Welcome Pack

Club location

Blackshots Athletics Stadium

Springfield Rd

Blackshots, Grays, Essex

RM16 2QT     

Club training times

Tuesday 18:00 to 19:30

Thursday 18:00 to 19:30

Under 11s only Thursday 16:30 to 18:00

Sunday 10:30 to 12:00 (at the discretion of coaches)

The register must be signed at every training session.

If you are unable to attend training, ensure that one of your parents contacts your coach. If you miss 5 consecutive sessions with no contact, your place may be offered to another athlete and your membership terminated.

During summer months an extra session may be added on a Monday or Wednesday evening. Your coach will discuss this with you.

Membership and track fees

MEMBERSHIP FOR NEW MEMBERS IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Membership year runs from 1^st April to 31^st March

Membership Fees: (2025)

Senior (18 and over) £200 (including Season Ticket & £15 UKA affiliation)                   

Junior & Full Time Student (Under 21) £185 (including Season Ticket & £15 UKA affiliation)   

U11s £25 Membership and £40 per term track fees  - To be paid in advance.

If you require membership without a season ticket please apply in writing to the Committee.

Membership and UKA fees must be paid before you can compete in any competitions. Arrangements can be made to pay fees in stages

Club Contacts

President: Stan Eves - jeanstan7@hotmail.com

Chairperson: Geraldine Heapy - gerry5heapy@hotmail.co.uk

Secretary: Jon Metcalf - thurrockharrierssecretary@outlook.com

Membership Secretary: Jill Boosey - membership.thurrock@gmail.com

Treasurer: Charlotte Edwards - thac-treasurer@outlook.com

Track Hire: Cathy James - cathyjames@blueyonder.co.uk

Junior (Under 17) Team Manager: 

Senior Team Managers:

Women: Sue Lawrence

Men: Bernie Johnson - berniejohnson@btconnect.com      

Coaching Secretary: Geraldine Heapy - gerry5heapy@hotmail.co.uk

Officials Secretary: Caroline Drewitt -

Welfare: 

Women/Girls: Jill Boosey. Tel: 07539045245  jillboosey@aol.co.uk

Claire Whitbread: email curlyclaire475@hotmail.co.uk

Men/Boys: Keith Willett email: willettkeith@yahoo.com

Club website

www.thurrockharriersac.com  for news, race dates, and further club information.

Find us on Facebook as Thurrock Harriers AC (members by invitation)

Coaches

Code of Conduct

A code of conduct exists for all members and associates of Thurrock Harriers AC. The Athlete Code of Conduct is included in this pack, and all codes of conduct are available on the club website.

Track and Field Discipline and Health and Safety

During busy training nights, the track environment can become very crowded. It is our prime concern to ensure our athletes are safe and therefore ask them (and parents) to obey our Track and Field Etiquette as displayed on the board near the clubhouse. 

The use of iPods, mobiles and earphones/buds are not to be used in the entire stadium area as they may prevent someone from hearing a warning sound. 

No athletes should cross the infield for any reason, unless pre-arranged by coaches as part of a training session. 

Any athletes bringing younger brothers or sisters to training must ensure that a parent accompanies them at all times.

Athletes leaving the Stadium to go on road runs must wear a fluorescent bib.               

Club Kit

The registered club colours are a white vest with a blue inverted V.

It is advisable to wear blue or black shorts.

Athletes are required to wear club vests in all League events and Championship (Essex South of England, Eastern and National events) – these can be purchased from the clubhouse.

Club Activities

Throughout the year the club competes in a variety of athletics events, cross country and track and field. All upcoming races, events, etc. are displayed on the notice board and on the website– please check regularly.

The club enters teams in Eastern (EYAL 11 to 16 years) and Southern (SAL 16 and above) competitions. There is also a Vets League (over 35 years).

AS THIS IS AN ATHLETICS CLUB, MEMBERS ARE EXPECTED TO COMPETE.

The club intends to hold various social events throughout the year.

Look out for these on notices in the clubhouse, the website and on Facebook.

Club Committee meetings are held on the last Tuesday each month to discuss club business.

Top tips for

new members,

and parents of

younger

athletes

Attending your first proper competition can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the experience and help you to perform your best:

• Remember to pack your vest and spikes (if needed). Almost all events require you to wear your club vest.
• Arrive in plenty of time - if your race is due to start at 11.30, try to arrive by 10.30. For league matches, your Team Managers need to finalise teams on the day, so the earlier you arrive the easier it is for all involved.
• Look for the Thurrock colours and coaches and our banner.
• For league matches, Thurrock Harriers AC will have already registered you, but you will still need to get your letter T from the Team Manager, and let them know you’ve arrived.
• Bring a good supply of safety pins to attach numbers to your vest (usually two numbers or letters- one for the front and one for the back = 8 safety pins).
• Most T&F league matches begin at 11.30 on a Sat/Sun and last for most of the day – bring lunch and plenty of water (not fizzy)!
• Most venues have space on grass for chairs, rugs, small tents etc. if it’s a nice day.
• Cross-country can sometimes be cold and wet – remember to bring a change of clothing, wet wipes and a big bag for the muddy stuff!
• Remember to warm up and then cool down/stretch after the event(s).
• Remember, you may not win, but participation is important, and this is especially so in league matches, where the club can gain valuable points for every member who competes.
• Please help out if you’re asked to do so by a team manager, or even better – volunteer your services at the start of the match.
• Results are often displayed on the day (usually near the reporting box), but if not, they can usually be found online – search for the particular event and you will often find a link to results, or www.thepowerof10.info is a good general site, with athlete profiles plus links to most main events.
• Try to perform to the best of your abilities at all times, but more importantly, ENJOY IT!