TALES FROM THE VALE

Sitting here at Tampa airport, waiting for my delayed flight back home to the UK, gives me time to reflect on special week in Gainesville, Florida, competing in my first World Masters Athletics Indoor Track and Field Championships.

Ahead of the event, I was excited and a little nervous, but, just like at the European Masters Championships in Pescara in 2023, what I looked forward to most was connecting with athletes from all over the world and watching some genuinely inspirational performances.

If you’re reading this and thinking about getting involved or returning to athletics as a Masters athlete (age 35+), I cannot recommend it enough.

Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s recent courtroom testimony detailing alleged abuse at the hands of his father serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding in the athletics world. Just days after securing double gold medals in the 3,000 and 1,500 meters at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, Jakob’s statements against his father and former coach, Gjert Ingebrigtsen, painted a grim picture spanning several years.

At Vale of York Athletic Community, the safety and well-being of our young members form the bedrock of everything we do. Our founder, Ian Martin, shared an inspiring message at an England Athletics safeguarding conference in York this morning.

“We are deeply committed to creating an environment where young athletes can flourish in a safe, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere,” Ian stated. “We want to be proactive in our athletics clubs and not only remove the barriers to safeguarding but also accentuate the positives that athletics and running can have on young people’s lives”.

On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, our planning application was heard by the Selby and Ainsty Area Planning Committee. We were grateful for the opportunity to present our case and highlight the overwhelming support we have received from the community and key sporting bodies.

Excitingly, the planning committee has decided to defer the application with a view to approval.

While not an immediate approval, this decision is a positive step forward as it allows council officers to work on potential conditions for approval, specifically addressing those concerns raised during the meeting.

After a super summer last year, Vale of York Athletic Community finished the season top of Division Two of the West Yorkshire Track and Field League. Now, as we step up to the top division, we face our toughest challenge yet – and we need you to help us stay there!

We stand at a crucial moment for the future of health, wellbeing, and community spirit in Selby. On Wednesday, 12th March 2025, the Selby and Ainsty Planning Committee will make a decision on our application to build a dedicated athletics facility at Land Off Friars Meadow. As we approach this decision, we want to reiterate the profound and lasting positive impact this project will have on our community.