Lockdown fails to stop junior athletes having fun.

Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic with a little initiative & luck, good things can still happen

Our final fitness session via zoom with the Royal Navy involved 28 girls & boys from the club’s cross country squad.

The highlight of the evening was guest speaker Lewis Nightingale who spent many years in Ali’s Army. He spoke fondly of the fun & fitness he gained as a member of Bristol & West & how this gave him a strong foundation when he successfully enrolled as  a Royal Marine several years ago.

Going forward this is not the end of our relationship with Major Ryan Kestle & Charleine Wain. Further planning is in progress involving zoom cookery work outs providing go faster food along with a  with a celebration of the 2019/2020 cross country season with medals & plenty of cake.

Behind the scenes this was a steep learning curve & certainly took me out of my comfort zone. However as usual the troops rallied & from a coaching perspective I have learnt a lot about involving alternative organizations who can offer additional support when needed.

Although not quite match fit it will not take long for Ali’s Army to sharpen up & we can all look forward to some exciting times soon.

Ali Hurford.