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Kent Athletic Network (KAN)
What is the Kent Athletics Network?
Kent Athletics Network (KAN) was established in April 2009 as a result of a successful bid to develop athletics activities and participation in Kent. This approach is underpinned by core funding from England Athletics via the McCain Athletics Networks initiative.To date the KAN has contributed over £64k in funding to directly support the clubs who have chosen to join KAN and various Kent wide development activities in partnership with Kent County Athletics Association (KCAA) and Kent Sport, Leisure & Olympics.
Which clubs are currently members for KAN
Kent Athletics Network (KAN) is currently made up of a core of clubs and key partners. These are Ashford AC, Medway & Maidstone AC, Thanet AC, Paddock Wood AC and Maidstone Harriers
Who are the other Key partner members of KAN
Kent Sport, Leisure & Olympics, Kent County Athletics Association, Marathon Sports Foundation, On Track Athletics, MDP Physio and multiple HE AND FE institutions.There is a close and collaborative working relationship with the Kent London Athletics Network (KLAN) and Kent Country Athletics Association, who have asked both networks to lead on county wide development projects.
How has KAN supported its Club members?
KAN provides clubs with funding for projects and background support in the form a coordinator who works in partnership with each club to deliver annually agreed projects.
How do I find out more about joining KAN?
KAN is by no means a ‘closed shop’ and additional clubs are able to join and benefit from the work that KAN does. Clubs showing an interest in becoming part of the Network should contact the KAN coordinator. (markdayson@mdp-physio.co.uk)
Any club joining KAN has input into the annual project plan to help them meet their specific needs. Club projects are identified each year and funding allocated accordingly.
How has Kent Athletics benefited so far?
The central plank of Kent–wide work is the Coach & Athlete Development Days (CAADs).The CADD offer a wide range of skills and experience to athletes and coaches from all Kent Clubs. Over the last two winters in excess of 200 athletes and 60 coaches have benefited from workshops, coaching and talks that facilitate the enhancement of their knowledge and skills. The days draw on the experience and expertise of over 20 Kent based coaches, most are on the various England Athletics Coach Development programmes. Kent is very fortunate to have this amazing coaching resource on the doorstep.
  
Kent London Athletics Network, Kent Country Athletics Association and England Athletics are the key partners in planning and delivering the days. 2010/11 saw sessions on Sports Psychology delivered by Rebecca Symes of Sporting Success and Aqua conditioning by Ben Rosenblatt, Senior Rehabilitation Scientist of the BOA. There have also been leading expert speakers for Q&A sessions and presentations including three of Kent’s international athletes- Mike Gratton, Anthony Whiteman and most recently Tom Bosworth. Coach education workshops on specific topics include biomechanical screening, plyometrics, injury prevention and video analysis.
 
What type of projects has KAN supported far?
The KAN over the last year has secured funding of over £10k from the County Sports Partnership to pilot and deliver Athletics 365 in locations across Kent. Clubs and schools have benefited from this new resource and initiative from England Athletics with approximately 500 young people took part the programme by April 2011. As an example, Medway and Maidstone had 115 participants and from that gained 25 new club members.
Other projects the KAN has or will deliver include cross country workshops for years 5-7, Ashford AC summer throws project, U11/13 Club Challenge Competitions, various workshops for Road Runners and furthering coach education through part funding coaching courses using the KAN coach bursary.
Where next for KAN?
We will build on the work already done with more input from clubs and partners for year three and with a heightened cohesive structure for all development work supported by both Kent Networks and the KCAA with a clear focus on seeking long term financial sustainability. KAN has recently been successful in gaining 27k for year three from England Athletics which along with partnership funding (some yet to be confirmed) make an approximate total of 67k. The Network will of course look to stretch these funds and use to best advantage in order to draw further funds to sustain activity beyond year three end.
If you would like more detail on the Kent Athletics Network as a prospective member or information on any of the projects we are or have delivered please contact Mark Dayson on 07794711181 or markdayson@mdp-physio.co.uk .
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