21 January 2014

British Athletics has today launched Club:Connect, a campaign that aims to use major televised athletics events to reward and recognise the vital role that clubs at all levels play in nurturing athletes through their career. Activity will begin at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match, which takes place on Saturday 25 January, and will be continued throughout the indoor season and into the 2014 outdoor season.

As well as a selection of new onsite engagement activities, British Athletics will also host local Glasgow club relays at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match.

For the first time, there will be a club competition at the Sainsbury’s British Indoor Championships on 8-9 February where competing athletes will be able to win points for their club, with the best male and female clubs being awarded a grant from British Athletics.

Cherry Alexander, British Athletics Major Events Director, believes that Club:Connect will improve the way that televised events engage with club members.

She said: “Without doubt, clubs are the cornerstone of the athletics structure in the UK and Club:Connect is a great way for British Athletics to engage with club members, as well as highlight and show appreciation for the fundamental work they do at all levels throughout the year.

“Starting with the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match we will be using our major events to showcase clubs by hosting Club:Connect relays at the beginning of the televised events programme, and the winning clubs (male and female) will receive a grant for their club.

“In addition, for the first time, we will be rewarding and recognising the club that produces the most male and female winners at the Sainsbury’s British Athletics Indoor Championships. We will also do similar for the outdoor Championships and will be developing other initiatives which reward and recognise clubs as we progress to the Sainsbury’s outdoor events.”

Club members will be encouraged to get involved with Club:Connect through various platforms and will be able to join the conversation and send pictures using the hashtag #showyourcolours on Twitter.