The aim of the University of Warwick Endurance Academy is to increase the number and quality of endurance athletes in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire and in turn to increase the number and quality of teachers and coaches identifying with and supporting these athletes.

From the 1 June, 2010 the University of Warwick Endurance Academy in partnership with England Athletics commenced its hosting of the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) Mc Cain Athletics Network. A cluster of athletics clubs in the sub region working strategically with other local key partners to develop the sport of athletics. The CSW Mc Cain Athletics Network will seek to drive up the quality of endurance coaching, linking with other community groups such as schools and develop the all round quality of athletics provision within clubs in the network.

Below is a summary of the activities of the University of Warwick Endurance Academy for June 2010 listed under the headings established by England Athletics for measuring the effectiveness of each McCain Athletics Network

England Athletics Network impact for Club Structures (Way in which your plans will develop long – lasting beneficial changes in network clubs)

During this month I have met with coaches and club representatives from Leamington C & A.C. and Spa Striders to explain the University of Warwick Endurance Academy and to explore areas where the Academy can assist each club in the network with their individual club development strategy for endurance running. There has also been continuing discussion with coaches and club officials at Coventry Godiva Harriers, Kenilworth Runners, Rugby & Northampton AC and Sphinx AC.

England Athletics Network impact for Coaching (Raising the standards of coaches and coaching)

A month of planning for winter delivery with the following workshops now confirmed, September 11 Academy Coach Workshop – GB coaches Nick Anderson / Bud Baldaro
12 Extended Training Day 1 for teenage athletes / coaches with Nick Anderson / Jo Mersh
18 Academy Coach Workshop - Common Running Injuries with GB physio Mark Buckingham 22 Academy Coach Workshop - Strength & Conditioning with Max Jones

October Academy Coach Practical Workshop – S & C with Max Jones various weekend dates 24 Proposed date for Extended Training Day 2

England Athletics Network impact for encouraging Wider Partnerships

During June I attended meetings with King Henry VIII School, the University of Warwick Athletics Club and Dr Rob James, Director of the Sport and Exercise Science Applied Research Group at Coventry University. Information on my meeting with King Henry VIII School is given below. For the University of Warwick AC I have started to investigate how I can assist this club to develop its coaching workforce while with Dr James we are considering how the applied research services of Coventry University can be offered to CSW coach / athlete partnerships at preferential terms.

England Athletics impact to Sustain (How will you sustain participation within clubs and continue the activities you implement)

Our new partnership agreement with King Henry VIII School confirms that Norma Pugh and David Dix will share their coaching expertise with two identified teachers from the school and organise a school conditioning class for their students.

England Athletics impact to Excel (How will you ensure that talent pathways are in place across the clubs and networks to nurture and develop talented athletes and their coaches?)

I attended the England Athletics Flying Coach visit of Nick Anderson to Birmingham University on 16 June and as a follow up I have agreed with Nick that he will lead the University of Warwick Endurance Academy training day on 12 September and facilitate a coach workshop on the Saturday with CSW Athletics Network coaches to consider how we can improve the transition of local junior athletes into successful senior athletes. This weekend will also act as the official launch of the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Mc Cain Athletics Network.

Additional activities as part of my work for the University of Warwick Endurance Academy

I have supported and provided advice to the Physical Education and Sport Department to develop a series of running trials around the University Campus as part of the Active Warwick Vision 2015 (A strategy to create by 2015 the most active University community in the UK)

I have met with the newly elected executive of the University of Warwick Athletics Club considering how my role can assist their work and any additional support that I can offer to ensure student athletes stay active involved with the student athletics club through out their University career and then to develop links with other clubs in the area for those students of the University of Warwick who remain in the region after graduation.

Further Action Required

One of stated goals of the CSW Athletic Network is to create an endurance steering group bringing together at least one endurance coach from each club in the CSW Network to supply advice on the current operation and programme of the University of Warwick Endurance Academy but to explore how these coaches working together could continue the coach development activities of the Academy once the support of the McCain Athletics Network concludes. David Dix asked for club support for identifying a senior endurance coach from each club who might consider taking on this role.