Attracting kids to Athletics

Manager of Bournemouth Athletics Club says many efforts have been made to get youngsters into athletics.

John Rumbold believes in Athletics, there is an event for everyone.  He said:  “No matter how tall, small or fat, there’s something for you.  Everybody can either run, jump or throw.

“The confidence it gives you certainly as a youngster, to excel at something in life, can go on for your whole life.  No doubt about it.”

The club sent leaflets off to eighty schools in the Dorset region, asking them to try their hand at athletics and join the club.

The results saw only forty children attend one of the club’s weekly sessions.  Of these, only a handful stayed on to become a club member.

The Story of Mr Rumbold’s Son

 

John Rumbold describes how his son found confidence through Athletics.

 

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The main stand at Bournemouth Athletics Club

Mr Rumbold feels that the lack of attention top British Athletes get in the media may prevent many children from getting into Athletics. 

He said: “Jonathan Edwards was Olympic and World Champion at the triple-jump yet he didn’t get anywhere near as much coverage as David Beckham.

“Without a role model to look up to these kids are turning elsewhere and looking at other sports.”

Additionally, he feels that within Athletics there is a disparity between the coverage of various events.

“Going to an Athletics meeting is far different from seeing it on TV.  There’s lots more going on than just the hundred metres." bac2

The track at Bournemouth Athletics Club