Poole Athletic Club is an inclusive athletics club based at Ashdown Track in Canford Heath. Open to athletes aged eight and above, the club provides coached opportunities in road running, track and field, cross-country and para athletics. Sessions cater for different ages, abilities and ambitions, from beginners looking to become more active to experienced athletes training for league, county and national competitions.
Poole Athletic Club is a long-established local club with junior, senior and para-athletics sections. It welcomes athletes of different abilities and offers both recreational and competitive pathways, supported by experienced coaches and volunteers.
The club has produced athletes who have competed at national and international level, while continuing to provide accessible opportunities for people who simply want to improve their fitness, develop their technique or enjoy training with others.
Members can take part in:
Track and field sessions cover running, jumping and throwing disciplines, while senior road-running groups are organised according to pace and ability.
The club is open to athletes of any ability from eight years old. Its junior section caters for children and young people aged eight to 18, while adults can join the senior section.
Poole Athletic Club also has a dedicated para-athletics section supporting junior and senior athletes in wheelchair racing, frame running, ambulant athletics and field disciplines.
The club’s main base is Ashdown Leisure Centre Track in Canford Heath.
Senior road and endurance runners usually meet on Tuesday evenings, with groups available for a range of running speeds. Junior, track and field, cross-country and para-athletics sessions take place at different times throughout the week.
Timetables and locations can change according to the season, competition schedule and coaching availability, so prospective members should check the current training schedule before attending.
Membership runs from April, although new members can join at any point during the year. Prospective members should contact the club and explain their age, experience and preferred area of athletics so they can be directed to the most suitable section.
The first junior track and field session is currently offered free, allowing young athletes to experience a session before committing to regular training. Current membership forms and fees are available through the official website.
Poole Athletic Club relies on volunteers to help with coaching, officiating, team management, club events and junior training nights. Previous athletics experience is not always required, and the club can support volunteers interested in gaining recognised coaching or officiating qualifications.
Location: Ashdown Leisure Centre Track, Canford Heath, Poole
Postcode: BH17 8PY
Age range: Eight years and above
Website: pooleac.co.uk
Contact: Use the relevant membership or enquiry form on the club’s official website
Training times, availability and charges may change, so contact Poole Athletic Club before attending for the first time.
Spanish
Chinese (simplified)
Dutch
French
German
Italian
Norwegian
Polish
Romanian
Russian
