Athletics club wins ‘impact ‘ category at Scottish Athletics Awards

Paul Woods (centre) receives the Impact Club of the Year Awards from Team GB marathon runner Derek Hawkins and Scottish Athletics natinal club manager (north) Julie Mollison. Photo: Bobby Gavin

Shetland Amateur Athletics Club (AAC) won the Impact Club of the Year award at the 2016 Scottish Athletics Awards in Glasgow on Saturday evening.

The impact award celebrates the club’s successes in developing the sport in Shetland over the last two years, in a category that was strongly contested by four other Scottish clubs.

The annual awards event took place at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, to recognise the achievements and contributions of top Scottish athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs.

The awards followed the annual club leaders conference which attracted over 100 delegates from across Scotland and other parts of the UK.

Shetland AAC has seen a 145 per cent growth in membership since 2014, and in that time, has developed and supported a pool of over 60 coaches and volunteers.

The club redefined its coaching structure, and prioritised the recruitment of volunteers to deliver an expansive programme of training and local and off-island competition.

The club introduced new member inductions and a detailed programme of strength and conditioning for athletes.

In partnership with Shetland Islands Council and Shetland Recreational Trust, “run, jump and throw” sessions have also been introduced around the isles, to provide a taste of the sport for children aged 11 and under.

SAAC club together officer Paul Woods received the impact award, presented by Team GB athlete Derek Hawkins, who competed in the marathon at this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Woods said: “On behalf of the club I am absolutely delighted to receive this award which is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Shetland athletics.

“We’ve all worked hard to support and encourage new and existing athletes and it’s satisfying to see our efforts recognised by Scottish Athletics, our national governing body.”

Five clubs were nominated in the Impact Club of the Year category: Shetland AAC, Aberdeen AAC, Chirnside Chasers (Berwickshire), Cumbernauld AAC and Springburn Harriers.