Somer Athletics Club spent a sunny evening at Downside School taking full advantage of the weather as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their youth and junior athletes over the last 12 months.

With near sixty of Somer’s younger athletes in attendance, Juniors Head Coach, Keith Cradock, and Somer’s Youth Lead Coach, Matt Exley, undertook hosting duties. Somer’s extensive coaching team led the athletes in a comprehensive warm up before a series of relay races were held.

The evening (Thursday, July 18) then moved onto the awards ceremony; a celebration of a year's worth of achievements and efforts of Somer’s youth athletes. Whilst this has predominantly been in running, there has been an increasing focus on field athletics, being reflected in several of the nominees and winners.

Youth Athletes of the Year were George Shattock and Leila Probert, whilst the Junior Athletes of the Year were Amber Cozens and Freddie Maule. Many other achievements, such as coaches awards, ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Best Newcomer’, were also recognised.

Somer’s Youth and Juniors continue to participate in local events spanning Junior parkrun in Shepton Mallet through to the Yeovil Athletics open meetings.

The Youth and Junior sections meet every Thursday for training from 7.30pm - 8.30pm during term time. Sessions are for children of all abilities between the ages of 8 - 18. All sessions are run by qualified coaches trained to England Athletics standards. For more information on how to join, visit https://www.somerac.org.uk/