Award for athletics club

SHETLAND Amateur Athletics Club (AAC) has won the “impact club of the year” prize at the 2016 Scottish Athletics Awards.

The award, presented at a ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday evening, celebrates the club’s successes in developing the sport in Shetland over the last two years. The category was strongly contested by four other Scottish clubs.

The award ceremony, at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, took place following the annual club leaders’ conference, which attracted over 100 delegates from across Scotland and other parts of the UK.

Shetland AAC has seen a 145 per cent growth in membership since 2014 and has developed and supported a pool of over 60 coaches and volunteers.

The club redefined its coaching structure and prioritised the recruitment of volunteers to deliver an expansive programme of training and local and off-island competition.

It introduced new member inductions and a detailed programme of strength and conditioning for athletes.

In partnership with Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Recreational Trust, “run, jump and throw” sessions have also been introduced around the isles to provide a taste of the sport for children aged 11 and under.

Paul Woods of Shetland AAC received the award, presented by Team GB athlete Derek Hawkins, who competed in the marathon event at this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Woods said: “On behalf of the club, I am absolutely delighted to receive this award which is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Shetland athletics.

“We’ve all worked hard to support and encourage new and existing athletes and it’s satisfying to see our efforts recognised by Scottish Athletics, our national governing body.”

The other four nominees in the impact club of the year category were Aberdeen AAC, Chirnside Chasers from Berwickshire, Cumbernauld AAC and Springburn Harriers.