News

The council have updated us on the plans to reopen the track and this will not happen for at least 4 weeks. We are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that training can return in a safe way for all. There will be updates on this page and the website when we have further details. Thank you to those who returned the survey, we will be in touch when we have an opening date.

The Club’s committee are currently working with Stevenage Borough Council to restart training in small groups as soon as possible. All members have been sent a link to a survey so we can find out who wishes to return to training. To be included in plans for the resumption of training members must complete the survey by Wednesday 24th June.

The training landscape will be very different and all athletes and coaches will be expected to follow self distancing guidelines and safety protocols. Once athletes or parents have completed the survey, the stadium recommissioned, maintenance carried out and risk assessments completed coaches will be inviting groups of 5 athletes at a time to sessions on set dates. Only those athletes invited will be able to train at that session and payment must be made in advance via BACS.

There will be staggered start times and no more than 30 individuals will be on the track at any time. Athletes must be collected promptly and there maybe no access to the pavilion or stand.

There are areas of the track that will not be in use when we return – specifically high jump and pole vault beds. All throwing equipment will need cleaning after use each session.

It will take a few weeks for SBC to carry out general maintenance the track so we don’t envisage the restart to be before mid July.

England Athletics have reviewed the guidance offered to athletes, coaches and facilities in light of changes to Government guidance. Further details are on the EA website and can be found at https://www.englandathletics.org/athletics-and-running/news/guidance-update-step-2/ . We still do not know when Stevenage Borough Council will recommission the Stadium but when they do it will be a month before it is open to allow for all systems to be tested and full risk assessments carried out by both SBC and the Club. The Club will not be able to return to any form of training at the track until these risk assessments reach EA standards so we have full insurance cover. Some coaches may be offering 1-1 sessions and small group sessions in public spaces but only after they have carried out the necessary risk assessments (which must be available for athletes and parents to see). Individual coaches will contact athletes if they are offering these.

Small group training will not commence until SNHAC know which coaches are able to coach and when they are available. Some may not be able to return due to ongoing health issues or family self-isolation. It is likely that capacity on the track will be significantly less than normal due to self-distancing guidelines and a booking system may be in operation. Further details will be available once we have a possible date for reopening.

In the meantime please see the Home Training plans and list of Zoom sessions listed on the website.

Keep well and keep checking the website.

While training at the track is still suspended we are running a number of zoom training sessions for different groups. If you are a member and do not receive an invite but would like further details please send us a message by emailing snhacchair@gmail.com and we will put you in touch with the coach.

Zoom Sessions:

• Sunday 31st May LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 1st June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 4th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation only
• Sunday 7th June Endurance Group circuits & core
• Monday 8th June Primary School circuits invitation only
• Thursday 11th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits invitation only
• Sunday 14 June LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 15th June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 18th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation only
• Sunday 21st June Endurance Group circuits & core
• Monday 22nd June Primary School circuits
• Thursday 25th June Advanced Pole Vault circuits, invitation
• Sunday 28th LJ/TJ circuits 10.30am
• Monday 29th June Primary School circuits

Members of Stevenage and North Herts Athletics Club have been finding novel ways of keeping fit during ‘lock down’. Parks, fields, gardens and garages have been the venues of choice to train and stay fit since the Ridlins Stadium closed in March. Coaches have been setting home training plans and the Club Website has lots of ideas on it to improve strength, mobility and fitness. Many squads have been taking advantage of Zoom circuit sessions. Multi event athletes and hurdlers have been using Club training hurdles in the park or their gardens – Heptathletes Connie and Maddie hurdling in the Park. Throwers have been inventive – Libby has been using a pallet in a field to train for the hammer and Dani using a javelin ball in her local park. Pole Vaulter Aimee – has rings and ropes set up in the garage.

Have you got a training picture to share for SNHAC COVID Dairies?