Athletics: Derbyshire Athletics Network is launched

FORMER World Indoor Champion Daniel Caines is to head up a new athletics initiative in Derbyshire.

The Derbyshire Athletics Network was launched last night at Derby AC's Moorways Stadium home with £40,000 of funding from England Athletics.

The initiative sees the county's three main athletics clubs – Amber Valley AC and Chesterfield & District AC, as well as Derby – teaming up to make the most of their resources.

The network is one of a number set up around the country, with sponsorship from food company McCain, and Derbyshire's is among the first to be selected and awarded funding by England Athletics.

Caines, who won the World Indoor Championships 400m title in Lisbon in 2001, when he was 21, has been appointed network co-ordinator after the clubs interviewed five of 14 applicants for the post.

He will work around 20 hours per week for the network.

"What they're after in Derbyshire is someone to co-ordinate the coaching," said Caines.

"Clubs have strengths in certain areas, weaknesses in others. We want to bring the strengths together.

"I also want to be able to tap into my own network, outside the East Midlands, and do things like bringing in 'flying coaches'.

"You bring in an experienced coach to develop specific areas and that, hopefully, becomes an ongoing relationship."

The network itself will be managed by a governing body of representatives from the three clubs, supported by England Athletics club and coach support officer Steve Moore.

Principally, the network's aim will be to enhance and drive up the quality of athletics coaching.

It will aim to improve links with community groups, such as schools, and increase competition in clubs.

Another key objective is to increase participation levels in the sport at all ages.

Derby AC track and field captain Phil Harries, himself a former Olympian, welcomed the initiative.

"This is a great idea. I'm sure all of the clubs will retain their individuality but it makes sense to work together," said Harries.

"There's already been quite a lot of sharing of ideas, equipment – and even athletes – between the clubs.

"But the important thing about Daniel's appointment is that no-one could accuse him of favouring any one club. He'll come into this with a completely open view."

The network's governing body will include Derby AC coach Keith Bullock, Amber Valley AC coach and founder member Jim Feeney, Richard Pentin, from the Chesterfield club, and Barry Parker, representing the county athletics association.

Bullock said: "There has always been good competition between the clubs on the track but, to be honest, we've perhaps been a little cautious or jealous about each other off the track.

"I think the big difference now is that, since we've been round the table discussing the network, we've recognised that we all have the same problems, such as recruitment of youngsters, coaches and officials and the retention of young talent.

"I believe we are washing away that old suspicion and there's a lot we can do to help each other.

"I think the network can be more effective than previous things we've tried.

"One of the big things I want to talk to Daniel about is recruitment – we do well with youngsters but I'd like to get more people in their 20s back into athletics.

"There are enough people pounding treadmills in gyms and I think some of them could enjoy getting involved."