Charitable status is big step forward for Hastings Athletic Club

Hastings Athletic Club have been awarded Charitable Status by the Charities Commission.
Some of the trusteesSome of the trustees
Some of the trustees

The trustees of the club are delighted with the news and are excited to be taking the club forward.

The club President, Steve Roberts, has been instrumental in helping guide the club over the past 12 months. Steve’s debut performance for the club was in 1971 and he went on to compete in track and field right up until 2009. Steve is one of nine trustees for the charity, all of whom have been involved with the club in various ways over the years.

The other trustees are:

Derek Stevens' impressive marathon finish in 1977Derek Stevens' impressive marathon finish in 1977
Derek Stevens' impressive marathon finish in 1977
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Bob Beaney, who joined HAC in 1973, mainly active in track events but he also ran cross country and 10-mile road events (which was then a common distance to race over) and later 10K and 5K races. Bob retired from competition in 2010.

Peter Emanuel, whose son Lee gained his passion for track and field through the support of Hastings AC and went on to enjoy an athletics career which saw him crowned British Indoor 1500m champion and silver medallist at the European Championships in the 3000m. Peter’s career was in Financial Services and lasted for 36 years before he retired in 2013.

Lionel Parr joined Hastings AC in 1981 after his daughter joined the club and we on to join the committee and served as chairman for just under a decade. Lionel was involved in the early conception of the Hastings Half Marathon and was a timekeeper at county events, as well as holding other roles in the club and competing as a V60.

Katie Arnold has been on the committee of Hastings AC since 2017 and competes for the club alongside her two children. Katie holds the club 400m V35 record and enjoys competing in middle distance track events, cross country and all road distances. Katie is looking forward to working alongside the trustees and management committee to ensure the continued success of the club.

Long jump action for a Hastings AC memberLong jump action for a Hastings AC member
Long jump action for a Hastings AC member
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Sara Whitney joined Hastings AC in 1978 and ran in sprints distances of 100m, 200m and 400m as well as field events. Sara held the 400m club record for many years, being the first lady in the club to run sub 60 seconds. In the winter months, Sarah also represented the club in cross country. Sara knows what a positive impact athletics has had on her own life and how important the club's future is for everyone in Hastings.

Mary Sanderson first joined HAC in 1985, having grown up barefoot running in Papua New Guinea (PNG), running on the track, cross country, and road until the late 1990s and was also a qualified athletics coach. Mary’s interest in Hastings AC was recently rekindled as her eldest son now competes for the club.

Beverley Smart, whose family has been associated with HAC since 2010. As a family they enjoyed travelling to watch the children and adults competing both on the track and cross country. Bev works as a Business Manager in a local special school and is the current Treasurer for HAC.

Derek Stevens joined HAC in 1977 and has represented the club at every distance up to marathon, and nearly all field events. Derek was the first HAC athlete to complete at senior international level, and he still holds a number of club records, most notably for the marathon (2:12:41).

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Hastings Athletic Club was founded in 1964 and is based at the Ark Alexandra Academy’s athletics track in Parkstone Road – which has been the home track of the club since it was a cinder track in 1976.

The club boasts a comprehensive junior provision led by its qualified and highly experienced coaches. Children from the age of eight years engage in fun sessions within a safe environment where they can learn the fundamentals of movement which are known as the ABCs: Agility, Balance, Coordination; and speed of movement.

By learning these skills between 8-12 years of age, young athletes establish sound technical patterns across the events and are provided for a firm foundation for future athletic training.

Athletics is part of every single sport there is and as well as the physical benefits, developing these skills also aids in promoting self-esteem and confidence. For those who wish to put their developing run, jump and throw skills to practice there is the opportunity for all to take part in track and field competitions (Youth Development League) and Sussex Cross Country, as well as other local events which are great days out for all the family.

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Senior HAC members benefit from being able to take part in the Southern Athletic League (SAL), Sussex Veterans Track and Field League, Sussex Cross Country League, East Sussex Cross Country League and can represent their town as an affiliated member of England Athletics in road races.

All abilities are catered for and adults coming into the sport at a later stage in life can benefit from learning the fundamental movement skills from some of the most experienced and successful specialist coaches. Throughout the summer there will be various workshops held in run, jump and throwing that will benefit everyone and complement your existing training programme - regardless of whether you are a road runner or experienced multi-eventer.

The new membership year begins in March and the club is delighted to be able to offer an even more affordable monthly payment system giving members unlimited coaching and use of the facilities throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming back both our current and past members and offer a very warm welcome to new faces.

For more information about Hastings Athletic Club please click here