Southern Athletics League: Contribute to the push for promotion!

What is the SAL?

In the Southern Athletics League (SAL), we compete as a combined Women’s and Men’s team against other clubs in four Track & Field meetings. At each meeting there is a full programme of track events, from 100m up to either 5000m or 3000m, including Hurdles and Steeplechase (1500-3000m) and all field events. You can click to access the detailed 2024 Timetable (Div 1 & 2) here. Two women and two men (minimum age 15) are selected to score in each event by our SAL Captain, Tony MacDowall, and the coaching team. The points each athlete scores contribute to our result on the day and our league position over the season. Additional athletes can compete as non-scorers (subject to capacity), to hone their skills.

This year’s fixtures

Sat 18 May – Dartford
Sat 15 June – Stevenage
Sun 14 July – Mile End
Sat 17 August – Hemel Hempstead

More details about the SAL can be found here

We are a club on the up

Last season, we finished 6^th in Division Two (NE), up from 14^th. Two areas we improved in most were over women’s middle and longer distances, where we were competitive and well-coordinated, filling every scoring slot, and in women’s field events, where some of our younger athletes contributed strongly. To continue our resurgence, we need our competitive male athletes to match that contribution more consistently. And we need to avoid gaps and having only one or no scorers in so many events, especially in the field.

Contribute as an athlete, an official and a supporter

We will reach out to some potential team members to check availability soon. You should also register your interest in competing on Spond or by contacting Tony MacDowall, Lily Zechmann, Alan MacDonald or any of the coaching team. Don’t be put off by thinking this competition is only for elite athletes. A glance at results from last year’s Mile End meeting, here reveals a wide range of abilities. A good score, especially in the B races, is often less demanding than you might think. While in some of the less popular field events, just completing a legal jump or throw, or completing a steeplechase or hurdles race, can net us very good points! We also score points for providing Officials. Alf Vickers coordinates this and is always looking for new volunteers. Supporters are always welcome and help recreate our great club spirit everywhere we go!

Try something new

Have a go at some events you’ve not tried since school (if ever) and you may discover hidden talents. At the least, you can have fun and pick up some valuable team points! To help you prepare, there will be taster sessions at Mile End track, where you can try your hand at Jumps, Throws and Steeplechase/Hurdling technique. The first will be on Saturday 13^th April at 12.00-14.00. Alf Vickers, Cornelia Abe-Minale and the rest of the coaching team are always happy to help with a few pointers.