Club in the Spotlight: Reading Athletics Club
In a bid to foster athletic prowess and community involvement, Reading Athletics Club has recently intensified its activities at the Palmer Park Sports Stadium. Situated in the heart of Reading, the stadium has become a hub of activity for members of all ages and abilities within the club.
Founded over a century ago, making it one of the oldest athletics clubs in the UK, Reading Athletics Club has continually strived to promote fitness, camaraderie, and sporting excellence. With the Palmer Park Sports Stadium as its base, the club has found an ideal venue to expand its initiatives.
The stadium, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, has become a focal point for the club's training sessions, accommodating athletes from various disciplines including track and field, long-distance running, and even para-athletics. Its well-maintained tracks, fields, and gymnasium provide an ideal environment for members to hone their skills and achieve their fitness goals.
Beyond training, the partnership between Reading Athletics Club and Palmer Park Sports Stadium has also enhanced community engagement. The club actively hosts events and competitions, inviting local schools, organizations, and residents to participate and spectate. These events not only showcase the talents of the club's athletes but also serve as a platform to promote health and fitness within the broader community. Boasting some impressive alumni, including; Kathy Cook, Jonathan Davis and Matt Treston - to name a few - RAC continue to see some very promising talent come through their programms, including current athlete Charlotte Payne, who will be looking to represent GB in the Hammerthrow event at this Summer's Olympic Games in Paris. GLL are also proud to be sponsoring Charlotte this year as a GLL Sports Foundation Athlete. To find out more about the GLL Sport Foundation, click here.
Moreover, the club has implemented outreach programs aimed at introducing youngsters to athletics, offering coaching sessions and taster events to inspire the next generation of athletes. Through these initiatives, Reading Athletics Club seeks to instill a love for sport and healthy living in the youth of Reading.
Commenting on the partnership, club Chairman, Julie Rayfield say "Having Palmer Park, with all its facilities, as our base is vital for the success of our club. We have developed a good working partnership with staff to ensure that all equipment and athletics facilities are kept up to date and well maintained. This means we are equipped to cater for a full range of athletes, from beginners right through to potential Olympic athletes".
With the collaboration between Reading Athletics Club and Palmer Park Sports Stadium flourishing, the future looks promising for both athletic excellence and community involvement in Reading.
Click below for more information on the club and how to get involved: