ATHLETICS

Number of clubs in England: 1,400 Number of registered club athletes: 187,000 CASE STUDY Mark Hookway, coach and team manager at Tonbridge Athletic Club, where double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes, right, began her career. It has 900 athletes of all ages and 30 coaches. Q How concerning is the current financial climate? A The timing of the lockdown was a bit fortuitous as the new financial year started from the beginning of April and just about all members had paid their annual subscriptions, including registration fees for the national governing body. We will consider an adjustment next year dependent on how the situation restricts training and competition. We try to do things properly, but costs are reduced currently. Also the club has doubled membership over the past decade, so that has helped stability. Q How long can you continue to exist as a club in the current circumstances? A

We are only six weeks in, so members have coped well in terms of training from home. I am confident we can exist for a fair while. Everyone who supports the club is a volunteer. Q When do you expect to be returning to training/racing? A

Competition is suspended until at least the end of June. Our difficulties will be things like a club night, typically having about 300 people at Tonbridge School track. When it comes to competition, many officials and helpers are classed as vulnerable which might be an issue. I can see training starting in June or July in small groups but with restrictions. Normality would be some way off. I have heard plans being made for competitions in July/August but am not holding my breath.