Special Recognition Award – October 2021
Paul Darney
The club would like to recognise and thank Paul for all his hard work with the Cross Country.
At the last fixture in Llandaff Fields and due to the lack of volunteers Paul manned the finishing funnel collecting finishing discs and ensuring the athletes had the correct results for all 8 races and a total of 4 hours. Paul in 80 next year!
Congratulations and thank you Paul
If it wasn’t for volunteers like Paul, then the club’s athletes would not be able to compete. If you could spare any time, even just an hour please contact the club office.
Special Recognition Award - Oct 2021
Daniel Mckerlich
The club would like the recognise and thank Daniel Mckerlich for stepping forward and reopening the Club Café. Dan has done this whilst fitting it around his own training.
Thank you Dan, everyone can now enjoy a nice hot cup of tea and cake.
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Special Recognition Award - September
(Formerly Hero of the Month)
Anais Shepperd and Millie Gold both 13 years old and having a outstanding seasons culminating in both being selected for SIAB British Schools International for u17s. This is an amazing achievement for any athlete and with both so young it's fantastic. Congratulations to both of them.
Hero of the Month - July 2021
Peter Gregson has be at the centre of the clubs successful return to athletics since the COVID rules were relaxed.
Peter can be seen on the gate or desk on club nights and officiating at events to ensure the athletes have a safe and controlled environment to compete.
Thank you Peter.
Hero of the Month - June 2021 -
Congratulations to Gayle Farrell, Marie Sparkes and all the coaches involved with the Academy. Since the team have return from the COVID lockdowns they have pushed all their energy into ensuring that the Academy hit the ground running delivering an excellent, fun and COVID safe athletics programme for the Academy athletes. The numbers of athletes that returned was truly outstanding and seeing them with a smile on their faces whilst enjoying their athletics sessions was fantastic.
The Team have not only focussed the energy at the track but they have actively been engaging in some excellent community projects with Welsh Athletics and Cardiff County Council as a result the team and coaches have been visiting local schools and communities in Cardiff delivering athletics sessions. The Team have be engaging with Cardiff County Council to deliver a Summer of Smiles at City hall and partnering Welsh Athletics to deliver the clubs first Summer Camp.
Thank you and congratulations to everyone in the Academy team for your hard work and passion.
Hero of the Month - May 2021
Sharon has been the stalwart of the UK Woman League team for years and has now stepped forwarded to put out teams in the new National Athletics League that combines both man and female teams. Sharon is doing this whilst having become a mum and during the pandemic.
Good luck and thank you
Hero of the Month - Feb 2021
Graham has been a stalwart of the club for many years, coaching, managing and being an integral part of the clubs committee. Over the past few years Graham has been having some health issues but this did not stop him volunteering week in week out. Over the past few weeks Graham has successfully had a Kidney transplant and is recuperating at home but ensuring he is involved with the club and committee.
congratulations and get well soon Graham Webb
Athlete and Hero of the Month - November 2020
Dic was awarded Athlete and Hero for December 2020 after he completed 1000 miles in 100 days during lockdown whilst raising over £14000 for Hywel Dda Health Charities to help Bronglais Chemotherapy Unit.
This is a truly outstanding achievement for Dic who has been a member of the club since the 1960's and is 74 years young.
Congratulations Dic and well done
Hero of the Month - October 2020
Alyson is a true coaching legend of the club and can be seen out in all weathers. Alyson is willing to help anyone how asks for coaching or guidance. Alyson has been outstanding in mentoring coaches ensuring her knowledge is passed on.
Thank you Alyson for every thing you do the the athletes and club.
Hero of the Month - September 2020
Mike was nominated for his excellent management of the clubs finances during he lockdown period, ensuring the grants and funds were sourced for the survival of the club.
Thank you Mike
Hero of the Month - July 2020
Helen was nominated for her compassion and excellent leadership of the club during the Pandemic.
Congratulations and Thank you Helen
Hero of the Month - June 2020
Andrew was nominated for his excellent interviews of Cardiff Athletes and keeping the members engaged during the lockdown period.
Congratulations and Thank you Andrew
Hero of the month - February 2020
Dom has been part of the club since 2016 and has been coaching in the Academy, and achieve his Coaching Assistant Level award. Dom coaches in the Academy 2 nights a week, and can be seen supporting the Academy athletes at events. Dom is also a key member of the club's Outreach team, visiting schools and delivering athletics and promoting the club. Dom always wants to learn and improve, he will complete his Level 2 Athletics Coach award this year. Dom is a highly valuable and respected member of the club.
Thank you Dom.
As Hero of month of February Dom will receive a Mug from Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - January 2020
Lorraine joined the club as a volunteer in 2016 when her children joined the club, and has become a qualified coach working very closely with Helen James. Lorraine is extremely passionate coaching and volunteered to join the club's committee as coaching co-ordinator, and most recently qualified as an official. Lorraine's passion for the club ensures the young athletes are always supported throughout their pathway, and encouraged them to achieve their potential. Lorraine is an integral part of of Cardiff Athletics.
Thank you, Lorraine
As Hero of the month of January, Lorraine will receive a Mug from Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - December 2019
You would need a book to describe Paul's contributionns to Cardiff Athletics over the years, since he joined as a 17 -year old. After a career as a successful Welsh International Middle Distance runner. Paul took up coaching, and has guided numerous athletes, including Olympians, and British and Welsh Champions. Paul continues not only to coach young athletes, but spends his time mentoring and helping to develop young coaches. Paul is still a very active member of the clubs Management Committee, and when not coaching, can be seen stood out in all weathers, volunteering at the Schools and Gwent League Cross Country fixtures.
Thank you, Paul
As Hero of the Month of December. Paul will receive a Mug from Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - November 2019
Melanie has been a member of the club for many years competing for Cardiff and Wales in Sprints and Relays, winning many Championships. Melanie decided to enter coaching pathway, completing her Assistant Coach award and joining the club Academy earlier this year. Melanie has achieved all her outstanding athletic career and coaching pathway whilst living with, and managing Type 1 Diabetes. As part of World Diabetes Day 2019. Melanie hosted a talk focused at Athletes, Coaches and Parents.
Melanie is always smiling, and happy to help anyone. Melanie is looking forward to completing her Athletics Coach award as soon as possible.
Thank you Melanie.
As hero of the month of November, Melanie receive a Mug from Garment Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - October 2019
Tom walker was selected as Hero of month of October 2019. Tom has been with the Academy for over a year, and has really settled in, he is liked and respected by all the athletes and coaches. Tom has a great passion for coaching and is often seen at events supporting the athletes as far a field as Wrexham.
Thank you Tom
As Hero of the month of October Tom will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - September 2019
Neil arrived at club with his daughter, as so many of us do, and gradually got more involved as a willing helper. Neil discovered a passion for officiating, and has gone on to qualify as an official. Neil has thrust himself into officiating this summer, and has been volunteering all over Wales. Neil also volunteers and helps run the club shop on club night. and has been pivotal in the project for a new range of club kit.
Thank you Neil.
As Hero of the month of September Neil will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - August 2019
Congratulations to the WJL Team managers on being awarded Hero's of the month for August. There joint efforts during the season has been truly amazing. The Team won the WJL League and were runners up in the WJL Cup Final. This was achieved with total professionalism, compassion and pride. The Team spirit and atmosphere was outstanding.
Congratulations and thank you.
Lorraine Marianne Price Price, Alex Jachontow, Luke Francis Jachontow, Pru Jones, Simon Type, Jane Halliday, Amjad Mohsin, Natail Hughes.
As Hero's of the month of August they will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - July 2019
Following discussion at our Management Committee meeting, Debbie and Gail were nominated as Hero's of month for July. Debbie managers the Boys, and Gail the Girls in our YDL Upper (U17/U20) teams. Not an easy task, especially in the U20 age group with many at University, thus not being available for some YDL competitions. The team made it to the area final in Yate held on Sunday 28th July, finishing 4th on the day, and 4th overall, maintaining team position in the Midland Premier League, but missed out on National final. While some athletes were back from University, the holiday season had started leaving gaps in team. Despite that athletes responded to team managers by covering many events on the day. The enthusiasm and hard working team managers, not just on day, but throughout the season chasing athletes and officials for YDL teams.
Congratulation to Debbie and Gail.
As hero's of the month for July both will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff
Hero of the month - June 2019
On Sunday the 30th June at the YDL Upper age group. Bethany was competing in the 1500ms/c. During the race, Bethany took two extremely hard falls. One into the water jump! Knowing that the team needed the points to qualify fot the YDL Regional final, she picked herself up and finished the race, ensuring that the team got full points , her efforts were rewarded as the YDL Upper team finished 2nd on the day and qualified for the Regional final. Members from other teams and officials on the day said "it was the bravest performance they had seen".
Thank you Bethany.
As hero of the month of June, Bethany will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - May 2019
Luke has been part of the club since 2013, and during this time has represented the Club on numerous occasions. Luke has been coaching the Academy for several years, and has achieved his Coaching Assistant award. Luke coaches in the Academy 3 nights a week, and can be seen supporting the Academy athletes at events. Luke is also a key member of the Club's Outreach team visiting schools and delivering athletics, and promoting the club. Luke always wants to learn and improve, and will complete his Level 2 Athletics Coach award in September. Luke is a highly valuable and respected member of our Club.
Thank you Luke.
As Hero of the Club for month of May. Luke will receive a Mug from the Garment Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - April 2019
Molly has been part of the club since 2016. During this time Molly has represented the club on numerous occasions. Molly is one of the founding members of the club's young leaders, and gone on to complete her Coaching Assistant qualification in June 2018. Molly coaches in the Academy 2 nights a week, and can be seen supporting the Academy athletes at events. Molly always volunteers to assist the club in anyway, including at external events.
Thank you, Molly.
As a result of being the club April Hero of month, Molly will receive a Mug from the Garment-Factory, Cardiff.
Hero of the month - March 2019
Chris has been nominated Hero of the month for March. Chris has been part of the club since 2014, when his son Ryan joined the club. Chris has been volunteering for the club since June 2018 helping in the club canteen. Chris is always the first to volunteer to help in the Academy, and helps in all weather conditions when asked. Chris recently added the Assistant Official's course, to help and ensure the athletes are able to compete in the forthcoming season. Chris is a true ambassador for club volunteers, and continues to attempt in recruiting more volunteers into helping the club.
Thank you, Chris
As a result of being a Hero of the Month. Chris will receive a Mug from the Garment-Factory, Cardiff. Club President Andrew Seary will present Chris with the Mug on a club night.
Hero of the month - February 2019
Tomos is a member of the Club's Academy, and during this time has represented the Club at Cross Country and Indoors. Tomos has completed at every Gwent League fixture during the winter season, and the Welsh Cross Country Champioships. Tomos was so determined to finish all races held in all weather conditions. Tomos was instrumental in helping the U15B Cross Country team in winning Silver medals at the Gwent League, and Silver medals at the Welsh Cross Country Championships. A true clubman and has great team spirit.
Thank you, Tomos
As Hero of month Tomos with receive a 'Mug' presented to him by Club President Andrew Seary. More details when known.
Hero of the month - January 2019
Ayo has been a part of the club since 2016 and during this time has represented the Club and South Wales Region on numerous occasions. Ayo is one of the founding members of the club's young leaders, and has since gone on to complete his Community Sports Leader Level 2, and will qualify as a Coaching Assistant in February 2019. Ayo coaches in the Academy 2 nights a week, and can be seen supporting the academy athletes at events. Ayo always volunteersto assist the club in anyway, including external events.
Thank you, Ayo.
Hero of the month - December 2018
Ryan has been part of the club since 2014 and during this time has represented the Club and South Wales Region on numerous occasions. Ryan is one of the founding members of the Club's young Learders, and has since gone on to complete his coaching Assistant, and will qualify as a Jumps Coach in February 2019. Ryan coaches in the Club Academy 3 nights a week and can be seen supporting the academy athletes at Club events. Ryan always volunteers to assist the Club in anyway, including external events,
Thank you, Ryan
Hero of the month - November 2018
Marie joined the club with her son Ethan in 2016 and has thrown herself into the life of the club. Marie has become a Level 2 Athletics Coach, and is currently Head Coach with the Academy. Marie has revitalised the Academy ensuring the CPD of all Academy coaches, and ensuring talent is identified and directed onto the pathway of success. Along with the Academy staff, Marie continues to motivate the athletes and coaches, when the track was closed. Marie is very proactive, and has started to make links with local schools.
Thank you, Marie.
Hero of the month - September 2018
Bernie joined the club as a schoolboy, and developed into one of Britain's leading middle distance, and marathon runners. Bernie represented Great Britain on many occasions, including the European Championships when he was 4th in the marathon, just outside a medal place. He has been a loyal club member all his life, and was President from 1988 to 1990. More recently, and over the past 2years, Bernie has commanded the role of Chairman for the club. During this period, Bernie has overseen the foundations of the modernisation of the club. Promotion to the BAL and UKWL Premier Divisions. Bernie has orchestrated the home BAL Premier fixture including our Womans UKWL team in Division 1, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Cardiff AAC, and Hosted an outstanding club dinner night. Bernie's dedication, commitment and loyalty to the club is outstanding. At the AGM on 26th November 2018 Bernie will be standing down as Chairman. All members of the club wish to thank Bernie for his outstanding service to Cardiff AAC.
Thank you, Bernie
Hero of the month - September 2018
The only training taking place at Leckwith since July 17th is in throwing events. Alyson has since July, every Monday and Thursday, held training sessions for hammer and shot on the outside throwing area. Javelin training sessions has taken place in on the football pitch opposite the main car park. Alyson collects javelins 5.30pm then tows a large barrel full of javelins fron the stadium equipment room, over the road to the football pitch, meeting javelin throwers at the pitch. Following the session, she tows the equipment uphill back to the stadium store room, and then proceeds to the outside throwing area for more throwing training.
Alysons commitment to the club young throwers is second to none, with the evenings drawing in fast, and clock going back an hour in less than two weeks, Javelin training will be held with lights from the football pitch, behind the Dome. Javelin training would not have taken place without Alyson's commitment.
Thank you Alyson
Hero of the month - August 2018
Sharon is awarded Hero of The Month for August, after she expertly managed and guided Cardiff AAC's Senior Women's team to the UKWL Premier Division, for the first time in the club's history, Sharon achieved this amazing promotion, with a mix of experienced internationals and promising youth, from within the club. Sharon provides a great motivational force behind the team, and is willing to fill a gap as a competitor, for team points. Sharon is brimming with ideas, and has made an important contribution to Cardiff AAC. The club Committee and every member of the club, appreciates Sharon's amazing efforts. And fully support and wish her and the team, all the best for an exciting next season in the Premier Division.
Hero of the month - July 2018
Anthony joined the club as a volunteer in 2015, and has become a qualified coach working very closely with Pete and Connor Lane. Anthony is extremely passionate about coaching, and is ever present at every WJL and YDL meetings, to ensure the sprinters are warmed up, and the relay team are prepared for action. Anthony's passion for the club, ensures the young athletes are always supported throughout their pathway, and encouraged to achieve their potential. Anthony is an integral part of Cardiff AAC.
Hero of the month - June 2018
Mary Lane has been part of the club since 2014, when her son Ryan joined the club. Mary took over the running of the canteen with support from her husband Chris, from Mary Lister, who retired at the beginning of June 2018. Mary Lister had managed the club canteen, from the club's time at Maindy Stadium.
One the actions Mary Lane did, was to involve users of the canteen in a survey of what provisions they would like to see provided by the canteen. The result was a new menu, and the canteen opening on Tuesday evening Academy sessions, for increased Academy members and parents. These actions has resulted have increased revenue from the canteen, helping club finances. Mary has been commended by parents for her friendly manner, and enthusiatic approach in running the club canteen.
Thank you, Mary.
Hero of the month - May 2018
Mark has been part of the club since 2013, when his children Bethany joined the club, closely followed by James and Millie. Mark has also been involved in the club coaching system since 2013.
Mark has Team Managed club Junior teams in the Gwent League Cross Country fixtures, since 2015. Mark is currently the Club Manager, he has worked tirelessly to develop and improve all areas of the club.
In the recent successful BAL and UKAWL match held on the 2nd June in Cardiff, although many people were in involved with the organisation of event. Mark was the main person in working tirelessly, in preparing and delivering the 50th Anniversary fixture.
One of Mark's favourite projects is the Young Leaders programme, where young athletes can be developed for a future in coaching, and learn life skills.
Thank you Mark.
Heros of the month - April 2018
Jane, Pru and Jodie stepped up and volunteered to Team Manage the Welsh Junior League U13 Boys and Girls teams. Had they not done so, the U13 athletes may not have been able to compete in WJL. Jane, Pru and Jodie approached their new roles with enthusiam and determination, they have learnt extremely fast, thus enabling the next generation of athletes to shine. At the first WJL meeting in Herford their commitment and energy was plain to see, as they welcomed new athletes and parents into the team. They took time to congratulate and talk with every athlete post event. The future of Cardiff's U13 WJL athletes, is safe with these team managers.
Thank you Jane, Pru and Jodie
Hero of the month - March 2018
Natali joined the club with her son Ben in 2015 and has thrown herself into the life of the club. She has team managed for the past few years, track and field teams at U13, including Welsh Junior League and UK Youth Development League. Natali has through her own determination and exertion, has managed to competitive teams and finalists.produced
Hero of the Month - February 2018
Mark joined the club with his children in 2013 and has thrown himself into the life of the club. He has team managed for numerous years, in track and field teams,
including Welsh Junior League and UK Youth Development League, and through his own determination and endeavour has managed to produce league winning teams and finalists.
Congratulations, and thank you, Mark
Heroes of the Month - January 2018
Lorraine joined the club with her children in 2013 and Alex Joined in 2016, since when they have both thrown themselves into the life of the club. Lorraine is qualified as a coach and Alex coaches in the academy; they also team manage for the track and field under 11 girls and boys. They are both qualified officials and are often seen working at events. Never known to have turned down a request to help, Lorraine and Alex are an integral part of Cardiff AAC.
Hero of the Month - December 2017
Mary joined Cardiff AAC with her son and daughter in 2013 and has thrown herself into the life of the club. She is the team manager for the under17/under20 men's cross-country team during the cold winter months and is also a regular during the track and field season, helping at a drop of a hat. Mary can also be seen helping with coaching when parent helpers are required and has also competed for the club at cross-country and road running.
Hero of the Month - November 2017
Paul joined with his son and daughter in 2015 and has thrown himself into the life of the club. He has qualified as a coach and coaches in the Academy as well as acting as team manager for the track and field under 15 girls and as assistant manager for the junior cross country section. Paul also competes for the club in track and field, cross country and road running. Never known to turn down a request to help, he has now volunteered to manage the South Wales under 15 girls for the inter-regional cross country championships.
Hero of the Month - October 2017
As have many others, Mary first got involved in Cardiff AAC through her son when the club was based at Maindy Stadium and was soon invited to help in the small kitchen that served as the club canteen. When the club moved to its first home in Leckwith in 1989, Mary had by then taken the reins of the canteen and has been doing so ever since. There is more to running the canteen than serving refreshments on club nights and, amongst other things, Mary has to make frequent visits to the warehouse to ensure that stocks of sweets, tea, coffee, etc. are maintained. With her right hand woman Enfys and other volunteers, the canteen is an essential feature of the club, not only providing much needed funds but, equally, making an important contribution to the friendly atmosphere.
Hero of the Month - September 2017
Elizabeth (Liz) Davies joined the club six years ago as a middle distance runner and then took up coaching, where she has already made her mark. With a group of talented and improving athletes, Liz is widely respected and seen as one of the quailty coaches for the future. She is a more than adequate middle distance runner and, despite suffering from ill health during the past couple of years, has continued with her coaching and running. She is also the South Region Regional Endurance Coordinator. Cardiff AAC is delighted to count Liz as one of its important members and long may this continue.
Hero of the Month - August 2017
Since joining the club with her two sons two years ago, Gayle has taken up the role as academy administrator and has become a vital member of the academy leadership. Gayle is working with the team to restructure the academy and her experience in administration has been extremely beneficial to the progress of the restructuring. Gayle also implemented the early register and payment scheme that has resulted in smoother transition to the new terms.
Hero of the Month - July 2017
Sharon Heveran is a former Olympic high jumper and holds the club record at 1.86m. Since finishing her competitive career she has taken up a successful coaching career, as well as acting as team manager to the club's UK Women's Athletic League team. Since taking up this role four years ago, she has come tantalisingly close to securing the team's promotion to the premier division of the league, missing out this year by a mere six points in the final match of the year. Sharon provides a great motivational force behind the team and is willing to fill in a gap as a competitor for the team points. She is brimming with ideas and has made an important contribution to Cardiff AAC.
Hero of the Month - June 2017
Peter Gregson arrived at the club with his children, as so many do, and gradually got more and more involved as a willing helper. He has qualified both as an official and coach and has recently taken on an important role as field event officials coordinator. Peter broke his hand some weeks ago, but despite suffering considerable inconvenience and pain, carried on as a field event official whenever needed, when he would have been fully justified in taking a rest.
Hero of the Month - May 2017
Rory joined the club with his son and daughter four years ago and has thrown himself into the life of the club. He has qualified as a coach and also as an official and is an ever-present at club and Welsh events whenever he is needed. Never known to have turned down a request to help, Rory has now volunteered to act as the club's Track Officials coordinator, another important role. Thank you Rory.
Hero of the Month - April 2017
Brian joined Cardiff AAC some years ago and has become a well known member of the club. His performances as an athlete have steadily improved and he is a prolific competitor, always willing to fill a gap in a club team if needed, even at short notice. He has qualified as an official and is often to be seen on the timekeepers' stand. Whether in summer or winter, if someone is needed to assist anywhere, is there anyone more willing to help than Brian? Probably not.
Hero of the Month - March 2017
Since joining the club with stepson Tom Britt only four years ago, Chris has taken up coaching and has been a member of Peter Lane's coaching group. Chris suffered an extremely serious illness in December but was determined to overcome this and has now resumed his coaching activities with Peter. We are delighted to see Chris back and wish him well for the future.
Hero of the Month - February 2017
Richie has been involved with the club for many years, having always taken a special interest in coaching younger athletes. He was a key member of the Track Rats team which was a predecessor of what we now call the Cardiff Athletics Academy. We missed him for a number of years but he returned seven years ago to take up his old role with even greater enthusiasm. Along with Keith Simmons (January's hero), Richie established an important group specifically intended to help younger athletes making a transition from the Academy to a specialist group. Despite being in pain prior to his recent knee replacement, Richie continued with his coaching and we are very grateful to him.
Hero of the Month - January 2017
Keith joined the club in 2011 and quickly found a place amongst the coaches. He became qualified and joined Richie Jones to help with an important coaching group that includes athletes at a crucial point in their progress. Keith is a popular member of the Cardiff AAC family, hardly ever misses a club night, is usually one of the first to arrive and is always willing to help with any task whenever help is needed (just ask Enfys). Volunteers such as Keith are the backbones of voluntary organisations.
Hero of the Month - December 2016
Hannah joined the club at a time when we had been trying to cope with a large inflow of young new members following the London Olympic Games in 2012. Together with Danni Mill she devised the idea of forming an Academy for the younger members and, under their joint leadership, this has gone from strength to strength and has become an important part of Cardiff AAC. Having taken on a new job, Danni has been absent from the Academy for six months and, during this period, Hannah has taken on Danni's role as well as her own. It is no exaggeration to say that, without Hannah's efforts, the Academy may not have been able to continue.
Thank you Hannah.
Hero of the Month - November 2016
Tom Meyer joined the club more than 20 years ago, took up coaching and has been an ever-present since. He is a respected sprints coach and has helped numerous sprinters, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success, Notable amongst these was Tim Benjamin who started as a 100/200m runner and went on to become one of Britain's best 400m runners. Current Welsh number one 100m runner Sam Gordon joined as a 14 year old and was guided in his early years by Tom.
In recent years, his work has meant that Tom spends long periods away from Britain but, whenever he returns home, he is back coaching at the club. The club and the sport owe a great deal to those like Tom Meyer.
Hero of the Month - October 2016
After a successful career as an international athlete, including representing Great Britain in the world championship, James turned to coaching and has become one of Wales' leading middle distance coaches. His squad of athletes includes many Cardiff athletes and most of the recent medal winning six and four stage national road relay teams were coached by James. He himself ran in the Cardiff B team and was a member of the gold medal winning six stage team in 1999 and of the silver medal winning twelve stage team in 2013. Coaches are the unsung heroes of our sport and James is one of the best.
Hero of the Month - September 2016
An ever-present on club nights, Enfys is invariably one of the first to arrive and amongst the last to leave. She has been an indispensible member of the canteen team for more years than she cares to remember but combines this with being responsible for the club's range of kit. She volunteered to take over the kit many years ago and has gradually increased the range of items available. There is more to this than meets the eye as Enfys has to manage the stocks, arrange ordering and deliveries as necessary and meeting suppliers.
Cardiff AAC depends on people like Enfys.
Hero of the Month - August 2016
Alyson Hourihan joined Cardiff AAC when she was 12 years old and has been a member ever since. After a successful athletic career as a thrower, Alyson took up coaching and is a popular coach with a thriving squad of throwers. She is an ever-present on club nights and managed to combine her coaching with the demands of a police officer until her retirement. Alyson has also done a stint as the club's welfare officer. Cardiff AAC is grateful to Alyson, and others like her, who give up so much time to help the next generations of athletes.
Hero of the Month - July 2016
It would need a book to describe Paul's contributions to Cardiff AAC over the years since he joined as a 17-year old. After a career as a successful Welsh international middle distance runner, Paul took up coaching and has guided numerous athletes, including Olympians Andres Jones and Christian Stephenson. Paul is a Life Member and has had stints as both President and Chairman. One of his proudest moments came in July when Jake Heyward won the gold medal in the 1500m at the European under 18 championships.
Hero of the Month - June 2016
Seren Phillips (15) has acted as a technical official for the club for over a year. She has officiated as a track official in a wide range of competitions including the Welsh championships. Most young officials concentrate on one discipline, but when the club was in need of a time keeper for a YDL match in Swansea, Seren offered to undertake this role. Despite not having acted as a timekeeper before, Seren spent the day as a timekeeper scoring vital points for the team.
Seren has completed the training course and practical test to qualify as a level 2 sports leader and has to complete a log book to pass.
Hero of the Month - May 2016
Debbie Bull joined the club in 1998 with her sons and was soon cajoled into what became a succession of very important roles. She was general secretary for three years from 2007 and was also a membership secretary for several years until the system was computerised. She was a great supporter of the National Junior League (now the UK YDL for upper age groups) from its inception and persuaded the club that it should enter a team, which she has managed ever since; and was rewarded on 30th May with a convincing win for her team. She has organised all the club's home track and field fixtures for many years and, outside the club, has been involved with the region and with Welsh Athletics. She combines all this with a busy and responsible full time job. For her massive contribution to Cardiff AAC she was made a Life Member and she received a Meritorious Award from Welsh Athletics in 2013.
Hero of the Month - April 2016
Athlete, coach, official, organiser! As an athlete, she has tried most events, she is a qualified official and coaches in Cardiff's Academy. However, she was selected as April's Hero for conceiving and organising the very successful Run Jump Throw competition for under 15 athletes on 10th April. With over 120 competitors, each taking part in three events, this concept can become an important opener to the season. She is also the Welsh representative on the UK Athletics' Youth Forum and a pretty good photographer. And she is still only 17. Phew!
Hero of the Month - March 2016
Peter Lane joined the club more than thirty years ago and has made a huge contribution. Having first got involved through his children, as many do, Peter took up coaching and specialised in sprinting; he has coached numerous fine sprinters including international Helen Miles who is still a club record holder. A former headmaster, Peter has been chairman of the club as well as of the South Wales region. He regularly acts as announcer at events and has been a part of the team that has organised the successful annual presentation of awards, acting as master of ceremonies. Those such as Peter Lane are the lifeblood of clubs and we are very grateful.
Heroes of the Month - January 2016
Without officials, athletic competitions could not happen and it would be difficult to name any who are more dedicated and reliable than Sue and Rob Hooper. Working as a starters team, they are ever present throughout the year, regardless of the weather, and often working throughout a long timetable. At the same time Rob is a respected sprints coach and Sue is still competing in Masters events. And, if that's not enough, they are both leading officials in Welsh Masters Athletics organisation.
Hero of the Month - December 2015
Cardiff AAC is very fortunate to be able to count on so many who give of their time and expertise and there are few who contribute more than Kay. Having re-joined the club with her son Ciaran, Kay is an ever-present and hard working enthusiast. As a cross country team manager, the large increase in younger members taking part in cross country, with great success, is due to Kay. She has been an important member of the club's strategic review group and is always available to help and advise.
Hero of the Month - November 2015
It is not difficult to understand why Dave Hawthorn has been chosen as Hero of the Month. Having contributed enormously to the club as coach, team manager and in other roles over nearly thirty years, Dave was coaching until only a few days before his sudden and untimely death on 8th November. His courage and determination to carry on as normal since his diagnosis with Motor Neurone disease just over a year ago was an example to all.
Hero of the Month - October 2015
Jen Stone came to the club with her daughter Emily and has become one of the many helpers without whom the club could not exist. She was one of the team managers who encouraged the YDL junior team to the national final after winning the regional division but, more recently, has started "Jen's Joggers", a group of mainly ladies who go for a run together on Monday evenings. This is a great initiative and some of Jen's Joggers will be running in the Gwent Cross Country league this weekend, However, Jen stresses that this group is to encourage "social" runners and that all ages and abilities are welcome.
Hero of the Month - September 2015
The club's popular annual Presentation of Awards evening has grown steadily and this year's event, held on 13th September at the Cardiff City Stadium, was the biggest and the best so far. Andrew Seary was the originator and has been the leader of the organising team since the occasion began eight years ago. He is also chairman of the club's Track and Field Committee and a team manager. As a qualified physiotherapist, he is always willing to advise on injuries and is a most valued member of the club's general committee.
Hero of the Month - August 2015
Tim Fry is better known as one of our respected middle distances coaches but stepped into the breach last year when we needed a team manager for the British League team. With a weakened team for the final match of 2015 at Liverpool, and knowing that every point was vital, Tim donned his spikes for the first time in a few years and filled a gap in the 800m, completing the two lap race somewhat outside his personal best time. What an example! Thank you Tim.
Hero of the Month - July 2015
The general committee decided that recognition should be given to members who do something special for the club. Athlete of the Month represents an outstanding performance in competition and this precludes others who may be equally deserving but in a different way.
A perfect example of this is Annwen Gammon. Annwen was athlete of the month in 2013 but, this year has been injured and unable to compete until very recently. This has not stopped her from helping in various ways whenever she was asked. She has helped with officiating and has been an excellent example of not letting an injury get you down but carry on in other ways.
Congratulations to Annwen and thank you.
Official club photography supplied by Paul Stillman
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