chicken Korma, chapati and peshwari naan. Also any kind of pasta.

Favourite TV Programme

I enjoy Holly Oaks because I love watching the dramatic fall outs.

Favourite Music

At the moment I love listening to Cascada and Basshunter, I like singing along with my best friends.

Coach's Comment

Roisin always tries hard and her success in claiming two of our club records is well deserved. She is also a fun member of the team, always smiling.

London Marathon

I noticed at training this week that Gaynor Thurbin (Mother of Juliet) was wearing a London Marathon top. On asking Gaynor where she acquired the top she informed me proudly that she had completed the marathon in the impressive time of 4 hours 10 minutes and that next year she hoped to run under 4 hours. If there are other club members who enter the ballot for a marathon place and are rejected our club usually receives 2 places that you can apply for.

This year I helped load the baggage buses – for 45 minutes we had to work like crazy. After loading many bags one man came up distraught asking for his bag back as he needed something out of it!

I have run 10 marathons the last one many years ago! My favourite was the New York Marathon, so good I ran it twice.

Maybe I can get Gaynor to write a piece on her marathon experience?

Website

We've made some changes to the website, mainly to the colours. Let us know what you think. What other improvements would you like to see made to the website? Email us with your thoughts and suggestions and we'll see what we can do. Click here to send us your message.

May Newsletter

Click here to read the May newsletter.

Nigel Bongers – Editor