Around 75 junior athletes from Denman and Merriwa converged on Wednesday at the Denman oval for a great night of training with one of Australia’s premier runners.
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Clinic facilitator was Athletics NSW recreational running coordinator Scott Westcott, also a world and Australian champion long distance runner.
“This clinic focused on the more technical events of athletics like throws and jumps," he said.
“We wanted to improve not only the skill level of athletes but provide a few tips and ideas for the coaches as well."
In his role as development officer with Athletics NSW since 2008, Mr Westcott said he had noticed a sharp decline in the number of available coaches across NSW.
“There is a huge shortage of qualified coaches in athletics, so the more we can do to encourage parents to take part the better,” he said.
Denman Little Athletics president Jo Holt said it was great for athletes and parents to receive training from a professional athlete and coach.
“We have been fortunate to have Scott up from Newcastle to coach a few times," she said.
“He presents familiar athletics events such as shot put, discus, high jump and long jump in a different way using skills and drills that are fun yet effective."
Little Athletics NSW Hunter zone coordinator John Watson from Singleton was also on hand during the clinic to facilitate an introduction to coaching course for parents on the same night.
“We are always looking for helpers to assist with training which is why we wanted to hold a coaching clinic for parents as well," he said.
“The clinic was a confidence booster and gave parents lots of new coaching ideas which we look forward to putting into practice at training,” Mrs Holt said.
Fifteen Merriwa athletes joined in with the Denman team for the clinic in what is hoped will be the first of several joint training opportunities this season.