User:Mattashdene/Tavistock Athletic Club

Tavistock Athletic Club was formed in 1985 to promote athletics in all of its forms in the area, and at present is going through a very successful phase with over 200 members drawn from all over West Devon and East Cornwall. In 2010 the club celebrates it's 25th birthday.

Introduction
The club prides itself on being friendly, and welcomes all newcomers whatever their ability, regardless as to whether or not they have previously belonged to a club. It caters for all abilities,from first time joggers to seasoned athletes.

The club competes throughout the year with individuals and teams taking part in Cross Country, Road and off-Road races as well as Track & Field meetings.

Tavistock AC boasts a large number of fully qualified coaches who have contributed to their success. The club has an active programme to ensure its coaches upgrade their skills, whilst adhering to all the Codes of Conduct laid down by the parent body, UK Athletics.

Money raised from membership fees is spent on hiring the College facilities, affiliation fees, the purchase of equipment, courses for coaches and competition fees for members representing the club in the various leagues.

Notable Athletes

 * Heather Fell - Modern Pentathlon silver medallist at the Beijing Olympic Games, 2008


 * Adam Holland - holds the world record for being the youngest person to have completed 100 marathons


 * Peter Freedman - ended the 2008 season win the top 100 best times for the 10k, though he is main sport is triathlon

Training
The club trains st Tavistock College, throughout the year. Due to investment from the club, from Tavistock College & Kelly College and through lottery funding, a competition standard 6 lane track has been built.

Juniors
There are currently seven main junior training groups and two 'specialist' groups, including:


 * Sprint
 * Endurance
 * Throws (specialist)
 * Jumps (specialist)

Seniors
There are 5 main training groups which, between them, cater for all abilities and preferences. These groups focus on running which can be on the track, the road or on Dartmoor. The club is said to be planning more categories for seniors, such as sprint, hurdles and field events groups.

The groups are named after famous athletes


 * Coe (Seb Coe)
 * Holmes (Kelly Holmes)
 * Radcliffe (Paula Radcliffe)
 * Bedford

Competitions


The club partakes in several competitions throughout both the Track and Field and XC seasons. These are the Devon Open Series, the Brooks Westward XC League and the Devon Sportshall League. The latter is for athletes up to the U17's category. Tavistock also joins forces with Plymouth AC and Erme Valley Harriers to form the Armada Athletics Forum, who compete in the South West League.



The club is also host to several events. The Tavy 7, a seven mile run on Dartmoor, attracts runners from around the country and is Tavistock AC's most popular event. Tavistock is also host to The Tavy 13 half marathon and the Tavy Town Relays.

Tavistock AC plan to hold one of the five meetings of the Devon Open Series on its recently opened 6 lane competition standard athletics track for the 2011 season.

Club Committee
The club has a general committee to deal with the day to day running of the club.