Happy Birthday NSAC – 20th today!
NSAC has come a long way since that first session on September 4th 2000.
Today (4th September 2024) marks the 20th anniversary of North Somerset Athletics Club’s first ever training session.
Just four athletes – Amy, Bethan, Megan and Sophie – attended on that first day, back on Saturday 4th September 2004, and for several months they remained the only athletes at the club.
But, as time went by and the word spread, athlete numbers grew steadily, and now, NSAC has one of the largest junior sections in the UK, with over 400 members currently registered, and more than 100 on the waiting list.
Over the years, training has been carried out across North Somerset, with Nailsea, Priory, Worle, Churchill, Gordano, Ashton Park and The Downs all hosting sessions over the past 20 years. The club is now centralised in Clevedon, with satellite sessions at Priory School.
Since NSAC started back in 2004, the club has won both the South West and Avon Track and Field (T&F) Leagues, and can boast several International, National and South West champions and medallists. The club also spent a season in the Premier division of the Youth Development League (YDL), and has achieved top 10 ratings on Power of 10 (Po10) in most T&F events
There has also been some huge success on the Cross-Country scene; NSAC has won several categories of the prestigious Gwent Cross-Country League over the years, and seen plenty of South West champions and medallists. Likewise on the road, our athletes have become Midland relay champions, National medallists, and are a constant medal-threat across the age groups.
Forming a good percentage of Team Avon, NS athletes have also won the prestigious UK Sportshall Championship – an indoor version of track and field for juniors – with a number also taking home individual national titles and medals.
NSAC athletes have also broken several league and County records over the years in a variety of events
In 2011, NSAC was awarded the UK development club of the year and in 2018, was named South West Club of the Year. Indivuals NSAC club members have also won awards including Martin Fisher (Official), Sophie Millard (Young Volunteer), Chris Millard and Bruce Holden (Coach).
During 2011 NSAC embarked on a fundraising and awareness project, dubbed ‘Back the track’ to raise funds to build a training facility at Clevedon school. Back the track included several sponsored 24-hour Relays on WSM Grand Pier as well as bag packing and other fundraising events. By 2015 the first phase was completed (60m track, long jump, throws cage and a shot put gravel area) and has been added to with a high jump/pole vault area and lighting and fencing. More additions are planned…
Talking about the 20-year anniversary of the club, Head Coach and founder of NSAC, Chris Millard said “I cannot believe it has been 20 years. What started out as a toe in the water to see if anyone was interested in this sport has grown massively into the beast it is today!
“I am proud we have stuck to the original ethos, and not get dragged into a ‘this is what everyone else does’ scenario. The future looks bright, and hopefully we can see the club increase its number of officials, coaches, helpers and volunteers to ensure children have an even better experience. A massive thank you to everyone who has contributed over the last two decades, coaches, team managers, officials, volunteers, and of course the athletes…”
Sophie Millard – one of the athletes at that first session, and a mainstay of the club since -(athlete, official, team manager, committee member and general ear to bend!) said;
“It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the club for It’s entire 20 year history. We’ve come a long way from 4 athletes in Clevedon School gym on a Saturday morning! It’s hard to articulate the transformative difference the club has made in North Somerset, but Athletics is now a fantastic option for young people in the area.“
Sophie adds: “I’m especially proud of my Dad for being the driving force behind the club; he is the beating heart of this endeavour, and the club wouldn’t be what it is if not for his passion and efforts. Here’s to another 20 years!”
Come and join the club as either an athlete, coach or volunteer by dropping us a line at our online contact form.