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March saw the Launch of Leicestershire’s very first Athletics Academy.The new initiative which moves Wreake Runners into a new chapter in its 30 year existence began at Syston Rugby Club on 11th March. Although being a member of a Track and Field league for three years, the club have not solely concentrated on athletics coaching in the past. The Wreake Athletics Academy changes this and  will focus on a multi-event, young people development programme, which introduces athletes to the fundamental skills of athletics, vital to every sport and is aimed initially at seven to 12 year olds, with plans to expand the scheme later to embrace athletes of 13+.The academy will focus not only on how fast someone runs or how far someone jumps or throws but also, more importantly, on developing the technical skills, ‘how’ to run, jump and throw, required to perform at full potential and move like a champion. In addition to technical skill the Academy will also look at an athlete’s physical, mental and emotional development, as well as their lifestyle and social development. Progressive StagesThe Athletics academy programme is broken down into nine progressive stages. Each stage provides athletes with new and progressively more difficult challenges appropriate to their stage of development and will encourage athletes to learn all the skills and events of athletics, and will reinforce the importance of a good all round skill base. Athletes will be able to progress in stages similar to progression in other sports, such as the martial arts ‘belt system.’ The Wreake Athletics Academy are hoping to produce Leicestershire’s very first Athletics Blackbelt!Sarah Coleman who is lead coach at the Academy commented: “This is a fantastic chance for budding athletes to really gain the skills needed to run, jump and throw like an Olympic athlete. They will learn the skills which will be transferable into other sports as well and then put them into action, the sessions are designed to be key to developing athleticism and will also be great fun!” The Wreake Athletics Academy launched at 4.00pm to 5.15pm on 11th March at Syston Rugby Club and continues throughout the year. For more information regarding the Wreake Atheltics Academy please contact John.skevington@hotmail.com or look on www.wreakerunners.co.uk