Athletics Ireland Grassroots Athletics Fund

donothoponpop

There's a number of AC-ran road races (such as this weekends Dunboyne 4m) which have been raising funds for Athletics Ireland Grassroots Athletics Fund – a new fund for emerging young talent nationwide.

Firstly- kudos to them for doing so. Secondly, does anyone know what the goals and aims are for this fund, which on the face of it seems like a great idea?

mithril

There is a bit about it here:
http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=4924
It seems very commendable stuff, aimed at "introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement to children in a fun, exciting and non-competitive environment". And it's sponsored by McDonalds!

Pisco Sour

mithril wrote: »

And it's sponsored by McDonalds!

I can never help but laugh when I hear of McDonalds sponsoring things like this. The contradiction is unreal.

Jokes aside, great to see something like this happening.

PaulieC

This sounds like a really good plan. Anything to get kids away from the TV and out in the fresh air has got to be welcomed. I'd be a bit wary only of the 'non-competitive' bit, but that's a whole other argument.

Regarding the sponsorship, well I'm not so sure the contradiction is 'unreal'. We are always being told of the benefits of a varied diet, of which an occasional Bic Mac or happy meal can be part of. Also, MacDonalds have the much needed money and size to be able to promote this kind of initiative. I doubt if "Green Joe's Healthy Eco Greens" would have the kind of money to make this a success.

As with most things in life, you don't get something for nothing, unfortunately. I would think, as a parent, it's up to me to get my kids involved in something like this, but also to make sure they don't eat at MacDonalds everyday. It's my responsibility...

TFBubendorfer

cambo_gueno wrote: »

I'd be a bit wary only of the 'non-competitive' bit, but that's a whole other argument.

Are you for real?

They are trying to introduce kids to athletics in a fun way and you oppose that being non-competitive?

Btw, not everyone who dislikes MacDonalds is a "Green Joe's Healthy Eco Green".

RoyMcC

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

They are trying to introduce kids to athletics in a fun way and you oppose that being non-competitive?

I don't think he's opposing it but raising a valid question as to whether or not an element of competition is important in any initiative aimed at youngsters. It's not easily answered. Certainly I wouldn't want to be coaching a bunch of young athletes that didn't care less about improving.

TFBubendorfer

RoyMcC wrote: »

I don't think he's opposing it but raising a valid question as to whether or not an element of competition is important in any initiative aimed at youngsters. It's not easily answered. Certainly I wouldn't want to be coaching a bunch of young athletes that didn't care less about improving.

It says they are "introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement". You don't do competitions at that stage!

Look at soccer. It is as competitive as it gets, but they stopped even publishing scores for under 16s (I think) in England a few years ago, to make sure the emphasis is put on development, not score lines at that level.

average_runner

Competition isnt important at a very young age, just develop the athletes firstly by showing them the correct techniques etc. Kids pick up on things very qucikly at a young age, so show the techinques is ten times more important.


As for MCDonalds sponsoring it, thats ok, McDonalds is ok for a child when its a treat.

RoyMcC

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

It says they are "introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement". You don't do competitions at that stage!

Look at soccer. It is as competitive as it gets, but they stopped even publishing scores for under 16s (I think) in England a few years ago, to make sure the emphasis is put on development, not score lines at that level.

Of course you do! They love little races, relays etc. Of course you keep it light and don't place huge emphasis on the results. And you ensure that the winners don't get all the attention. But the children would just lose interest without a competitive element.

Soccer's just trying to step back a bit from the 'win at all costs' mentality where the team with the biggest boys who can hoof it the furthest always win. I don't watch age-group soccer but bet your life the games are still competitive, though the results are played down.

Woddle

I think the whole competition question is a tough one and I'm not sure where I stand. Yes the basics should be taught to all kids but kids actually like winning and that feeling is one that they should be allowed to experience.
At the same time I know of examples where younger kids are put into older age group races and surely that is achieving nothing. Competition should be promoted but when you have people in authority who are neglecting the kids well being and putting too much emphasis on winning you have to question competition for younger kids.

PaulieC

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Are you for real?

Yes.

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

They are trying to introduce kids to athletics in a fun way and you oppose that being non-competitive?

There is nothing wrong with a bit of competition, except in the eyes of the PC brigade, hence the non-competitive sports days in schools etc. When I first started running at age 10 or 11, it was about competition and although I hardly ever won anything, I didn't pack it in (at least not until I discovered girls ).

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

Btw, not everyone who dislikes MacDonalds is a "Green Joe's Healthy Eco Green".

sigh.... I know. I was taking a theoretical example as a polar opposite of what MacDonalds is perceived as...

Maars

cambo_gueno wrote: »

...
Regarding the sponsorship, well I'm not so sure the contradiction is 'unreal'. We are always being told of the benefits of a varied diet, of which an occasional Bic Mac or happy meal can be part of. ...

I'm sure you know this but just to be clear, a Big Mac or Happy meal would in no way contribute to the benefits of a varied diet.

Of course you could vary your diet by including a Big Mac, but you could also vary your diet by eating your keyboard or mobile phone.

meathcountysec

mithril wrote: »

There is a bit about it here:
http://www.athleticsireland.ie/content/?p=4924
It seems very commendable stuff, aimed at "introducing the fundamentals of athletic movement to children in a fun, exciting and non-competitive environment". And it's sponsored by McDonalds!

I haven't heard or seen any details of this new initiative. The sponsopship by MacDonalds has been in place since 2008 and I don't believe it is connected with this new announcement.

thirtyfoot

As pointed out Little Athletics has been around here a long time. It's international best practice as regards kids of this age. Used in Australia and other countries. Much of it is what many would have done in school or playing around themselves years ago.

As regards the new grassroots fund, don't know about that.