Merseyside Athletics Forum

About Us

What is the Merseyside Athletics Network? 

The Merseyside Athletics Network is a cluster of clubs working strategically with other local key partners to develop the sport of athletics in that area. There is a mixture of track & field and road running clubs working together to achieve the project areas set out in the ‘Development Plan’. The main aim of the network is to drive up the quality of coaching and develop the all round quality of provision within clubs in the network. The following clubs are currently part of the network:

- Liverpool Harriers
- Liverpool and Pembroke AC
- Wirral AC
- St Helens and Sutton AC
- Southport Waterloo AC
-   Wallasey AC
-     Mossley Hill AC
-     Liverpool Challenge
-       Penny Lane Striders
- Liverpool Running Club 

What are the Overall Outcomes of the Merseyside Athletics Network?

The MAN is one of over 50 networks across the country and is part of the McCain Athletics Network project created by England Athletics to increase the development of athletics. The ethos behind the McCain Athletics Networks is all about working in partnership with local clubs, coaches and wider orgainsations such as Local Authorities, schools, facility providers and County Sport Partnerships.  The network project strives to raise standards in many areas of athletics; it does this by:

- Growing and sustaining participation levels in the sport through club development
- Improving the quality of experiences for all participants
- Improving levels of athlete performance through coach development
- Laying the foundations for the next generation of champions
- Establishing sustainable club environments

This impact is measured by the following Success Factors:

- Coach Development
- Club Development
- Club Sharing
- Wider Partnership
- Growing Participation
- Sustaining Participation
- Developing Participation
- Sustainability 

Who Funds the McCain Athletics Network project and the Merseyside Athletics Network?

England Athletics have invested millions of pounds into the Athletics Network project. The money has come from sponsorship from McCain as well as from Sport England. As this money is public money (from Sport England) the network is obliged to report back on its spending in detail every quarter. Due to the nature of the funding, it is essential that whilst the networks can mould a plan (Development Plan) specifically to their area, they must also adhere to the overall outcomes set out by England Athletics (mentioned above). 

 
Who Delivers the Merseyside Athletics Network ‘Development Plan’?

There are a number of clubs which are currently members of the MAN and it is their responsibility of all the clubs to deliver the Development plan which is broken up into various project areas. MAN also has a part time coordinator who’s role it is to work alongside the clubs to ensure success of the project.  The role of the coordinator is to work in partnership with the network to deliver the ‘Development Plan’ which has been agreed by England Athletics. The Merseyside Athletics Network Coordinator role is hosted by Sport Cheshire (the County Sport Partnership).  The coordinator works alongside EA and the Club and Coach Support Officer Sarah Friday to support the success of the network.