Get Set for Startrack

The first Startrack Summer Schemes have kicked off in Newry, Mourne and Down District. The Startrack scheme is Athletics NI's flagship grassroots athletics programme which aims to introduce young people aged 8 to 15 years old to sport and help them to develop their skills.

The roll out of the schemes this year included locations in Antrim, Belfast, Downpatrick and Newry.They are led by qualified coaches and every year more than 20,000 children take part across the UK, with approximately 1,000 being from Northern Ireland.

St. Colman’s Sports Complex Newry and Down High School Pitches Downpatrick were the joint venues to avail of the two day event within the Newry, Mourne and Down District with over 40 children from across the district in attendance.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said, “I am thrilled the Startrack Summer Schemes have made a positive impact in our district. Startrack is a great way of helping young athletes make the transition from school to club athletics in a safe and enjoyable environment. With the success of other athletics programmes across the province together with the up and coming 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, it is exciting to have such a good turnout for the first Startrack Scheme. I look forward to hearing and sharing all achievements from this scheme.”

Laura Kerr, Coach Development and Physical Preparation Lead for Athletics NI added, “The syllabus of activity has been carefully designed to include all the fundamental building blocks of athleticism. Athletics NI’s professional coaches ensure that every child has the opportunity to progress in the Running, Jumping and Throwing events of athletics during our Startrack schemes. Sessions included will be dynamic warm up, running drills, starting techniques, jumping and landing activities, pull and push style throwing and hurdling techniques. There will also be a focus on age appropriate physical conditioning. This is an opportunity not to be missed for any child who would like to experience athletics for the first time or progress their skills and movement competency.”

To find out more about Startrack please contact adam@athleticsni.org or visit www.athleticsni.org.

For track bookings or pitch bookings at St. Colman’s Sports Complex, Newry please contact 028 3025 6166 or email peter.smyth@nmandd.org

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