Investing in Croydon’s Athletics Legacy: A Call for Action

Croydon is home to some of the brightest young talents in athletics, as proven by the outstanding successes of Croydon Harriers Athletics Club. Yet, there’s a growing need for greater recognition, funding, and effort to develop and sustain this legacy.

Croydon’s Masterplan Framework Consultation (November 2024), recently published  highlights commitments to supporting community infrastructure, with investments in youth and community programs. But when it comes to athletics, it’s time to go beyond and challenge Croydon to prioritise this critical area of development.

Croydon Harriers: A Testament to Excellence

The Croydon Harriers Athletics Club is a shining beacon of what youth athletics can achieve with the right support. In recent competitions, their athletes have reached incredible heights:

• Shivelle Marshall won gold in the Under-15 Girls 100m at the England Athletics Championships with a lifetime best of 11.97 seconds.

• Gabriella Tcheukam took home gold in the Under-17 Women’s discus with an impressive 43.42m throw.

• The under-13 and under-15 boys dominated in sprints and middle-distance events, and the team clinched the Division One trophy in the Ebbisham Boys League for the first time in 15 years.

  
  

These are not isolated victories. Croydon Harriers athletes consistently demonstrate resilience, discipline, and talent. Their achievements have put Croydon on the map as a hub for athletic excellence.  I dare anyone to say they are not the best in the country!

Croydon Harriers Athletics Club exemplifies excellence, driven by passionate volunteer coaches who dedicate their time despite limited funding and outdated facilities. These coaches, including Mike Fleet, Paul Weston, Alan Burn, Oje Isirein and Mike Smalley, nurture young athletes, producing our champions, and have earned national recognition.

However, the club faces pressing challenges, including the urgent need to refurbish Croydon Sports Arena and expand financial resources to sustain programs and ensure coaches are well remunerated.

Athletics is more than a sport; it’s a platform for youth development. It provides young people with:

1. Health Benefits: Regular physical activity builds strength, endurance, and mental well-being.

2. Life Skills: Participation in athletics fosters discipline, teamwork, and goal-setting.

3. Opportunities: With proper support, young athletes can access scholarships, national competitions, and even international stages.

   
   

The achievements of Croydon Harriers athletes inspire pride and belonging within the community, but the club faces significant challenges in sustaining these results without increased resources and funding.

What Croydon Can Do

The teams at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) have outlined efforts to invest in community infrastructure and youth development, such as the Croydon Community Grants Programme and their support for the Legacy Youth Sone. These initiatives are commendable, but the following steps are needed to ensure athletics receives the attention it deserves:

1. Increased Funding: Allocate a portion of community grants and infrastructure budgets specifically for athletics clubs like Croydon Harriers.

2. Improved Facilities: Upgrade local athletic facilities to ensure they meet modern standards, giving young athletes the tools to succeed.

3. Mentoring and Training: Extend mentoring programs offered by URW to include support for athletics coaching and administration.

4. Awareness Campaigns: Celebrate the achievements of local athletes through community events and media, inspiring future generations.

5. Partnerships: Collaborate with schools and local businesses to develop sustainable funding streams for athletics programs.

Challenging Croydon Harriers

This is not just a challenge to the borough but also to Croydon Harriers themselves. With their legacy of success, the club is in a unique position to demand funding to expand access to athletics across Croydon. They must be supported to engage further with local stakeholders, advocate for resources, and ensure that athletics is prioritised in the borough’s long-term development plans.   

A Vision for the Future

Imagine a Croydon where athletics is a core pillar of youth development, a borough celebrated not only for its achievements on the track but also for its commitment to nurturing talent. The foundation has been laid by the Croydon Harriers; now, it’s up to the community, local government, and organisations like URW to step up and invest in this future.

Croydon has the talent. Croydon has the potential. Now, let’s ensure Croydon has the support to become a national leader in athletics.