ISLE of Man Athletics Association has announced the under-11 sportshall team to represent the island at the North-West Counties Fun in Athletics Championships at Sport City, Manchester on January 20.
A squad of 15 boys and 15 girls will travel to the indoor athletics arena which is part of the spectacular Eastlands Sports Complex, home to the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
After some thrilling performances during the Autumn Sportshall Pentathlon events, hosted at each local athletics club, a large number of results were analysed to help determine which young athletes would have the honour of representing the Isle of Man at this exciting competition.
Selectors were also looking for athletes who show commitment to training, sportsmanship and teamwork. The standard of competition in the trials was exceptionally high with more than 60 per cent of the athletes taking part achieving the UKA Academy bronze award.
Regardless of scores and awards, the trials gave all athletes the opportunity to try their best but most importantly to have lots of fun.
The boys team will consist of Northern AC’s Glen Quayle, Deacon Lombard-Chibnall, Harry Read, Daniel Smith, Max Sibbald, Liam Smith, Callum Sherry, Fletcher Kneale and William Heavey. Western AC will be represented by Elliott Callow, Jack Gentry and Scott Moffatt, while for Manx Harriers there will be Craig Martin and Kyle Martin.
In the girls team no fewer than eight are from Northern AC, namely Millie Palmer, Phoebe Coates, Leah Goddard, Megan Lockwood, Leah Jay, Evie Crowe, Lydia Morris and Anna Lashley. Western AC’s Aalin Cain, Lea Dawson and Abby Foden-Williams will also feature, with Manx Harriers represented by Ashley Yates, Hollie Glassey, Robyn Wickers and Breeshey Jansen.
The team will now come together for squad training sessions throughout January to help build team spirit and allow the athletes from each club to get to know their team-mates in preparation for the competition.
IoMAA would like to thank Nedbank and Hamblins for their support.
If you would like to get involved with sportshall athletics, pop along to your local club’s indoor training sessions.
For children in the under-nine and u11 age groups there is the opportunity to represent your local club at the Isle of Man’s very own sportshall athletics championship.
Jude’s Sportshall event takes place on Sunday, January 27 at the main hall in the National Sports Centre, hosted by Western AC in fond memory of club member Judith Perriam who died several years ago.
For information about club training sessions, contact the athletics development officer on 688576 or email trevor.christian@gov.im