THE STATE OF OUR SPORTING NATION: HOW CLUBS ARE FARING

ATHLETICS 1,400 187,000

CASE STUDY

Mark Hookway, coach and manager at Tonbridge Athletics Club (right), where double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes began her career, which has 900 athletes and 30 coaches. have employees – everyone who supports the club is a volunteer.

All athletics competition is suspended until at least the end of June. Everything depends on the recommendations when lockdown is eased. Our difficulties will be things like a club night, typically having about 300 people meeting. I can see training commencing in June or July in small groups, outside, but with significant restrictions. Normality would be some way off. I’ve heard plans being made for competitions in July/August but, to be honest, I am not holding my breath.