On Saturday 14th September, 130 Vale Royal AC members, past and present, gathered to celebrate 30 years with a party (just a short run away from the training base at Knights Grange running track).
A quick reminder about the history of Vale Royal AC; the club formally formed in 1994, when two existing athletics clubs in the area – Mid Cheshire AC and Winsford AC joined forces. Since then, the club has grown and developed, but never forgot its roots – the focus on training and coaching from juniors all the way up to senior level has ensured continued success and recognition for the club at both a national and international level.
The night of celebration began with a talk from guest speaker, coach Nick Bishop. He talked about his experiences coaching Kenyan athletes, and the difference running makes to the athletes’ whole lives and prospects. He talked about his beliefs that everyone has potential and that the athletes he coaches believe that no human is limited.
This was followed by a Q & A session with the legendary Andy Carter – Olympian, former 800m record holder, and Senior Coach at Vale Royal, and with (his son-in-law) Ben Bright – an Olympian and former head coach at the British Triathlon Olympic team, who was also involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Headed by club chairman, Stu Doyle, the questions centred around Andy and Ben’s own athletic performances and advice they had for others. Highlights from the talk included emphasing that athletes come into their own at different times of their lives, and that some of the best athletes now have achieved that through determination and never giving up in their younger years. It is important to enjoy what you do.
Talking about the importance of self-belief, Ben concluded with “If you are not enough without the medal, you’ll never be enough with the medal”.
Former club members from 25+ years ago reminisced about their times at Vale Royal AC, and how strong bonds of friendship, that formed at the club, have endured through the years – with some former senior ladies still regularly doing epic hikes together, even though they no longer run. There were photos galore showing lots of the athletes that have been at the club over the years, and participated in lots of fun adventures.
The club continues to perform at an amazing level; on the very day of the celebration, there were again amazing performances from multiple Vale Royal AC athletes at the National cross-country championships, topped off with a win for the u20 ladies.
Special thanks to the event organisers: Lou Walker, Debbie Broad, Anna Begbie, Helen Taylor and Sam Rowlinson. Also thank you to all the athletes, supportive parents, coaches, and other volunteers that help to pull the whole club together. Here’s to the next 30 years!
Please see the Vale Royal AC Facebook page for more photographs.
