2) How safe is training/my child at training?

While here at Southend AC we try our very best to comfort and make all our athletes feel safe, there are risks as with any training, but yourself/child can take some steps to make it safe by:

=    Not leaving your bag out of sight:

Such as in the leisure centre…please leave your bag in lockers provided in the equipment store room from which can be seen at all times by members from the club.

 

=    Try not to bring too many valuables to training:

Whilst we advise athletes to try and not bring many too many valuables to training, we are aware that mobile phones are seen as a necessity by some; however mp3 players, iPods, etc are not:

 

>> PLEASE NOTE: MP3 PLAYERS/IPODS ARE BAND FROM ALL OFFICIAL TRACK COMPETITIONS <<

 

If you chose to bring you phone, we advise that you do not make it obvious that you have it on your persons, likewise with mp3 players/iPods…the club can not be held responsible for the theft of such items.

Whilst we are not trying to take the enjoyment out of training by forcing you not to bring such items, we wish for all our athletes to have a safe and secure time whilst training.

 

=    Making sure you are prepared for training

Please make sure you ‘pack’ appropriate clothing with a suitable bag: waterproof clothes, jackets, trousers, spikes, etc, from which you can fit into a bag and then place in the lockers providing by the club.

 

If you are new to the club then do not worry about the issue of spikes straight away! Dependant on the type of training you/your child wishes to take part in, middle distance, sprint, etc, the club can give you advise as to where to buy such spikes.

Runners Edge (http://www.runners-edge.co.uk/) is the closest shop in the borough of Southend.

Brining fluids with you, especially in the summer as well as the winter! Whilst the club does provide free bottles of water to any athlete throughout the year, we also advise you do bring an energy drink of some sort every session.

Remembering any medication that is required and making sure that your fellow athletes are aware as to where it is in case it is required during training and you are not near the location of it.

It is also essential that you tell your coach of any recent injuries or medical requirements: i.e. asthma. This is for your own safety as well as that of others training at the track.

 

3) What if my child finds it too hard at training?

Here at Southend AC, everyone is treated as an individual.

From the day you start, whether your 14 or 41, the first few training sessions you will not do as much as others in your group, simple as! Your coach will firstly access your performance over the first few weeks of training from which they will work out you ability. If your child does find the training hard, it would be best to discuss such issues with the child's coach, from which they will give you reassurance of any issues.