Ideas and feedback

Communication

Communication Strengths Kids emails Lots of early emails for Dave Arnott Helper rota Website up to date Event reports Positive feedback to juniors Using different media Announcements at training

Weaknesses Password on website Need to understand why people don’t use website Social media not used enough Easy results for junior Website only for adults need junior specific area (too formal for juniors) Parent coaches on parents on training Lack of induction for parents/Let parents know about upcoming events Communication between the squads Encourage members to compete Event specific contact might be out of date Transport info Email info Members knowledge of media and website – how do we engage in twitter

Opportunities Front page should me more of a welcome page Put competitions on front page Programme on website/Picture galleries on website General comms with parents- specific area of site Move training blogs part of website Junior blogs/Facebook (not known about) Celebrate success more Newsletter/Local press Publication of events/Leaflet club activities Physical publication and notice board Involvement in charity events Group transport could be better Team manager for team events More text messages/Mailing group

Threats Too much comms and maintenance – who’s the backup Harder to communicate as club gets bigger

Membership & Coaching

Communication g

Small groups good for kids Development squad Strong core Dave Arnott Commitment of coaches Variety of events Good coaches and parents helpers Value and variety Structure for distance for running Direct debit Child friendly

Need more non-athletes involved Seniors to big/varied Can’t cope with ever growing numbers Long waiting lists Poor initial enquiries for members Personal planning for seniors Lack graded groups No event specific coaches Not enough field coaches No specific training Too few coaches Transition is not defined Lack of ladies

Opportunities What do we want to be social or top end, or cater for all Parent committee Inter group opportunities/Mix training groups Adult track and field Schools work Guidance for parent helpers Actively recruit Annual event for coaches and helpers Better incentives for coaches Engage Jog Scotland Coaching courses Buddy system Discounts for volunteer coaches More coaches and structured warm up Mentors for juniors Formal relation with Uni (HWU) Bring your parents along sessions (monthly) Family oriented events More variety in session Better structure within squads More organised training at weekends for seniors

Threats Edinburgh Uni students moving to HBT Junior coaching People left behind as squad increases Good athlete leave as reduced challenge More completions and special training at other clubs Promotion out with running Are we unique Payment structure Seniors are too fast Scottish athletics coaching structure

Venue & Facilities

Communication Strengths Forrester and Saughton Adaptability Training time suit majority Well located Council upkeep Convenient transport Safe place Need to retain Saughton

WeaknessesFunding No relationship with partners + political support Lack of shelter and small hall Storage of kit and equipment Uncertainty of venues Lack of consistency and knowledge Poor relationship with winter venue Poor changing facilities No throw/jump facilities Poor track

Opportunities New national performance centre Work with local partners Buy the track to improve it Extend junior training in the summer Register as a charity/funding banks offer up to £500 per year for staff volunteering Own facilities then open to public Team branded double decker bus Limo to races Use shipping containers and convert as facility More xcountry training Club house all year round at Saughton Need a facilities officer Political involvement Coverage Look at sharing facilities More grants Commonwealth Other venues

Threats Loss of venue No fixed venue Football Other clubs Loss of track What if Meadowbank closes?

Performance & Competition

Communication Strengths Strong male distance Athlete support Time trials Kids competitions Good variety Great athletes Lots to choose from Good comms Move from running to athletics club

Weaknesses Focus on XCountry too much Some track events Age banding/Gaps in teams Representation Standard of performance in mens league Womens league Capability to help progression Lack of track and field Low women’s attendance Junior miss out due to lack of opportunity Don’t make team

Opportunities Nice PB sharing for kids/Automatic email with results Handicap race T-shirt for juniors for 50 races Winter variety – indoor Nutrition advice Expand to triathlons Training camps More friendly comps vs harmany etc UK events More time trials Strength and conditioning advice Address coaching structure Women’s managers More funding for travel etc and athletes More squads to promote competition Voting on competitions we enter Athletes guided to areas of strength Open graded meetings opportunities for juniors Highlight points Join junior leagues

Threats Not enough women running Loss to Edinburgh specialist coaches Good performers go elsewhere Loss to other activities Need bigger network

Identity of club & Social Events

Communication Strengths Reputation Social events are good Nice colours Caac Paps competition Ceilidh Stornoway Club champs Family orientated Strong identity Love the kid Good response from web enquiry

Weaknesses Retention of runners after first night Branding Need new kit No name on vest Welcome is hit or miss Tents/flags needed for juniors Don’t engage local schools Jog Scotland Retention Flags out /club kit

Opportunities Buddy system Caac attack Hand warmers/Corstorphine tie More away trips/Gym session for seniors Team building event instead of training More Caac panda Add joining standards to website More social media Joint training session - relays Engaging with injured members on next steps Tracksuit- same kit/Team base layer/Free running shoes Spectate at events – Diamond league etc Club picnic/More kids socials More types of club kit Need more small socials Open days at track/Track tasters/Organise more races Make higher profit/sponsorship News/press officer needed Business cards/external media Pub craw for seniors and parents

Threats Moving venues Athlete/parent expectations Transport Seen as been sub-standard to Edinburgh AC Nobody knows who we are Development of active schools Availability of club kit Confusion with other clubs Not taking care of identity Meeting place

Feedback

Priorities Facilities (7 of 8 teams added this as a priority) – ideas included • all year round base ( long term) • Fixed summer track • Facilities – porta cabin, café, changing, TA building Identity (7 of 8 teams added this as a priority) – ideas included • Lack of club kit, design and storage and performance kit • More matching kit • Look at Sponsorship • Investigate charitable status Coaching and membership (6 of 8 teams added this as a priority) – ideas included • Specialist coaches • More structure for parents • Structure progression between group Communications (2 teams identifies priorities) – ideas included • Comms- lift sharing, group level, general catch up, parental update on kids performance

Thanks

Vision Meeting 18 February 2014