Crows are a runaway success
THE summer running season is now well underway and, thanks to the Royston Crows, the future of the sport in the area appears to be very bright. Founded in July 2006, the Crows are the junior club of the Royston Runners, catering for children between nine
THE summer running season is now well underway and, thanks to the Royston Crows, the future of the sport in the area appears to be very bright.
Founded in July 2006, the Crows are the junior club of the Royston Runners, catering for children between nine and 15.
The club is the brainchild of professional running coaches Wendy Gaisford and Chris Maxwell, and offers children the chance to run both for fun and competitively.
A mixture of fun runs, cross country, and track and field events allow children to explore their potential.
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And, in the short space of time that the club has been in existence, there are already plenty of success stories.
Wendy said: "We have some really talented athletes. We have had county selections for two of the girls, Sophie Jones and Emma Calder, with cross country."
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And two to watch for in the future include Joe Maude, 12, and Gus Rees, who, at 10, is the club's youngest runner.
When children reach the end of their time with the Crows, they can join the senior Royston Runners.
Wendy said: "Since Royston Crows started we've had two 15-year-olds go to the Royston Runners and, at the same time, they've bought their friends along, so the club has gained four new members."
The club has three Level 2 qualified UK athletics coaches in Gaisford, Maxwell, and Malcolm Hall, but, despite the success that the Crows have had, Wendy admits she would love to welcome more coaches to the club.
She said: "My idea for the future is to have a big enough club with enough coaches to be able to cater for both youngsters who want to run for fun, and those who want to be really competitive.
"I would like to have sport for all with enough coaches to do everything."
From June-September, the Crows train on Mondays from 6-7pm at the Heath Sports Club, and Thursdays, also from 6-7pm at Meridian School.
Membership costs £25 for a full year, and discounted rates are available for new members. Non-members can also take part at the cost of £1.50 per session.
Membership forms can be downloaded from www.royston-runners.org.uk or, alternatively, contact Wendy Gaisford on 01223 208816 or Chris Maxwell on 01763 837 144.
If you are interested in coaching and would like to help the Crows, contact Wendy Gaisford on 01223 208 816 or w.gaisford@hotmail.com.
