Running High Jump Long Jump Running Hurdles

Ted Hawkins

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On attending a public meeting to form an Athletic Club in Ashford, 6th April 1965, a request was made to the forum for anyone with athletic experience to consider helping on training evenings, and so my coaching was born from this night.

As I had been a middle distance runner with Exeter Harriers prior to arriving in Ashford 1964 I offered my services. Initially  working with a group for distances from 440 yards to 3 miles. As there were more with interest in the shorter 100 yards to 880 yards this is where it all began for me.

It all started at the Ashford South Secondary School in Jemmett Road. These were the premises of AAC for the next three years prior to the Technical College being built. The club then first moved to the North School, Essella Road, then The Boys Grammar School, Hythe Road, back to the North School, onto The Stour Centre, then The Ashford School for Girls East Hill / Mace Lane, and finally to The Julie Rose Stadium in 1997.

As a mainly Track running club it was very successful, however there were no Throws Coaches in the club, hence in 1972 a Sprints and Throws course was held at Crystal Palace over six days and so my interest became shared between the two. Throws  now being my only event to coach.

There have been many youngsters within Kent and within the club who have achieved County, National, English Schools and Great Britain honors, I am very proud of them all.

I hold a Level 3 UKA Licence for Throws, Sprinting and Strength Conditioning along with an Enhanced DBS Certificate to Coach.

Now the main Throws Squad are all over 15 years old with a restricted group under 15. I offer advice to less experienced coaches and share an occasional evening with them.