THE Queen s School, Wisbech is taking the first steps towards becoming an important centre for Fenland athletics. The school, currently applying for specialist sports college status, is looking to encourage the development of athletics in the area with ne

THE Queen's School, Wisbech is taking the first steps towards becoming an important centre for Fenland athletics.

The school, currently applying for specialist sports college status, is looking to encourage the development of athletics in the area with new coaching sessions in the spring.

These sessions will aim to bring more qualified athletics coaches to Fenland, an area that is desperately short of athletics facilities, according to Jonathan Holmes, director of sport and assistant headteacher at Queen's.

He said: "I am one of many people who are concerned at the state of athletics in the area and in particular, the lack of a base at which young athletes can train."

Holmes has been involved in recent key meetings with England Athletics' regional development co-ordinator, Gwyn Potts, and Wisbech-based athletics coach, Paul Merrell.

Holmes said: "It is imperative that we work closely with the athletics governing bodies with a view to setting up a well-equipped Fenland athletics club in the future.

"However, the first step is to develop coaching and ensure that young local athletes can work with a qualified coach."

He added: "Eventually, we would like to create a Fenland athletics centre at The Queen's School comprising of running tracks and jumping pits.

"Such facilities would complement the school's state-of-the-art sports facilities and give local athletes the opportunity to train without travelling long distances."

* ANYONE interested in getting involved in The Queen's School's athletics coaching sessions should contact Jonathan Holmes on 07941 670065.