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Good afternoon,
I am writing in response to the piece in the JEP today asking for opinions on the above.
I think this is a great idea and essential to ensure Jersey is pushing its athletes to their potential. I also feel that the Move More' initiative is brilliant at targeting a huge number of otherwise inactive individuals. But even with 'elite' and the move more' areas catered for, where does that leave a large number of other athletes who may not reach elite level but are committed and progressing through their sport and also need help to achieve perhaps UK age group rankings or similar? This is an area which is getting more and more popular and certainly there are Jersey residents who would be able to qualify for and represent Jersey in.
Something that the Jersey Sport Foundation did which may or may not be picked up through these discussions is not only to support elite potentials through a pathway but also to support community athletes who were able to show their commitment and upward trajectory in their area.
Looking just at athletics on the island the current offering is poor. I have to travel to the UK if I am to run a race that will have UKA accreditation yet Jersey could offer this and does but only for a handful of races. I wonder how many other athletes are in this position where the offering of races in Jersey does not give them the opportunity to get a result that holds the UKA licence which is essential for any selection to happen. The races that do happen are all great in their own right and I am not dismissing them but I am highlighting that certain areas are not being covered.
Children are supported seemingly well through Jersey Spartan Athletics Club but adults, although welcomed, are very few. A number of smaller run clubs have established themselves because the JSAC doesn't cater for everyone sufficiently and there is no other athletics club with a run track to join. One look at the Guernsey Athletics website shows an up to date, vibrant community. Sadly it is not the same for JSAC. Is there anyone responsible for looking into athletics long term or is it grouped together under sports?
If I am not in touch with the right team for this then please do let me know and I will follow up with the right person.
I hope that although my opinions are solely relating to athletics that they are useful, and that they are not seen as negative but encouraging to help more athletes in Jersey.