大象传媒

Talented sportsmen and sportswomen have been trained and raised at the Staffordshire club for 53 years.听
The club covers many disciplines from cross country running to pole-vaulting and there are still membership places.听 For less than 拢100 a year you can run, jump and throw to your heart鈥檚 delight for seven days a week!

Emma Jackson and Alex Nelson are only two of the many talented stars that have trained at the Stoke-based club and whose futures appear to be incredibly bright.

Northwood

Northwood Stadium is an impressive structure, and looks slightly out of place in the outskirts of Hanley.听 A quick glance at the bright white lines on the orange track and the hoards of runners racing around the track, you could be mistaken that you were at an Olympic Stadium.听听

I opted for the shelter of the cosy clubhouse and a cup of tea while I talked to Iris Morris, the club鈥檚 secretary, instead of donning my running shoes.听 She looked on admiringly at the young hopefuls trained behind her, and proudly pointed out the framed photos of the young athletes at international competitions such as the IAAF World Junior Championships.

Iris feels that the club is like a big family and training of youngsters helps to give them direction and focus.听 And, as Iris told me, with the problems at the moment of trying to get kids to participate and enjoy sport, including her own daughter who also had a career at the club, the City of Stoke Athletics Club is an ideal place to start to build self confidence and motivation.

The good news is that anyone can get involved.听 Iris told me, 鈥淲hether you are sporty or not, we always need stewards and officials as well as athletes.听 Many people start by coming with their friends, we have a great family atmosphere here at Northwood.鈥�

I asked Iris what has kept her at the club for 30 years and how she sees the future for Staffordshire鈥檚 athletes.