Great Britain athlete JJ Jegede and pupils from Beal High School face the camera (above) after a recent training session.

School Sport: Beal High get coaching boost

Lee Power Thursday, March 21, 2013
2:50 PM

Pupils have sessions with GB athlete

Pupils from Beal High School are hoping special coaching from GB athlete JJ Jegede can help them chase glory in track and field this year.

The school applied for and obtained a small grant from the Children & Young People Exchequer funding, a scheme set up to help support links between education and community sports clubs.

And long jumper Jegede has been training, mentoring and encouraging students in their athletic pursuits since, hoping to unearth some new talent.

Beal High’s Cathy McGowan explained: “JJ has led KS3 workshops during lesson time and after school clubs this term.

“Hopefully this will encourage some of the students to join a selection of local athletic clubs where their talent can be nurtured and developed further.

“We have selected a group of our more gifted and talented athletes to attend some sessions at Lee Valley where we have access to some fantastic facilities used by Greg Rutherford and Jonnie Peacock during their Olympic and Paralympic preparations.”

Students took part in two track and field coaching sessions, which included sprinting drills, hurdling, long jump. 60m, 200m and relay practice.

McGowan added: “They were clearly impressed by their surroundings as JJ put them through their paces.

“Two teams have been entered for the Lee Valley Indoor Cup this month and we hope that their extra training will help prepare them for this exciting event.”

The students will be hoping to achieve a place in the final on Wednesday March 27 and are also being encouraged to participate at local competitions promoted by Orion Harriers, Woodford Green & Essex Ladies and Newham & Essex Beagles.

“We hope this will help encourage and motivate them to join our community sports clubs where their talent and enthusiasm inspired by 2012 can be developed further.

“We are hoping to maintain our coaching links with JJ who clearly has had a massive motivational impact on our young athletes.”