Merriwa Little Athletics president Tash Taaffe said she hoped the workshop would inspire youngsters to strive to further improve their skills and mentors to keep striving to “raise the bar” in regional athletics.

“We have managed to secure coaches who are all training athletes competing at state, national and international level,” she explained.

“Mat Horsnell is a highly-respected jumps coach with specialised skills in high jump, Peter Gentz is a brilliant hurdles coach while Simon and Bronwyn White are a powerhouse in running, especially distance events. 

“We have also invited three elite athletes that are performing at a national standard to demonstrate for us which I think the athletes will really benefit from. 

“Bella Stewart is an incredible high jumper, herself a country girl from Narrabri, who has at just 18 managed to navigate her way to an IAAF (world class) ranking. 

“These are the kinds of athletes our members need to meet, to understand how they made it in the tough world of athletics and to inspire them to reach their own potential.”

The full day clinic will cover high, long and triple jump, hurdles, running technique and distance events. 

Coaches, parents and teachers interested in updating their skills encouraged to attend, too.

The clinic is on Saturday, February 2, at the Merriwa No 2 Oval. 

Cost is $50 per athlete. 

Coaches, teachers and parents are free. 

The event’s for registered or non-registered athletes aged U7 to U17. 

For more information or to book, email Tash Taaffe at tashholden@bigpond.com or phone 0458 574 015.